MTRCB: Banning violent films, shows ‘not appropriate solution’ to curb youth crimes

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) pushes back on the suggestion to ban violent-themed films and TV shows amid the increasing number of crimes involving minors.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. earlier made the recommendation as part of efforts to curb youth crime following a series of school violence incidents.

“Schools are the only places with problems. Where do the children come from and what are the environments they are in?… We can be influenced by our environments with our family, our community and social media,” Nartatez said in a recent press briefing. “Maybe we can recommend banning movies and TV shows with a lot of violence. We can make a similar recommendation for social media apps and other solutions. It is not only limited to that.”

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In a statement shared with INQUIRER Entertainment, the MTRCB expressed its opposition to the proposal. The regulatory board underscored that while it shares the public’s concern over the impact of violent-themed content to the Filipino youth, banning such is “not the appropriate solution.”

“The Agency also considers the protection of Filipino children from harmful content as a shared duty of the government, parents, educators, media practitioners, digital influencers, and stakeholders from the film and TV industry,” it said. “The MTRCB also actively partners with stakeholders in the movie and TV industry in ensuring that Filipino cultural values are upheld and respected in motion pictures, TV programs, and publicity materials while advocating for a culture of authentic, responsible self-regulation.”

“However, the MTRCB believes that banning movies and television programs with violent themes is not the appropriate solution, as this could infringe upon the constitutional right of Filipino creatives to freedom of expression and creation,” it stressed.

The agency instead urged parents and educators to maintain adequate supervision of children while they consume films, TV shows and even social media content.

“This is so that children properly understand the context of what they are watching, while allowing parents and guardians to further instill Filipino values and culture in their children,” MTRCB continued.

“The MTRCB believes in achieving the right balance of freedom of expression and creation with the fundamental rights of individuals and the need to shield Filipino children from harmful content,” it added. /edv