MANILA -- Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla on Thursday vowed to give more power to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and other state agencies in order to protect our youths from illegal content prevalent in social media.
Padilla made the assurance during the joint hearing conducted by the Senate Committees on Public Information and Mass Media, Games and Amusement, Ways and Means, and Finance which discussed proposed measures seeking to enhance the mandate and capabilities of the MTRCB, and regulate online games and outdoor media.
"Kami pong lahat na taga-pelikula na nandidito sa Senado naniniwala po na kailangan madagdagan ang mandato ninyo para labanan po natin itong mga online na ito (We from the film industry that are here in the Senate believe that the MTRCB needs a greater mandate to fight these online threats)," said the chair of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media.
He said the goal of the hearing is to make sure that “we guide our youths who are exposed to shows and audiovisual media in various modes and platforms,” adding there is a need for agencies like the MTRCB to have better tools against movie piracy.
Padilla also noted that since the 38 years that MTRCB was established, its mandate and capabilities have been outdated at this time of internet and online gaming.
However, he clarified that the measures being proposed should make sure the creativity of directors will not be curtailed.
Padilla also clarified that they are not after censorship and do not oppose freedom of expression; but want to uphold intelligent viewing and protect viewers from immoral and illegal content, including those that threaten the reputation and dignity of our motherland. (PNA)
