The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has turned down proposals to ban violent films and television shows following a recent surge in violent incidents involving minors, arguing that stronger parental and educational supervision is a more effective solution.
The agency stated that prohibiting violent content risks infringing upon constitutional freedoms guaranteed to local filmmakers and producers.
“[MTRCB] believes that banning movies and television programs with violent themes is not the appropriate solution, as this could infringe upon the constitutional right of Filipino creatives to freedom of expression and creation,” the agency said.
Rather than imposing outright bans, the classification body urged parents and educators to actively monitor children’s viewing habits across television, film, and social media.
“[MTRCB encourages] the active participation of parents and educators in ensuring that children are properly and adequately supervised while watching TV shows or movies, or while viewing content on social media platforms. This is so that children properly understand the context of what they are watching, while allowing parents and guardians to further instill Filipino values and culture in their children.”
The agency highlighted that safeguarding minors requires a collaborative approach involving government entities, guardians, educators, media creators, and digital influencers.
“[MTRCB] considers the protection of Filipino children from harmful content as a shared duty of the government, parents, educators, media practitioners, digital influencers, and stakeholders from the film and TV industry.”
Under Presidential Decree No. 1986, the MTRCB’s core mandate focuses on age-appropriate content classification while nurturing the entertainment sector. It noted that it “[actively partners with stakeholders in the movie and TV industry in ensuring that Filipino cultural values are upheld and respected]” while “[advocating for a culture of authentic, responsible self-regulation.]”
The MTRCB’s position counters recent suggestions from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who proposed restrictions on violent media to curb juvenile violence.
“Maybe we can recommend banning movies and TV shows with a lot of violence. We can make a similar recommendation for social media apps and other solutions. It is not only limited to that,” Nartatez said during an August 3 press briefing.
The debate comes in the wake of violent crimes involving youth, including a June 22 high school mass shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead and over 20 injured, alongside a fatal stabbing in Las Piñas City involving middle school classmates.