Following the recent calls to abolish the censors board, Capstone-Intel Corporation believes that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is needed to regulate video content in the Philippine media landscape, adding that it’s time for the mandates of the censors board to be revolutionized in order adapt to the current demands, beliefs, and way of life of the public audience.
The MTRCB is currently in hot waters about the alleged “conflict of interest” after the censors board denied Motions of Reconsideration (MRs) regarding the suspension of the noontime variety show “It’s Showtime.” The censors board is chaired by Lala Sotto, the daughter of noontime show “E.A.T.” host and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
“In the age of digital content, the censorship board remains indispensable for several significant reasons. The board protects the values, culture, and sensibilities of the Filipinos, which prevents the propagation of content that may be unacceptable, unsafe, or detrimental to social harmony by making sure that media content follows the nation’s values and codes of conduct,” said Atty. Nic Conti, Capstone-Intel Corporation’s Chief of Public Affairs.
Conti pointed out that the board “maintains a balance” between “artistic freedom and accountable content creation,” which is why it must ensure media content does not corrupt the minds of the audience.
“With the situation the MTRCB is currently in, it is important that the board uphold the integrity of the media industry by understanding the current beliefs that the audiences hold greater value since, during these times, public viewers are starting to be inclusive and sensitive about topics that are previously taboo in the Philippines, which makes sense as to why the MTRCB received negative criticisms online,” he said.
“It’s where they can revolutionize their mandates in order to cater to the current public acceptance of its audience about certain topics that are currently at the forefront of controversies online,” he added.
According to Conti, it is vital that along with the advancement of people’s thinking, the censors board should maximize its experts to understand the present behaviors of the audience in order to design a fitting mandate for the MTRCB.
“It is paramount that our board has an extensive background on how the audiences’ viewing experience, perception, and emotional triggers evolve over time because it’s where we can formulate mandates anchored to the present demands and not backward-looking,” he added.
