Despite strong opposition from various entities in the film industry, the Film and Television Reviews and Classification Committee (MTRCB) said they would “respectfully delay the wisdom of legislators” to expand the board’s mandate to include streaming platforms in their regulatory powers.
Sponsored by actor-turned politician Robinhood C. Padilla, Senate Bill No. 2805 was approved on June 2 with the goal of “further protecting audiences, especially youth, while ensuring creative expression in the fields of television and film.”
Mr Padilla further explained on his Facebook page that the proposed amendment is not a “fight against art and filmmakers.”
“The bill is designed to protect families, youth and our culture. Let’s not separate art from society. Art will become stronger if there is proper discipline and guidance,” he said.
The Philippines’ streaming platform will fall under the law, including Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and Prime Video.
Next is Congress
The MTRCB noted that the bill has not been passed in the House and that the bill will be “considered and discussed further”.
“These amendments are intended to establish appropriate mechanisms to work with online streaming platforms and online curated content providers (OCCS) and on-demand streaming video (SVOD), the board said.
Their statement highlights the “establishing structured feedback mechanisms and accountability”, with the protection of children as the top priority.
“The measure is designed to ensure that the state is not helpless when addressing harmful issues and problems such as harmful online content, especially material involving child abuse, exploitation or voyeurism,” the MTRCB explained.
As always, MTRCB categorizes thousands of movies, TV shows and other materials every month without the additional burden of censoring streaming service products. On June 6, it released a report on its activities in May, saying it was “rated and classified as 10,534 materials” in May 2025. It continues to say that it includes 9,740 TV shows, 47 local and foreign films, 610 TV and movie trailers, and 137 optical media and promotional materials.
“The quantity of confidential material is more than just a number – it represents our commitment to protecting Filipino audiences, especially children, from harmful or age-appropriate content,” said Lala Sotto-Antonio, chairman and CEO of MTRCB.
Rebound
For the film industry As the Philippine Directors Association (DGPI), the Philippine Screenwriters Association and Aktor PH, the Senate bill will be a form of censorship.
“In its policy announcement, the proposed law removes the intention of self-regulation of the existing law to the film/TV industry and converts the MTRCB to Parens Patriae (parents of the country), instead focusing on self-aggressive roles as guardians of public morality. ” DGPI said in a statement issued on June 5.
They added that this is “a narrow reading of the state’s protective function, as it can only be for those who find it convenient to bring the parent’s guardian duties to the MTRCB.”
Philippine Aktor PH said all stakeholders must participate in “any legislation that affects freedom of speech, artistic integrity and livelihoods”.
It explains: “We believe in a self-regulating industry that maintains accountability from within and engages in real partnerships with the community.”
For the Philippine Screenwriters Association, the bill claims to protect viewers on the surface only. “Its real role is to give MTRCB more censorship power. More rules for stifling creativity. What stories are told and which stories are silent,” their statement said.
Other cultural and film-related institutions that make similar statements include: the University of Philippine Film Academy, Philippine-related artists, the Association of Independent Producers of the Philippines, Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino, the Association of Assistant Directors and Screenwriters of the Philippines, Assistant Directors and Script Directors of the Philippines, and Sikap-sikap-Contuct Content Content Creators Creators of Philippines. – BrontëH. LacSamana
