Directors’ Guild opposes bill expanding MTRCB powers to regulate streaming platforms

The Directors' Guild of the Philippines Incorporated (DGPI) has formally declared its strong opposition to Senate Bill 2805. This proposed legislation seeks to broaden the authority of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to include online streaming platforms.

The Senate recently passed the bill on its third and final reading. Proponents argue the measure aims to safeguard the public, especially young viewers, from potentially harmful and inappropriate online content.

However, the DGPI views the bill's true intent differently. They argue that while it's presented as child protection, its provisions could lead to extensive censorship, affecting material intended for adults. The guild asserts this encroaches upon constitutional freedoms of expression.

The organization also raised concerns about the potential negative impact on the struggling local film industry. They feel it could undermine current initiatives aimed at revitalizing the sector, calling the provisions "draconian" and potentially harmful to creative endeavors.

Drawing on history, the DGPI highlighted that respected National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts, such as Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, and Ricky Lee, faced censorship in the past, despite their works bringing recognition to the country. They were artists who explored significant Filipino struggles through their films.

The guild suggested that the bill's supporters might believe the local film and TV community isn't ready for the level of self-regulation and creative freedom enjoyed in other forms of expression. They urged against creating "unnecessary and artificial barriers" for current and future Filipino creators.

The DGPI reiterated its stand against extending the MTRCB's powers to online streaming because they consider it largely a private viewing experience, distinct from public exhibition. They deplored this move as potentially discriminatory against the audio-visual sector encompassing film, television, and streaming.

Adding to the opposition, Senator Risa Hontiveros voted against the bill, expressing concerns that it grants the MTRCB overly broad powers, potentially enabling censorship of speech protected by the Constitution, even for content not originally meant for public theatrical release.

Senator Hontiveros pointed out that existing laws, such as RA 7610, RA 11930, and RA 9995, are already in place to address illegal content involving children. She emphasized that regulating digital services and online content requires carefully crafted legislation specifically designed for that purpose, rather than being an addition to the MTRCB's existing mandate. She concluded that Filipinos' voice and art, online and offline, are constitutionally protected and any regulation must not be excessive.

In response, MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto clarified in a statement that the board does not intend to rate or review curated online content or videos on-demand beforehand. She stated the measure doesn't impose prior restraint or mandatory review before content is shown.

Sotto explained that the bill aims to ensure the State has the means to address valid concerns like harmful online content, specifically mentioning materials related to child abuse, exploitation, or voyeurism. Ultimately, she stated, the hope is that any amendment prioritizes the protection of children.