The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) acknowledges its limited authority over online streaming platforms that feature obscene content, such as Vivamax.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Friday, MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto confirmed that their agency has no control over content streamed on such online platforms.
This comes amid the widespread use of online streaming platforms, with growing concern over the rising number of viewers, particularly minors.
“Kami po ay nakipag-ugnayan sa Viva at maayos naman kaming nakipag-usap sa kanila and maganda naman po ‘yung aming naging usapan noong January of 2023," said Sotto.
"Ito po ay inisyatibo ng MTRCB na pinakiusapan namin sila, hiniyakat namin sila na sana sundin ng Vivamax ang aming pamantayan o ang aming classification ratings ng MTRCB," she added.
According to Sotto, even though Vivamax falls outside their jurisdiction, they have reached out to the platform regarding the issue to ensure the protection of minor viewers.
Furthermore, Sotto stated that there is a need to amend Presidential Decree No. 1986 to include online streaming platforms under the board's jurisdiction.
"Kami po ay nagsumite na two years ago ng aming proposed amendment to the charter of PD 1986. Ito po ay inaayos na sa Senado. Ang sponsor po nito ay si Sen. Robin Padilla," said Sotto.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada earlier condemned the proliferation and easy public access to obscene and 'pornographic' content on streaming platforms, particularly Vivamax.
