Revised Classification Rating for Films

July 19, 2012

MTRCB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 008-12

 

Pursuant to Section 3 (a) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board hereby amends Section 1, Chapter IV of the 2004 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. No. 1986 regarding classification ratings for films.

Upon the effectivity of this Circular, all films are to be classified as GENERAL AUDIENCE ("G"); PARENTAL GUIDANCE ("PG"); RESTRICTED-13 ("R-13"); RESTRICTED-16 ("R-16"); RESTRICTED-18 ("R-18"); and NOT FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION ("X"). The guidelines for the revised classification ratings are attached thereto.

For your proper information and guidance.

BY AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD:

 

(SGD.) MARY GRACE POE LLAMANZARESChairperson

ATTACHMENT

Implementing GuidelinesP.D. 1986

 

Pursuant to Section 3 (a) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board ("Board") hereby enacts and promulgates the following rules as guidelines for the proper implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 08-2012: AEHTIC

Chapter I

Scope of Application

Section 1. Coverage. — These Rules shall cover all motion pictures, and publicity materials for, or pertaining to, theatrical and/or non-theatrical distribution.

Section 2. All motion pictures shall strictly comply with the classification rating herein prescribed; otherwise, they shall not be approved for theatrical and non-theatrical distribution.

Chapter II

Definition of Terms

Section 1. Definition of Terms. — As used in these implementing guidelines, the following terms shall mean:

a) Adult — any person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of admission into the exhibition of a motion picture.

b) Board — the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, or any of its Committees acting for, and on behalf of the Board.

c) Classification — the rating imposed by the Board on any motion picture, television or cable television programs, publicity materials and advertisements to determine audience suitability.

d) Child — any person less than eighteen (18) years of age at the time of admission into the exhibition of a motion picture.

e) Motion Picture — a series of pictures projected on screen in rapid succession, with objects shown in successive positions slightly changed so as to produce the optical effect of a continuous picture in which the objects move, whether the picture be black and white or colored or any other color scheme, silent or with accompanying sound, on whatever medium and with whatever mechanisms or equipment they are projected, and in whatever material they are preserved or recorded for instant projection.

f) Publicity Material — any audio, video, printed material, or any combination thereof, of short duration (usually from five [5] seconds to thirty [30] seconds, more or less) designed to generate public interest for the motion picture. AEIcSa

g) Theatrical Distribution — the public showing and/or exhibition in any cinema or theater or in any other venue for the exhibition of motion pictures, imposing admission fees on persons for entertainment, education, information and advertising.

h) Non-Theatrical Distribution — the public showing and/or exhibition of long and short motion pictures, through the use of mobile projection equipment, and not imposing an admission fee. It shall also refer to the showing or exhibition of long or short motion pictures by organizations, societies, clubs, groups, etc., such as but not limited to, films for children, educational, documentary, cultural, scientific, industrial, sales, public relations, and instructional films.

Chapter III

Movie and Trailer Classification

Section 1. Movie Classification. — Motion pictures shall be classified as GENERAL AUDIENCE ("G"); PARENTAL GUIDANCE-13 ("PG-13"); RESTRICTED-13 ("R-13"); RESTRICTED-16 ("R-16"); RESTRICTED-18 ("R-18"); and NOT FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION ("X"). In classifying motion pictures, the BOARD shall consider the treatment of the following factors: theme, violence, language, nudity, sex, horror, drugs, without prejudice to such other factors or elements that it may deem appropriate to consider.

Section 2. Guidelines for Movies. — Applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard, the following are the guidelines for film classification:

A. GENERAL AUDIENCE ("G") — Viewers of all ages are admitted. A "G" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film, in the judgment of the BOARD, is suitable for all audiences.

 A film classified as "G" shall, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. THEME — The film must contain themes that are appropriate for all audiences. It should not contain violence, threat, abuse, horror, or other themes that may cause fear or disturbance to a young child's mind. It should promote positive values.

2. LANGUAGE — The film may contain dialogue or other word representations beyond polite language, but swear words or gestures shall not be allowed. Profane, offensive, and sexually-suggestive language or gestures shall not be allowed. Language shall include both verbal and non-verbal expressions. CITSAc

3. NUDITY — The film may contain occasional, as well as natural nudity; provided there is no sexual or demeaning context to it.

4. SEX — The film cannot contain and depict sexual activity, and such other scenes with a sexual context.

5. VIOLENCE — The depiction of any violence must be mild, brief, infrequent, and unlikely to cause undue anxiety or fear to young children.

6. HORROR — The depiction of horror and frightening scenes should be mild, brief, infrequent, and unlikely to cause undue anxiety or fear to young children.

7. DRUGS — There shall be no depiction of, or reference to, prohibited drugs or their use.

B. PARENTAL GUIDANCE ("PG") — Viewers below thirteen (13) years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult when admitted into a "PG" film. A "PG" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film may contain any of the following: themes, language, violence, nudity, sex, and horror, whose treatment is suitable for children below thirteen (13) years of age.

