Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of suicide, self-harm, and other mental health issues.
EARLIER THIS year, the Senate discussed a proposal that would allow the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to have jurisdiction over streaming platforms. Essentially, this plan would give the MTRCB power to control the online distribution of what kind of movies or TV shows will be made readily available to the Philippine audience.
Giving the MTRCB power over these platforms is not only unnecessary but also fundamentally redundant.
To begin with, streaming platforms already have a built-in regulation system that dictates whether a movie or a series is safe for certain demographics. Netflix and Disney+ are among the many streaming services that label their programs with an age rating, with the former even displaying graphic warning labels for extremely sensitive scenes in the opening seconds.
The MTRCB is not new to controversial decisions, more especially with Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto at its helm as chairperson. Just this year, the regulatory board found itself under hot discussion after two varying incidents with some of the country’s biggest afternoon programs.
Last July, ABS-CBN’s noontime show “It’s Showtime” sparked debates on social media after a segment that featured Vice Ganda licking cake frosting from his partner Ion Perez’s fingers. To the dismay of its cast and supporters, the MTRCB sanctioned a 12-day suspension to the hit variety show, dubbing Vice and Ion’s actions as “alleged indecent acts” objectionable according to Section 3 (c) Presidential Decree No. 1986.
Two months later, Joey de Leon caught flak after a suicidal joke he made on TV5’s noontime show “E.A.T.” When a contestant was tasked to think of items that can be wrapped around a person’s neck, the TV veteran butted in to say “lubid” or rope. Quick to note de Leon’s indifference to suicide, netizens called on MTRCB to take action—but the latter issued a statement saying they would review such complaints. As of writing, the MTRCB has yet to take further action on the matter.
The inaction of the regulatory body around de Leon’s “lubid” joke is alarming, considering Lala Sotto’s relations with “E.A.T.” mainstay hosts Vic and Tito Sotto. I find it difficult to entrust MTRCB with jurisdiction over streaming platforms when the very chairperson herself is not consistent with how she implements guidelines on TV shows that headline her uncle and father.
With such instances, is the problem solely its chairperson and the growing tolerance to nepotism? Is it due to the glaring conflicts of interest?
This discussion is more than just the leadership of the government’s sole film and TV regulatory body. The MTRCB is also considerably becoming increasingly irrelevant due to the entertainment industry’s continued branching toward streaming platforms.
Serving an inherently public purpose, I still argue that traditional media needs the MTRCB as a regulatory body that oversees such programs.
However, the MTRCB collapses as a streaming platform overseer. As streaming platforms have thousands of programs, the MTRCB’s inspection and examination of each and every one of them may prove to be impractical. Compounded with streaming platforms’ self-regulating capabilities, the proposal to extend the MTRCB’s reach over to these areas becomes more useless.
The MTRCB may still have its purpose, but they have reached a peak as a relevant government agency. As public viewing habits continue to shift towards streaming platforms, there is a real sentiment to imagine the entertainment industry without the MTRCB. To echo the statement of director Carlos Siguion-Reyna, perhaps we should entrust the entertainment industry to self-regulation, and that it is time we consider abolishing the MTRCB altogether.
Ethan is an AB European Studies student expecting to graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2024. He is the director of The GUIDON’s Video Production staff.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed by the opinion writer do not necessarily state or reflect those of the publication.
