MANILA, Philippines — The Senate approved on third and final reading a bill that would enable the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to review the contents of online streaming platforms to address obscenity and violence in digital entertainment.
The senators on Monday passed Senate Bill (SB) 2805 to strengthen and expand the MTRCB’s mandate by including online streaming platforms in its regulatory powers.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla, the bill’s sponsor, said that the Board should be authorized to regulate video content on streaming platforms to maintain the standards of decency and morality expected by Filipinos.
He raised the need to regulate online streaming platforms, noting that while some productions from Asian countries may align with Filipino culture, western-influenced content often requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to protecting young audiences.
SB 2805 aims to update the MTRCB’s charter which was established in October 1985.
Under the bill, “on-demand streaming services” refer to internet-based services that provide online curated content platforms from which users can stream or download videos for offline viewing.
For paid on-demand streaming services, the Board should require the streaming service to submit a list and classification of all movies, series, and programs offered and order a reclassification after screening, only as necessary.
