The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is seeking a ₱197.898 million budget for fiscal year 2027, Chairperson Lala Sotto disclosed during a Senate hearing.
The national government will cover ₱53.39 million, or approximately 27% of the total request, to fund personnel services. The agency plans to generate the remaining ₱144.51 million (73%) from its own revenues to finance capital outlay along with maintenance and other operating expenses.
As part of the proposed spending plan, ₱35.78 million is earmarked for IT equipment and software to support the second phase of upgrading the agency’s collection and transaction system.
During the proceedings, lawmakers also raised questions regarding the board’s authority over digital media platforms.
Board officials explained that while they maintain coordination with digital services like Disney, Netflix, and HBO, the agency lacks a legislative mandate to proactively monitor or restrict digital video games and general social media networks.
Sotto expressed the agency’s willingness to expand its oversight to broader online media if lawmakers pass legislation granting them expanded jurisdiction.
“I would like to emphasize that the MTRCB is not for prohibition but for regulation. We will accept the challenge if the legislators would include the said online services, streaming platforms, the subscription video on-demand services in our jurisdiction or our purview,” Sotto said.