The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) has made a bold and urgent stand against Senate Bill No. 2805, which seeks to expand the regulatory and censorship powers of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)—this time extending into digital and streaming platforms, the private realm of home entertainment.

In a detailed statement, the DGPI declared its strong opposition to the bill, citing concerns over freedom of expression, viewers’ rights, and the potential crippling impact on the country’s already struggling film and creative industries.

“NO to censorship, State control of hearts and minds, discrimination, use of the MTRCB as cash cow, and the MTRCB’s incursion into streaming. YES to freedom of expression, freedom of access to expression, respect for the filmmaker’s and the public’s hearts and minds,” the guild asserted.

Challenging the state’s role as 'moral guardian'

A major point of contention lies in the bill’s shift in the MTRCB’s stated purpose. The proposed law removes current provisions that support industry self-regulation, replacing them with a position that paints the MTRCB as a parens patriae—a moral parent of the nation. According to the DGPI, this change implies an overreach of government powers that not only marginalizes artists but also undermines the ability of parents and individuals to decide for themselves what to view or allow their children to view.

The DGPI reiterates its support for content classification systems that guide audiences—such as G, PG, or R ratings—but strongly opposes the continued use of the “X” rating, which effectively bans certain works from being seen by adult audiences.

“Adults have the constitutional and human right to choose what content they wish to engage with,” the guild said, citing Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantee the right to freedom of expression and access to information.

Streaming is not public exhibition

Another cornerstone of the DGPI’s argument is that streaming content is inherently a private experience, unlike theatrical screenings or broadcast television. “To classify such viewing as public exhibition is both inaccurate and dangerous,” the statement reads.

This distinction is critical in today’s digital age, where online platforms have become vital outlets for independent, regional, and emerging filmmakers, many of whom rely on streaming services to reach audiences due to limited theatrical distribution. Under SB 2805, these same creators could face heightened scrutiny and potential censorship.

Undermining the creative economy

The DGPI also highlighted the irony that while the government claims to support the Creative Industries Development Act and other initiatives aimed at revitalizing local cinema, SB 2805 would sabotage those efforts by imposing draconian restrictions and unjustified expenditures, such as allocating taxpayer funds to support a bloated MTRCB board.

“Why invest in industry growth, only to shackle it with regressive laws that discourage bold, honest, and relevant storytelling?” the group asks.

A history of resistance

The DGPI’s position continues a long tradition of artistic resistance to censorship. Filipino cinema has long been a mirror to society—often provocative, occasionally uncomfortable, but always essential. Icons like Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, and Ricky Lee created works that were once censored but are now celebrated globally as cultural treasures.

“The same community deemed unworthy of self-regulation has produced eleven National Artists for Cinema,” the statement notes. “Let us not hinder our current and future creatives from freely exploring and sharing their experiences with these unnecessary and artificial barriers.”

A call to action

The Directors’ Guild’s message is clear and unequivocal: Protect creative freedom. Preserve the sanctity of private expression. Reject SB 2805.

In an era where Filipino stories need more room to breathe, not less, the DGPI calls on lawmakers, artists, audiences, and citizens to stand for a free and fearless film industry—one that informs, inspires, and reflects the truths of a democratic society.