Have you experienced commuting on public vehicles only to experience dismay because of the movies being played?
How about movies with mature contents? Disgusting, right? Provided that there are children who are watching.
Well, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has issued a memorandum restricting public utility vehicles (PUV) operators from airing movies having SPG rating.
SPG rating refers to Strong Parental Guidance (also Striktong Patnubay at Gabay). This is a rating that denotes a television program that contain mature contents, including intense violence, sexual scenes, strong language or drugs.
Hence, only those with rating G (General Patronage), and PG (Parental Guidance) are the ones that should be played.
The reminder is very timely because of the expected surge of passengers during the Holy Week.
MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto has said that G-rated films have no content is considered harmful or inappropriate for children.
Whereas she contined, a PG or Parental Guidance rating says that some themes or scenes require guidance from parents or supervising adults for young viewers.
Sotto said, “As families travel together this Holy Week, we want to ensure that what is shown inside public transport remains safe and inappropriate for all passengers, especially children.”
She added, “By showing only ‘G’ and ‘PG’ content, operators help create a more respectful and family-friendly environment for everyone on board.”
Moreover, the government agency MTRCB disclosed that operators who fail to comply may face suspension, fines, permit cancellation and other penalties.
The reminder is part of the agency’s “Responsableng Panonood” (Responsible Viewing) campaign which promotes responsible and guided media consumption.
The move, according to Sotto, seeks to protect commuters – especially minors – from exposure to inappropriate material during travel.
“This is a time for reflection and togetherness. May the observance of the Holy Week bring hope, renewed strength, compassion and solidarity to all,” she said.
