Movie and Television Review and Classification Board

The Board

The chairman, the vice-chairman and the other 30 Board members compose the Board. Each one holds office for a term of one year but may be reappointed after the expiration of their term. Lawyer Eugenio H. Villareal is currently the Board chairman appointed since December 2012.

General Audience (“G”)

 G  Viewers of all ages are admitted. A “G” classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film is suitable for all audiences.

A film classified as “G” shall, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. Theme – The film should not contain violence, threat, abuse, horror, or other themes that may cause fear or disturbance to a young child’s mind.
2. Language – The film may contain dialogue or other word representations beyond polite language, but profane, offensive, and sexually-suggestive language or gestures shall not be allowed.
3. Nudity – The film may contain occasional, as well as natural non-sexual nudity.
4. Sex – The film cannot contain and depict sexual activity.
5. Violence – The depiction of any violence must be mild, brief, infrequent, and unlikely to cause undue anxiety or fear to young children.
6. Horror – The depiction of horror and frightening scenes should be mild, brief, infrequent, and unlikely to cause undue anxiety or fear to young children.
7. Drugs – There shall be no depiction of, or reference to, prohibited drugs or their use.

Parental Guidance (“PG”)

 PG  Viewers below 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult. A “PG” classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 13 years of age.

A film classified as “PG” shall, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. Theme – The film may contain themes that require parental supervision and guidance, but should not promote any dangerous, violent, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive behavior or attitude.
2. Language – The film may contain mild and infrequent swear words and menacing language. Offensive, menacing, threatening language and references to sex shall always be suitable for viewers who are below 13 years of age. Infrequent, brief and justifiable sexually-suggestive language may be allowed.
3. Nudity – The film may contain occasional, as well as natural non-sexual nudity.
4. Sex – The depiction of non-graphic sexual activity may be allowed, but it should be discreet, infrequent, and not prolonged.
5. Violence – The depiction of non-gratuitous violence and suffering should be minimal, and without graphic detail;.
6. Horror – The depiction of brief and infrequent horror and frightening scenes shall be allowed.
7. Drugs – There shall be no depiction of, or reference to, prohibited drugs or substances and their use.

Restricted–13 (“R-13”)

 R-13  Only viewers who are 13 years old and above can be admitted. An “R-13” classification advises parents, supervising adults, or the would-be viewers themselves, that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 13 years of age.

A film classified as “R-13” must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. Theme – The film may contain mature themes but is suitable for teenagers above 13 years of age, and shall not gratuitously promote or encourage any dangerous, violent, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive behavior or attitude.
2. Language – The film may contain moderate swear words and menacing language consistent with the context of the scene in which they are employed. The use of infrequent and non-vulgar strong swear words or sexually-derived or suggestive expletives and expressions as well as the use of swear words and expletives shall be allowed. The use of sexually-oriented or suggestive language and other references to sex shall always be suitable for viewers who are at least 13 years of age.
3. Nudity – The film may contain brief, discreet and justifiable occasional, natural and sexually-oriented nudity.
4. Sex – Discreet, infrequent, brief, non-graphic and justifiable sexual activity may be depicted.
5. Violence – Infrequent, non-gratuitous, non-graphic and justifiable violence may be allowed.
6. Horror – The justifiable depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and occasional gore are allowed.
7. Drugs – The brief, infrequent and justifiable depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed. The movie shall not in any case promote, condone, justify and/or encourage drug use.

Restricted–16 (“R-16”)

 R-16  Only viewers who are 16 years old and above can be admitted. An “R-16” classification advises parents and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 16 years of age.

A film classified as “R-16” must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. Theme – There are no restrictions on themes; provided that the treatment is appropriate for viewers who are at least 16 years of age.
2. Language – The film may use any kind of language.
3. Nudity – The film may contain discreet, non-gratuitous and justifiable natural and sexually-oriented nudity.
4. Sex – Non-graphic, non-gratuitous and justifiable sexual activity may be depicted.
5. Violence – Non-gratuitous and justifiable violence and gore may be allowed.
6. Horror – The non-gratuitous and justifiable depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and gore are allowed.
7. Drugs – The non-gratuitous and justifiable depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed. The movie shall not in any case promote, condone, and encourage drug use.

