THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board said on Sunday it does not have the power to censor televised news conferences of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, who is known for his use of cuss words.
“In reponse to queries, the MTRCB formally informs the public that under Section 7 Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its implementing rules and regulations, the agency’s jurisdiction does not cover ‘newsreels,’ i.e., straight presentation of events or straight news reporting,” Chairman Eugenio Villareal said.
“Examples are live media briefings or conferences, such as the recent evening media conference of the incoming chief executive, and on-the-spot news, like running reportage of a hostage crisis,” Villareal added.
The law clearly intends to “give premium to the right to free speech and information,” Villareal said.
The agency cannot curtail press freedom, he said.
The MTRCB, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and individual networks “have their own self-regulatory and ethical guidelines for the purpose,” he added.