Movie and Television Review and Classification Board

"Para sa matalinong manonood! (For smart viewing!)"
- MTRCB's motto

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (abbreviated as MTRCB) (Filipino: Lupon sa Pagrerepaso at Pag-uuri ng Sine at Telebisyon) is a Philippine government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines that is responsible for the classification and review of television programs, movies and home videos.

Film classifications[]

Unrestricted classifications[]

G: A "G" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film, in the judgment of the BOARD, is suitable for all audiences. Equivalent to G and low PG. Also equivalent to E and low E10+.

Theme – The film should not contain violence, threat, abuse, horror, or other themes that may cause fear or disturbance to a young child's mind.
Language – The film may contain dialogue or other word representations beyond polite language, but profane, offensive, and sexually-suggestive language or gestures shall not be allowed.
Nudity – The film may contain occasional, as well as natural non-sexual nudity.
Sex – The film cannot contain and depict sexual activity.
Violence – The depiction of any violence must be mild, brief, infrequent, and unlikely to cause undue anxiety or fear to young children.
Horror – The depiction of horror and frightening scenes should be mild, brief, infrequent, and unlikely to cause undue anxiety or fear to young children.
Drugs – There shall be no depiction of, or reference to, prohibited drugs or their use.

Restricted classifications[]

Partially restricted classifications[]

The PG classification is partially restricted. A parent or supervising adult must accompany viewers aged under thirteen for the duration of the film.

PG: 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. Under 13s should be accompanied by an adult. Equivalent to high PG and low PG-13. Also equivalent to high E10+ and low T.

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.
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. 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.
Nudity – The film may contain occasional, as well as natural nudity; provided that there is no sexual or demeaning context to it.
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.
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.
Horror – The depiction of horror and frightening scenes shall be allowed; provided that they are brief and infrequent.
Drugs – There shall be no depiction of, or reference to, prohibited drugs or substances and their use.

Fully restricted classifications[]

These classifications are legally age-restricted. It is illegal to show or sell age-restricted material to persons underage. Cinemas are legally required to check the age of patrons (e.g., through identification) before they can view age-restricted features.

Cinema and video (current)[]

R-13: 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. No one under 13 to be admitted. Equivalent to high PG-13. Also equivalent to high T.

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.
Language – The film may contain moderate swear words and menacing language consistent with the context of the scene in which they are employed. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

R-16: An "R-16" 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 sixteen (16) years of age. No one under 16 to be admitted. Equivalent to R. Also equivalent to M.

Theme – There are no restrictions on themes; provided that the treatment is appropriate for viewers who are at least sixteen (16) years of age.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The movie shall not in any case promote, condone, and encourage drug use.

R-18: An "R-18" 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 eighteen (18) years of age. No one under 18 to be admitted. Equivalent to NC-17. Also equivalent to AO.

Theme – There are no restrictions on themes and their treatment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Video only (former)[]

R: An "R" 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 eighteen (18) years of age. No one under 18 may rent or buy the video. Equivalent to R and NC-17.

Theme – There are no restrictions on themes and their treatment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

X: 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.

An X rated film is not allowed for public release.

Television classifications[]

G: A G classification advises parents or supervising adults that the television program is suitable for all ages. Material for television, which in the judgment of the BOARD does not contain anything unsuitable for children. Equivalent to TV-Y and TV-G.

PG: The television program classified as PG must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

Theme – More serious issues may be tackled but the treatment must be suitable to children below thirteen (13) years old.
Language – Very mild swear words only shall be allowed. Use of a strong expletive in a sexual context or sexually-based expletives shall not be allowed. Neither shall prolonged and/or successive use of expletives be allowed.
Nudity – Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual activity, is permissible.
Sex – Graphic depiction of sexual activity shall not be permitted. Sexual activity may be implied but with no details shown.
Violence – There should be no glamorization of weapons and crimes. No detail of fighting or other dangerous techniques. No detail or prolonged showing of violence or suffering. There should be a redeeming social value at the end.
Horror – Scary sequences must be mild and brief.
Drugs – There may only be implied depiction of prohibited drugs and/or substances or their use provided it does not condone, encourage or glamorize drug and/or substance use and it should be necessary to the theme and characterization.

Equivalent to TV-Y7(-FV) and TV-PG.

SPG: Programs classified as SPG may contain more serious topic and theme, which may not be advisable for children to watch except under the very vigilant guidance and presence of a parent or an adult.

