MTRCB: Only G, PG-rated shows, movies allowed in PUVs

The Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Tuesday reminded drivers and operators that only television shows and movies with “G” and “PG” ratings should be played in public utility vehicles (PUVs).

In an advisory, the agency said the limitation was mandated in MTRCB Memorandum Circular No. 09-2011 which states the rules governing public exhibition of films in common carriers and other public places.

Violators may face jail time of three months to one year and may be fined up to P2,000 to P5,000. Their franchise may likewise be revoked, the MTRCB said.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 09-2011, “all common carriers and other public places that openly and publicly exhibit motion pictures shall be treated as movie theaters for the purposes of regulation by the Board”.

“Owing to their service character and accessibility to the public regardless of age, common carriers and other public places can only publicly exhibit such motion pictures classified by the Board as for General Patronage (G) or Parental Guidance (PG),” the agency said.

Materials with G ratings are those suitable for children while PG-rated contents are those that may contain “some adult materials that may be permissible for children to watch but only under the guidance and supervision of a parent or adult”.

In 2011, the MTRCB entered into a Memoranda of Agreement with the Land Transport Franchising Regulatory Board, and the Maritime Industry Authority to undertake joint efforts to protect the public from any public exhibition of TV programs and movies, which, in the judgment of the Board, applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard, are deemed offensive. — DVM, GMA Integrated News