Restricted-18 ("R-18")

 R-18  Only viewers who are 18 years old and above can be admitted. An “R-18” classification advises viewers, parents, and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 18 years of age.

An “R-18” rating does not mean that the film is “obscene”, “offensive”, or “pornographic,” as these terms are defined by law.

A film classified as “R-18” must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. Theme – There are no restrictions on themes and their treatment.
2. Language – The film may use any kind of justifiable language.
3. Nudity – The film may contain non-gratuitous and justifiable sexually-oriented nudity.
4. Sex – The realistic depiction of non-gratuitous and justifiable sexual activity may be allowed.
5. Violence – There are no restrictions on the depiction of non-gratuitous and justifiable violence.
6. Horror – The justifiable depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and gore are allowed.
7. Drugs – The justifiable depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed. In no case, however, should the use of drugs be promoted, condoned, justified and/or encouraged.

Not for Public Exhibition (“X”)

 X  “X-rated” films are not suitable for public exhibition.

A film shall be disapproved for public viewing if, in the judgment of the Board:

1. The average person, applying contemporary community standards and values, would find that the dominant theme of the work, taken as a whole appeals solely to the prurient interest and satisfies only the craving for gratuitous sex and/or violence.
2. The film depicts in a patently lewd, offensive, or demeaning manner, excretory functions and sexual conduct such as sexual intercourse, masturbation and exhibition of the genitals.
3. The film clearly constitutes an attack against any race, creed, or religion.
4. The film condones or encourages the use of illegal drugs and substances.
5. The film tends to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly-constituted authorities.
6. The film glorifies criminals or condones crimes.
7. The film is libelous or defamatory to the good name and reputation of any person, whether living or dead.
8. The film may constitute contempt of court or of a quasi-judicial tribunal, or may pertain to matters which are subjudicial in nature.

A much publicized use of the X rating by the MTRCB was the issuance of such rating to To Live for the Masses, a documentary film portraying the life of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada in 2006. Certain portions of the film, especially the portions with regard to the 2001 EDSA Revolution, were deemed by the MTRCB to be inciting political rebellion, a charge denied by the producers of the documentary.

Television

The MTRCB has implemented a television content rating system since November 1, 1995. Historically, there were only two television ratings used (see the table below). These ratings consisted of a plain text digital on-screen graphic (or pictogram) appearing on the corner of the screen during a program's run time:

However, on October 6, 2011, in order to encourage parents to supervise and be responsible with their children in watching television, the rating system was reformatted, with one additional rating added.

The ratings notice are always played before the start or midway of the show. The rating voice-overs are usually in Filipino, but predominantly English-language stations have the ratings notice spoken in English.

General Patronage (“G”)

Suitable for all ages. Material for television, which in the judgment of the Board does not contain anything unsuitable for children.

It used to be broadcast in its 4:3 variant, but has since to be broadcast in its 16:9 variant. It appears in most home shopping blocks, newscasts, documentaries, education, and religion-oriented programming.

A pictogram advisory accompanied by full-screen written and verbal advisory to the effect that the program is classified as “General Patronage” shall be broadcast for at least 10 seconds immediately before the opening credits of the particular television material classified as such.

Parental Guidance / Patnubay at Gabay (“PG”)

Parental guidance suggested. Material for television, which, in the judgment of the Board, may contain some adult material that may be permissible for children to watch but only under the guidance and supervision of a parent or adult.