 A film classified as "PG" shall, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. THEME — The film may contain themes that require parental supervision and guidance, but the treatment shall nonetheless be appropriate for children below thirteen (13) years of age.

 The film should not promote any dangerous, violent, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive behavior or attitude.

 The film should contain redeeming social values.

2. LANGUAGE — The film may contain mild and infrequent swear words and menacing language.

 The use of strong swear words or sexually-derived expletives, as well as the successive or frequent use of swear words and expletives shall not be allowed.

 Offensive, menacing, threatening language and references to sex shall always be suitable for viewers who are below thirteen (13) years of age. EHaASD

 Sexually-suggestive language may be allowed; provided that it is neither frequent nor prolonged, and always justified by the context of the scene where such is heard.

3. NUDITY — The film may contain occasional, as well as natural nudity; provided that there is no sexual or demeaning context to it.

4. SEX — The depiction of sexual activity may be allowed, but it should be discreet, infrequent, and not prolonged; provided no graphic depiction of sexual activity shall be allowed.

5. VIOLENCE — The depiction of violence and suffering should be minimal, and without graphic detail; provided that gratuitous violence shall not be allowed in any case.

6. HORROR — The depiction of horror and frightening scenes shall be allowed; provided that they are brief and infrequent.

7. DRUGS — There shall be no depiction of, or reference to, prohibited drugs or substances and their use.

C. RESTRICTED-13 ("R-13") — Only viewers who are thirteen (13) years old and above can be admitted into an "R-13" film. An "R-13" classification advises parents or supervising adults, as well as the would-be viewers themselves, that the film may contain any of the following: themes, language, violence, nudity, sex, horror, and drugs whose treatment may not be suitable for children below thirteen (13) years of age.

 A film classified as "R-13" must, in the judgment the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. THEME — The film may contain mature themes; provided that the treatment of any of these themes is suitable for teenagers above thirteen (13) years of age.

 The film shall not gratuitously promote or encourage any dangerous, violent, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive behavior or attitude.

 The film must contain social redeeming values.

2. LANGUAGE — The film may contain moderate swear words and menacing language consistent with the context of the scene in which they are employed. cACEaI

 The use of strong swear words or sexually-derived or suggestive expletives and expressions as well as the use of swear words and expletives shall be allowed; provided that its use is infrequent and not vulgar.

 Offensive, menacing, threatening or other equally negative language, as well as references to sex shall be suitable for viewers who are at least thirteen (13) years of age.

 The use of sexually-oriented or suggestive language and other references to sex shall always be suitable for viewers who are at least thirteen (13) years of age.

3. NUDITY — The film may contain occasional, natural and sexually-oriented nudity; provided that this is brief and discreet, and its use is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least thirteen (13) years of age.

4. SEX — Sexual activity may be depicted, but it should be discreet, infrequent, brief, and without graphic detail; provided that its depiction is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least thirteen (13) years of age.

5. VIOLENCE — Violence may be allowed; provided that it is infrequent, not gratuitous, and without graphic detail, and its use is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least thirteen (13) years of age.

6. HORROR — The depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and occasional gore are allowed; provided that such depiction is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least thirteen (13) years of age.

7. DRUGS — The depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed; provided that such depiction is brief and infrequent, and the same is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least thirteen (13) years of age.

 The movie shall not in any case promote, condone, justify and/or encourage drug use. cCHITA

D. RESTRICTED-16 ("R-16") — Only viewers as well as the viewers themselves who are sixteen (16) years old and above can be admitted into an "R-16" film. An "R-16" classification advises parents and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the following: themes, language, violence, nudity, sex, horror, and drugs that may not be suitable for children below sixteen (16) years of age.

 A film classified as "R-16" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. THEME — There are no restrictions on themes; provided that the treatment is appropriate for viewers who are at least sixteen (16) years of age.

2. LANGUAGE — The film may use any kind of language; provided that such use is justified by context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least sixteen (16) years of age.

3. NUDITY — The film may contain natural and sexually-oriented nudity; provided that it is discreet and its depiction is not gratuitous and is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least sixteen (16) years of age.

4. SEX — Sexual activity may be depicted; provided any depiction does not contain graphic detail, and such depiction is not gratuitous and is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least sixteen (16) years of age.

5. VIOLENCE — Violence and gore may be allowed; provided that their depiction is not gratuitous and is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least sixteen (16) years of age.

6. HORROR — The non-gratuitous depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and gore are allowed; provided that their use is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least sixteen (16) years of age.

7. DRUGS — The non-gratuitous depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed; provided that its depiction is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least sixteen (16) years of age. EACIaT

 The movie shall not in any case promote, condone, and encourage drug use.

E. RESTRICTED-18 ("R-18") — Only viewers who are eighteen (18) years old and above can be admitted into an "R-18" film. An "R-18" classification advises viewers, parents, and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the following: themes, language, violence, nudity, sex, horror, and drugs that may not be suitable for children below eighteen (18) years of age.

