Hontiveros votes ‘No’ on bill expanding MTRCB powers, warns of overreach

June 2, 2025 , 06:11 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(June 2, 2025) – Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday voted against a bill that would expand the powers of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

In a statement, Senator Hontiveros warned the measure gives the agency too much control over online content — including constitutionally protected speech.

“I voted no to the bill expanding the authority of MTRCB since it grants the MTRCB overly broad powers to censor even speech protected by the 1987 Constitution, and even material not meant for theatrical distribution,” said Senator Hontiveros.

The measure, known as Senate Bill No. 2805, was approved on third and final reading earlier in the day. It seeks to give the MTRCB the authority to regulate content on streaming platforms to curb what it describes as obscenity, immorality, and senseless violence online.

According to the bill, “on-demand streaming services” include internet-based platforms where users can stream or download content. For paid services, the MTRCB would require a list of available content for classification and could reclassify material after review — but only “as necessary.”

Senator Hontiveros, however, argued the government should focus on enforcing existing laws that already address harmful content, especially when children are involved.

She pointed to several laws already in place, including the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.”

“‘Yan ang dapat kalaban ng MTRCB. Hindi ito ang general na ‘contrary to good morals injurious to the prestige of the Philippines’, o ‘undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government,’ added Senator Hontiveros.

She added regulating online platforms deserves a more focused and modern legislative approach — not one that could stifle free expression.

“Ang boses at sining ng mga Pilipino — offline man o online — ay kapangyarihang pag-aari ng taumbayan, at protektado ng Saligang Batas. Ang anumang regulasyon nito ay dapat hindi labis,” stressed the senator.

(JREC)

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