The television program classified as “PG” must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. Theme – More serious issues may be tackled but the treatment must be suitable to children below 13 years old.
2. Language – Very mild swear words only shall be allowed. Use of a strong expletive in a sexual context or sexually-based expletives shall not be allowed. Neither shall prolonged and/or successive use of expletives be allowed.
3. Nudity – Occasional natural, non-sexual nudity, is permissible.
4. Sex – Graphic depiction of sexual activity shall not be permitted. Sexual activity may be implied but with no details shown.
5. Violence – There should be no glamorization of weapons and crimes. No detail of fighting or other dangerous techniques. No detail or prolonged showing of violence or suffering.
6. Horror – Scary sequences must be mild and brief.
7. Drugs – There may only be implied depiction of prohibited drugs and/or substances or their use provided it does not condone, encourage or glamorize drug and/or substance use and it should be necessary to the theme and characterization.

A pictogram advisory accompanied by full-screen written and verbal advisory to the effect that the program is classified as “Parental Guidance” shall be broadcast for at least 10 seconds immediately before the opening credits of the particular television material classified as such.

Strong Parental Guidance / Striktong Patnubay at Gabay (“SPG”)

Stronger and more vigilant parental guidance is suggested. Programs classified as “SPG” may contain more serious topic and theme, which may not be advisable for children to watch except under the very vigilant guidance and presence of a parent or an adult.

The television program classified as “SPG” must still fall within the parameters of existing Parental Guidance classification rating. However, to merit the issuance of an “SPG” rating, the gravity of the material must, in the judgment of the Board, be leaning towards the maximum allowable for Parental Guidance rating. In determining the proper classification rating, the Board shall consider the purpose, genre, and time slot of the program as well as the treatment and depiction of attendant factors such as, but not limited to: Theme (Tema), Language (Lenggwahe), Violence (Karahasan), Sex (Sekswal), Horror and Drugs (Droga).

In the exercise of its judgment, the Board shall take due consideration of balancing the interest of the State to protect the welfare of the youth with the interest of the broadcast networks to freedom of expression.

A pictogram advisory accompanied by a full-screen written advisory with voice over to the effect that the program is classified as “Strong Parental Guidance” shall be broadcast for at least 20 seconds, immediately before the opening credits and midway in the full airing of the particular television material classified as such. The full-screen advisory shall specifically declare the content descriptors pertinent to the program being shown, such as but not limited to: Theme (Tema), Language (Lenggwahe), Violence (Karahasan), Sex (Sekswal), Horror and Drugs (Droga).

The SPG rating was implemented on February 9, 2012.

Disapproved for Airing on Television (“X”)

Any television program that does not conform to the “G”, “PG” or “SPG” classification shall be disapproved for television broadcast. The material shall be disapproved for television broadcast if, in the judgment of the Board applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard, it is objectionable for being immoral, indecent, contrary to law and/or good customs, injurious to the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines or its people, or with a dangerous tendency to encourage the commission of violence, or of a wrong, or crime, such as but not limited to:

1. The work depicts in a patently lewd, offensive, or demeaning manner, excretory functions, and sexual conduct such as sexual intercourse, masturbation and exhibition of the genitals.
2. The work clearly constitutes an attack against any race, creed or religion.
3. The work condones or encourages the use of illegal drugs and substances.
4. The work tends to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly constituted authorities.
5. The work glorifies criminals or condones crimes.
6. The work is libelous or defamatory to the good name and reputation of any person, whether living or dead.
7. The work may constitute contempt of court of a quasi-judicial tribunal, or may pertain to matters, which are subjudicial in nature.

All programs shown by the television channels are reviewed and classified by the said board. The board may suspend, reject or cancel programs, but cannot revoke broadcast licenses.

Exemptions

National and local newscasts are exempted from the ratings system (except in the case of selected news stories, such as in ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, which uses an SPG graphic for stories with sensitive or graphic content). Some regional news programs air a PG advisory before the show, which may violate the rules. These circumstances, however, do not affect the program itself.

MTRCB cannot censor, rate, and use its power in films and shows presented in the University of the Philippines Film Center and its various grounds and venues.

Timeline

This timeline shows when did the networks first used the system (this pertains only to the G and PG ratings, the SPG rating has been adopted simultaneously by almost all of the networks).

