The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) was created through Presidential Decree 1986 signed on 5 October 1985 by then President Ferdinand Marcos. It is mandated to regulate and classify motion pictures, TV programs and publicity materials, among others.

Since its creation, controversial decisions made by the MTRCB have triggered a public uproar; to cite some examples, banning Lino Brocka’s Ora Pro Nobis, Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ and Jose Javier Reyes’ Live Show; temerity to delete an important scene in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List and the "for adults" rating of The Da Vinci Code. Adding more flair and fire to its history were its former chairpersons, Maria Kalaw Katigbak, Manuel Morato, Marissa Laguardia and its current Diorella Maria Sotto-Antonio.

Now, because of Senate Bill 2805, MTRCB is in its most tempestuous era, as concerned artists and filmmakers are making public their rage and revulsion for the said bill.

Brillante Mendoza’s open letter

Palme d’Or Best Director and Filipino film master Brillante Mendoza wrote an open letter on his official Facebook:

“Senator Robin Padilla’s proposed bill regulating streaming content through the MTRCB is deeply troubling. The stated intention is to protect children, but this is blatant control over our individual viewing choices in the privacy of our own homes. Who has the right to dictate what we can and cannot watch? Should a government agency have this power? Is the control they already exert over cinema and television not enough?”

“We live in an age of social media and widespread internet access. We cannot, and should not, control what every citizen chooses to watch. This is not the government’s purview; it is a matter of personal responsibility. If this bill aims to safeguard the morality of young people, controlling access to content is not the answer. That responsibility lies with parents in raising their children. If a child witnesses corruption daily, from the barangay level to the highest echelons of government, how can they be guided towards righteousness? This is where our focus should be.

“Everything begins in the family. Who we are today is a product of our parents’ upbringing, and no one else’s. Let’s keep showbiz where it belongs — out of the business of governing others. Let’s stop the political grandstanding. Showbiz personalities who have attained power and wealth, thanks to the film industry should prioritize the welfare of Filipino film workers. They have prospered within this industry, yet concrete legislation to protect its workers remains absent. After years of acting, experiencing the hardships of filmmaking, and serving in politics, have they not paused to consider how they might help their fellow workers?

“Had Eddie Garcia not died, perhaps the law regarding fair working conditions would have been enacted sooner. It’s a basic law that should have been in place long ago.

“The industry has been languishing, yet no action has been taken to revive it, while ordinary film workers struggle to survive. Even directors and writers resort to odd jobs just to make ends meet.

“We live in modern times. Let us not be hypocrites. Let us be truthful. Let us open our eyes to our surroundings. Let us feel what others are going through, what is in the hearts of our fellow Filipinos. Let us truly see, not just look. Because in seeing, we will find something far more meaningful.”

Aktor PH’s stand

The progressive Aktor PH’s statement was shared by its chairman Dingdong Dantes on his IG stories: “Any legislation that impacts freedom of expression, artistic integrity and livelihood must be shaped with those who live and work in this space.”