Sen. Grace Poe has raised the possibility of regulating the content of online sites and streaming platforms.
The lawmaker said the streaming platforms should implement more stringent self-regulation and should be monitored to ensure that their content are age-appropriate, especially for young viewers.
Poe also proposed requiring streaming services to secure legislative franchises before being allowed to operate in the country.
Poe, a former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson, said she supports measures that would update and expand the powers of the MTRCB and help the local entertainment industry.
“We want to make sure that MTRCB keeps up with the constantly-changing media industry,” Poe said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said he is supporting Poe and Sen. Robin Padilla to update and enhanced the capabilities of the MTRCB.
Estrada cited the need to keep up with the changes in the film industry brought about by new technologies, including streaming, and digital platforms.
Estrada, a former actor turned politician, commmitted to help the movie industry recover from the slump following the pandemic, long periods of theater closures, and the influx of films.
“We hope that this committee will be instrumental in the cooperation of stakeholders, the integration of ideas and solutions, and the joining forces of different sectors from the government, associations of artists, producers, creative workers, theater owners, streaming platforms, and viewers to promote our own, enjoy, and be proud of Filipino work and Filipino culture,” Estrada said.
He ewas referring to the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Padilla whoc is also a former actor turned politician.
Another former actor, Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. also aired his support to expand the mandate of the MTRCB to keep Philippine movies and TV shows “appropriate and accurate”.
According to Revilla, the MTRCB should continuously adapt to changing demands and trends of the industry.
“Art in all its glory should always bend in accordance with set rules and guidelines in order not to offend, and certainly not to tarnish reputation and image,” he said. Revilla, an award-winning actor, hopes that an enhanced MTRCB would help young viewers to have better morals and behavior.
Meanwhile, Padilla assured they don’t want censorship.
“We are not against the free and creative arts; rather, we are on the side of intelligent monitoring against unacceptable media such as content that is immoral, obscene, or promotes beliefs against the law and morality of society and of course, the feature that concerns your servant — damage to the reputation and dignity of our Motherland Philippines,” he added.