The board gave a deadline of until October 31, 2011 for the other national, local, cable, and satellite television networks to switch onto the new graphic, although some of the programs adopted the system at a later date, or did not adopt at all. Cable channels (e.g., CNN Philippines, 2nd Avenue and ETC) that are carried by Free TV affiliates are required to follow the new rating system.

Myx, a cable television channel of ABS-CBN, originally adopted the blue PG graphic on October 6 for the majority of their programs, but reverted to the static Parental Guidance DOG only two weeks after, only in showing music videos with graphic content. This was due to the fact that it may be hard to place the PG DOG while a music video is played along with the lyrics being shown at the same time. Jeepney TV, ABS-CBN News Channel and DZMM TeleRadyo also added the blue 'PG', green 'G' and red 'SPG' graphic at the same time as its mother network, but it is only applied to its public affairs programs which also air on ABS-CBN. Selected programs from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao contain the blue 'PG' graphic are aired from ABS-CBN Regional such as Agri Tayo Dito, Kapamilya, Mas Winner Ka!, Mag TV Na and various morning shows and public affairs programs (including Ano Ngani? of TV-2 Tacloban, Bida Kapampangan of TV-46 Pampanga and Salandigan of TV-4 Bacolod plus Saturday morning editions of Bagong Umaga, Sabado (TV-32 Dagupan), Maayong Buntag Kapamilya Sabado (TV-3 Cebu) and Maayong Buntag Mindanao Sabado (TV-4 Davao), effective from October 2016 and Sikat Ka! Iloilo Sabado (TV-10 Iloilo) also effective from January 2017) with the exception of the green 'G' and red 'SPG' graphics.

Among local cable networks, ABS-CBN's Yey!, Cine Mo!, Balls, Global Pinoy Cinema and Lifestyle Network as well as Solar Entertainment's Solar Sports and Jack TV continue to adopt the earlier static 'Parental Guidance' graphic on their programs (although channels like Cinema One, Pinoy Box Office, Tagalized Movie Channel Telenovela Channel and Zee Sine have a full screen advisory regularly aired before the movie without the static 'Parental Guidance' graphic) together with Sari-Sari Channel, the newest cable channel owned by TV5 Network Inc. and Viva Communications Inc. starting January 15, 2016.

IBC 13 does not use either the blue 'PG', green 'G' or red 'SPG' graphics on programs and documentaries produced by the government-controlled Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), considering that they are information-based materials.

STAR Movies uses its own rating system, while Fox has '15', '16' and '18' and Cartoon Network has 'PG' rating systems for selected programs which contains themes, violence, adult content, and thriller.

Since January 1, 2013, Jack TV uses the abbreviated PG and SPG on the bottom right corner of the screen indicating the rating of the show. As the channel does not subscribe to MTRCB's new system, the SPG rating does not have sub-ratings.

Local content

Not only does MTRCB rates shows and films, they can also suspend a certain show for a few days to a few months depending on the violation. The following are the notable, scandalous events that earned shows a suspension.g

International content

Radio

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP; English: Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines), an association unrelated to the government, governs censorship on radio, although it can only reprimand its own members.

Home videos

The Optical Media Board formerly governed censorship on it, but MTRCB taken the authority for the home videos.

Unlike the theatrical ratings, only three are applied to video releases and printed on labels: General Audience (G) for films previously rated G in cinemas, Parental Guidance (PG) for most PG and some R-13 or R-16 titles (with cuts for the R-ratings), and Restricted For Adults (R) for some R-13, many R-16, and most R-18 titles [without cuts for R-16 and R-18, including films released unrated or with adults-only rating equivalents (e.g. R, 18+, M18, NC-17, Category III, R21) outside the Philippines]. This system was only used until 2015.

Since 2015, the theatrical ratings were applied as home video ratings, replacing the old three-rating system that home video titles used to have.

Internet

MTRCB does not govern nor censors TV shows and movies on the internet, but video streaming services such as iflix, HOOQ and Netflix have its own rating system, depend on the show's content. However, numerous reports indicated that some others are shown on illegitimate websites (and particularly on popular video-sharing websites like YouTube), subjected to online piracy.