 An "R-18" rating does not mean that the film is "obscene", "offensive", or "pornographic," as these terms are defined by law.

 A film classified as "R-18" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

1. THEME — There are no restrictions on themes and their treatment.

2. LANGUAGE — The film may use any kind of language; provided that such use is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least eighteen (18) years of age.

3. NUDITY — The film may contain sexually-oriented nudity; provided that it is non-gratuitous, and is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least eighteen (18) years of age.

 An "R-18" rating does not mean that the film is "obscene" or "pornographic," as these terms are defined by law.

4. SEX — The realistic depiction of sexual activity may be allowed; provided that such depiction is not gratuitous, and is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least eighteen (18) years of age.

 An "R-18" rating does not mean that the film is "obscene" or "pornographic," as these terms are defined by law.

5. VIOLENCE — There are no restrictions on the depiction of violence except that it should not be gratuitous and that it is justified by the context, narrative, or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least eighteen (18) years of age. DEICTS

6. HORROR — The depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and gore are allowed; provided that such depiction is justified by the context, narrative, or character development, and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least eighteen (18) years of age.

7. DRUGS — The depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed; provided that such depiction is justified by the context, narrative or character development; and taking into account the contemporary values and understanding of a Filipino viewer who is at least eighteen (18) years of age. In no case, however, should the use of drugs be promoted, condoned, justified and/or encouraged.

F. NOT FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION ("X") — "X-rated" films are not suitable for public exhibition. A film shall be disapproved for public viewing if, in the judgment of the BOARD:

a. The average person, applying contemporary community standards and values, would find that the dominant theme of the work, taken as a whole appeals solely to the prurient interest and satisfies only the craving for gratuitous sex and/or violence.

b. The film depicts in a patently lewd, offensive, or demeaning manner, excretory functions and sexual conduct such as sexual intercourse, masturbation and exhibition of the genitals.

c. The film clearly constitutes an attack against any race, creed, or religion.

d. The film condones or encourages the use of illegal drugs and substances.

e. The film tends to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly-constituted authorities.

f. The film glorifies criminals or condones crimes.

g. The film is libelous or defamatory to the good name and reputation of any person, whether living or dead.

h. The film may constitute contempt of court or of a quasi-judicial tribunal, or may pertain to matters which are subjudicial in nature. AEIcSa

Section 3. Movie Trailers. — Trailers, publicity and promotional materials for films must be made strictly suitable for a GENERAL AUDIENCE ("G") classification. Trailers, publicity, and promotional materials that do not fall within the ("G") classification shall not be approved for exhibition in a movie house, television broadcast, publication in print and other related media.

Section 4. Display of Permit to Exhibit. — A copy of the Permit to Exhibit shall be prominently posted or displayed at conspicuous places near the entrances and at the ticket booth of all theaters or cinemas or other venue where the motion picture is exhibited.

Section 5. Display of the Classification of the Film. — All theater or other venue owners or operators, producers, advertisers, billboard owners or operators, and any such other persons or entities responsible for advertising, making known, or publicizing a film shall always prominently display the Board's classification of the film in all advertising, publicity, and promotional materials of whatever media, such as but not limited to images, posters, playbills, announcements, messages, standees, billboards, signages, banners, and marquees.

Consistent with Memorandum Circular No. 99-02, the classification of the film shall be prominently displayed on a three (3)-foot high standee in the theater lobby.

Chapter IV

Administrative Sanctions

Any violation of this Memorandum Circular shall be dealt with the following penalties, to wit:

a. 1st Offense: A warning that any further violation shall be dealt with more severely.

b. 2nd Offense: A fine of Twenty Thousand Pesos (Php20,000.00) shall be imposed.

c. 3rd Offense: A fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php50,000.00) shall be imposed.

d. 4th Offense: A fine of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) shall be imposed. THADEI

e. 5th Offense: A fine of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php200,000.00) plus one (1) week closure shall be imposed in case the violation is committed within one (1) year from the date of commission of the first offense.

Chapter V

Repealing Clause

All previous circulars, rules, and regulations of the Board that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Circular are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Chapter VI

Separability Clause

If for any reason, any provision of this Circular is declared invalid or illegal, the other sections or provisions not so declared, shall not be affected and shall remain in full force.

Chapter VII

Effectivity

This Circular shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and filed with the Office of National Administrative Register in the University of the Philippines Law Center, as required under the Administrative Code of 1987.

APPROVED by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, in a meeting called for the purpose, on 19 June 2012.

Submitted and certified correct by:

 

(SGD.) MARTA INES A. DAYRIT

 

(SGD.) ATTY. GABRIELA R. CONCEPCION

Noted by:

(SGD.) MARY GRACE POE LLAMANZARES

 

(SGD.) EMMANUEL H. BORLAZA