Lights, camera, action — and a mountain of reviews. In 2025, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) reviewed 171,972 materials, underscoring its commitment to keeping our screens safe and smart in a digital age that never sleeps.

That number isn’t just a statistic. It covers everything from 127,704 TV programs to more than 40,000 trailers and plugs, plus hundreds of promos and 671 films—both Filipino and foreign—each one screened to help guide what viewers see.

Some 359 titles were classified as PG (Parental Guidance), deemed suitable for children under 13 when accompanied by their parents or guardians.

Forty-eight films received a G (General Audience) rating, suitable for all ages; 142 were rated R-13 (Restricted-13); 98 R-16 (Restricted-16); and 28 films received an R-18 (Restricted-18) classification.

Of 671 films, only three received an X rating, meaning they are not allowed for public viewing.

In 2025, the Board reported a 13.34-percent increase in films classified, from 592 in the previous year, and a remarkable 151.37-percent surge in movie trailers screened in cinemas, on television, and in other venues, from 549 in 2024.

MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto said these numbers show the film industry is rebounding and becoming more active.

She also said the numbers underscore the importance of the Board’s role in protecting viewers—especially children—while still supporting the people who make movies and shows.

Sotto noted that the number of materials reviewed in 2025 underscores both the entertainment industry's vibrancy and the extent of MTRCB’s role. As more shows and movies reach Filipino homes, she said, it’s more important than ever to guide audiences with clear ratings.

“The volume of content submitted and classified in 2025 reflects both the vibrancy of the entertainment industry and the growing responsibility of the MTRCB. As more contents reach Filipino homes through cinemas and television, our duty to guide audiences through clear and appropriate classification becomes even more important," she said.

Sotto also thanked the 31 Board Members for working hard to make sure everything is checked before the public sees it.

She added that she’s grateful for everyone who works tirelessly to review and classify all the submitted materials quickly and responsibly.

Sotto highlighted that the MTRCB isn’t just about rules. By rating shows and movies, they help parents and viewers choose what to watch, while still giving creators the freedom to tell their stories.

Throughout the year, the Board also worked to improve its operations and build stronger ties with industry stakeholders.

Sotto made it clear that the agency is here to help, not to cause trouble, pushing back against those who call it the "bad guy."

“The image of the MTRCB as a villain should be a thing of the past. That’s the perception, but in reality, we are partners. We are simply fulfilling our mandate,” Lala asserted.

The MTRCB chief, daughter of Senator Tito Sotto and veteran actress Helen Gamboa, also unveiled the agency’s 2026 roadmap.

“In 2026, we intend to bring stakeholders into the fold more closely. Our goal is to help both consumers and distributors gain a deeper understanding of the MTRCB’s work and purpose. We must emphasize that the MTRCB’s role is not to police, but to guide Filipino families amid a rapidly changing audio-visual landscape," she said.

Sotto underscores the need for a whole-of-nation approach that extends beyond parents and local officials. “Pointing fingers leads nowhere. Lasting solutions require collaboration across all sectors."

To this end, the MTRCB will advance its "Responsableng Panonood" (Responsible Viewership) campaign, an initiative designed to equip parents and supervising adults with the tools and insights needed to help young people safely navigate a media-saturated world.

“The proliferation of online streaming platforms, OTTs, and social media has created new risks for children,” Sotto warned. “Responsible viewership is about empowering parents with knowledge on safeguards and security features, including parental controls, to ensure that the digital frontier remains a safe space for the nation’s youth.”

(Robert R. Requintina is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Entertainment section)