No ban on violent content, MTRCB urges parents and educators to step up

Chair Lala Sotto says censorship isn’t the answer, urges parents and schools to take bigger role.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has rejected proposals to ban films and television programs with violent themes, instead shifting the responsibility of guiding young viewers to parents and educators.

The agency, headed by its chair Lala Sotto, maintained that “banning movies and television programs with violent themes is not the appropriate solution,” warning that such a move “could infringe upon the constitutional right of Filipino creatives to freedom of expression and creation.” Citing its mandate under Presidential Decree No. 1986, the MTRCB emphasized that its role is to “assign age-appropriate classifications to movies and TV shows while supporting the growth of the industry,” rather than impose sweeping censorship measures.

The statement comes amid renewed public debate over violent content, including complaints surrounding the film “Sigabo,” which drew scrutiny over its intense themes and alleged use of artificial intelligence. The controversy reignited concerns about the possible influence of violent media on young audiences, prompting calls from some sectors for stricter regulation.

Instead of tightening restrictions, the MTRCB underscored the importance of shared responsibility, urging “the active participation of parents and educators” in supervising children’s media consumption. It said this would ensure that children “properly understand the context of what they are watching,” while allowing families to instill Filipino values.

At the same time, the agency positioned itself as striking a balance between protecting minors and preserving creative freedom. It stressed the need to “achieve the right balance of freedom of expression and creation” while also shielding children from harmful content, as it continues to work with industry stakeholders to promote responsible self-regulation.

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