New MTRCB Senate Bill Faces Backlash

Actors and screenwriters' groups, including AKTOR – the League of Filipino Actors, and the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI), have released statements opposing the proposed Senate bill that seeks to expand the powers of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Senate Bill No. 2805 was filed by Senators Grace Poe (daughter of National Artist for Film Fernando Poe Jr.), Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Tolentino, and actor-senators Robin Padilla, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, and Joel Villanueva. The bill proposes to give the MTRCB greater authority over content on online streaming platforms.

Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier voiced her opposition to the bill, citing its vague and overly broad provisions. The DGPI echoed these concerns, highlighting the threat of censorship.

"The DGPI strongly opposes Senate Bill No. 2805, which strengthens the MTRCB and extends its censorship jurisdiction into the online streaming spaces of our private homes, personal computers, phones, and devices," the group said in a statement.

Similarly, AKTOR also released a statement expressing concern. While they affirmed support for protecting viewers, they cautioned against legislation that may impact freedom of expression and artistic integrity.

"We support protection against harm and exploitation—but not vague standards or sweeping controls that risk limiting voices and reducing opportunities for Filipino creatives," AKTOR said.