Robin Padilla firm on MTRCB bill amid backlash from directors, actors’ guilds

Robin Padilla. Image: Facebook/Robin Padilla

Robin Padilla stood firm on Senate Bill No. 2805, which expands the authority of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to regulate online content amid backlash from the directors and actors’ guild.

Sponsored by the actor-turned-politician, Senate Bill No. 2805 aims to widen MTRCB’s mandate to include streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and the like, in its regulatory powers. The Senate approved the bill on June 2.

The looming possibility of the bill turning into law was met with backlash by the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) and Aktor PH.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Padilla stressed that the proposed amendment is not a “fight against the arts and filmmakers,” as it is meant to protect families and the country’s culture.

“This is not a fight against art. This is not a fight against filmmakers. In fact, this bill aims to protect families, the youth, and our culture. Let us not separate the arts from society. When there is proper discipline and guidance, art will be more powerful,” he said.

Padilla said his proposed legislation’s objective was to give more tooth to MTRCB’s mandate to be able to provide guidance and to classify shows on the internet and digital platforms, which he pointed out have already become the “primary form of entertainment.”

“Instead of relying on the private sector, I believe that the state also has a role in giving clear guidelines. In this day and age, regulations shouldn’t be limited to traditional media. We must keep up with technology — not to control us, but to ensure that there’s a proper way of using them,” he said.

The Senator also expressed his gratitude to the DGPI and those who are against the bill. He said that the discussion on the matter shouldn’t end solely on their disagreement, but in finding the right balance.

“This is an invitation to find the balance. Let us enjoy freedom with responsibility. Art with a purpose. Regulations with fairness.)

In a separate statement, MTRCB chair Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio said she is in favor of the bill as it establishes “proper mechanisms for cooperation [between] streaming platforms and the regulatory body.

Earlier, a group of film directors and actors blasted the bill, saying it meant to make the MTRCB a “cash cow” of the government. /edv