The "SPG" classification warns parents to exercise greater parental responsibility in their children's viewing of the program. The television program classified as "SPG" must still fall within the parameters of existing Parental Guidance classification rating. However, to merit the issuance of an "SPG" rating, the gravity of the material must, in the judgment of the BOARD, be leaning towards the maximum allowable for Parental Guidance rating. In determining the proper classification rating, the Board shall consider the purpose, genre, and time slot of the program as well as the treatment and depiction of attendant factors such as, but not limited to: Theme (Tema), Violence (Karahasan), Drugs (Droga), Language (Lenggwahe), Sex (Sekswal) and Horror (Katatakutan).

All SPG-rated programming must show a full-screen notice before continuing from a commercial break.

Equivalent to TV-14 and TV-MA.

Disapproved for Airing on Television (X): Any television program that does not conform to the "G", "PG", and "SPG" classification shall be unfit for television broadcast if, in the judgment of the Board applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard, it is objectionable for being immoral, indecent, contrary to law and/or good customs, injurious to the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines or its people, or with a dangerous tendency to encourage the commission of violence, or of a wrong, or crime, such as but not limited to:

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.
The work depicts in a patently lewd, offensive, or demeaning manner, excretory functions, and sexual conduct such as sexual intercourse, masturbation and exhibition of the genitals.
The work clearly constitutes an attack against any race, creed or religion.
The work condones or encourages abuse and exploitation against women and/or children.
The work promotes or endorses the use of illegal drugs and substances.
The work tends to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly constituted authorities.
The work glorifies criminals or condones crimes.
The work is libelous or defamatory to the good name and reputation of any person, whether living or dead.
The work may constitute contempt of court of a quasi-judicial tribunal, or may pertain to matters, which are subjudicial in nature.

Any episodes of an X-rated TV show are not allowed to be aired on television. Such acts could result in fines in the millions of pesos and/or imprisonment for several years for someone in breach of this.

Allegedly unused classifications[]

TV ratings that are rumored to exist, but not used by any TV shows in the Philippines.

M: Presumably not recommended for under thirteen (13) years of age. This rating is likely to follow before SPG. It may also have the SPG content descriptors. May have been the equivalent to low TV-14.

R-18: Such programs would have been unviewable on TV channels not allowed to air such content. It most likely has elements of pornography, violence, strong language, etc. It may also have the content descriptors of its movie counterpart. It was not passed due to the fact that most parents wouldn't let children watch such programs. It's possible that if it was passed, such programs would have been required by law to air only after midnight, or before 5:00 AM. Could be equivalent to the high TV-MA.

Use of film ratings in television[]

Film ratings are never used by most TV channels except for Celestial Movies Pinoy, which uses the MTRCB's film ratings instead of the usual G, PG, or SPG ratings. This could be due to its title, or the fact that it airs mainly films from China.

Trailer classifications[]

G: A "G" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the trailer, in the judgment of the BOARD, is suitable for all audiences.

PG: A "PG" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the trailer 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. PG-rated trailers may not be shown on G-rated films.

Usage in newscasts[]

For newscasts, the MTRCB DOGs were not present in all newscasts except for the following:

ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, Bandila and News Patrol use the red SPG for sensitive content. TV5's Aksyon uses the SPG DOG, which is shown permanently on the upper left corner of the screen, for coarse language, usually for Aksyon sa Tanghali, which was the first newscast to be rated 'SPG' by the MTRCB because of their segment "Itimbre Mo Kay Tulfo" where anchor Raffy Tulfo solves issues by calling those involved in the issue, with occasional profanities or other similar insults thrown by both parties which cannot be censored in a live program. Cebuano News and Kapampangan News, both from CNN Philippines (formerly Solar News Channel and 9TV), show the blue PG advisory at the start but doesn't show the PG DOG during the newscast themselves.

Notes[]

National and local newscasts are exempted from the ratings system (except in the case of selected news stories, such as in ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, which uses an SPG graphic for stories with sensitive or graphic content). Some regional news programs and some CNN Philippines newscasts air a PG advisory before the show, which may violate the rules. These circumstances, however, do not affect the program itself. TV5's Aksyon sa Tanghali, on the other hand, is given a Strong Parental Guidance rating since April 2018 due to its public service segments profane nature. The rating also includes the news segments of the said edition.
Instead of "Ang programang ito ay Rated SPG.", TV5's former SPG advisory was "Ang susunod na programa ay Rated SPG."