THE House of Representatives on Thursday terminated plenary deliberations on the proposed ₱49.987-million budget of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) for 2027, as lawmakers called for an updated regulatory framework to address streaming platforms, online games and other digital media content.
House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairperson and Leyte Rep. Lolita T. Javier, who sponsored the MTRCB budget, said the proposed allocation will cover the agency’s personnel services, while its maintenance and other operating expenses and capital outlays are funded through income generated by the agency.
During the deliberations, PHILRECA Party-list Rep. Presley C. De Jesus raised the need for Congress to revisit Presidential Decree No. 1986, which created the MTRCB, or consider new legislation that would update the agency’s mandate in response to changes in how Filipinos consume media.
De Jesus also underscored the economic importance of the entertainment and media sector.
“Sana ay palakasin natin because it generates job opportunities po sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Pusong Pinoy Party-list Rep. Jernie Jett V. Nisay supported updating the MTRCB mandate, saying the changing media landscape requires mechanisms that can strengthen viewer protection and public awareness, particularly for children and young people.
“Ang purpose nito ay maging practical guide para sa viewers lalo na sa mga magulang na kailangang mag-desisyon kung ang content ay angkop para sa kanilang mga anak,” Nisay said, referring to the importance of age and content classifications in helping families make informed viewing decisions.
Javier, in sponsoring the agency’s budget, also stressed the MTRCB position that regulation rather than outright prohibition of digital platforms would provide a more appropriate approach to protecting young viewers.
“Naniniwala ang MTRCB na regulasyon at hindi tuluyang pagbabawal sa mga platform na ito ang mas angkop na paraan upang maprotektahan ang ating mga anak laban sa marahas at hindi angkop na media content online,” Javier said.
The MTRCB deliberations form part of the House’s detailed examination of the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing.
Consistent with the Speaker’s commitment, the House is looking at how agency allocations can translate into concrete public benefits while ensuring that government institutions keep pace with the changing needs of Filipinos.
metrosundaily
