Manila: The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) announced that it is ready to regulate streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, and Disney, should Congress expand its mandate. The agency also proposed enhanced safeguards to prevent violent content from reaching children online.

According to Philippines News Agency, MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto informed the Senate Committee on Finance that the agency is capable of overseeing subscription video-on-demand and other online streaming services. However, Sotto emphasized that the MTRCB's role should focus on regulation rather than preemptive censorship.

"We will accept the challenge if the legislators would include the said online services, streaming platforms, the subscription video on-demand services in our jurisdiction or our purview," Sotto stated during the hearing concerning the agency's proposed 2027 budget, chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo.

Sotto added that films on streaming platforms need not undergo pre-release review. Instead, providers should implement effective complaint mechanisms and respond promptly to raised concerns. She noted that the agency is currently collaborating with Netflix, HBO, and Disney, which have been cooperative.

Senator Tulfo expressed concerns over the accessibility of explicit and violent content to children, including online games and content linked to recent school violence incidents. Sotto acknowledged that such content remains outside MTRCB's current jurisdiction, but noted that the agency is exploring possible regulatory measures.

MTRCB Executive Director Roberto Diciembre suggested a 'do not amplify' policy, which would require major platforms to prevent algorithms from promoting violent material, particularly to minors. This approach could involve barring violent content from algorithmic recommendations, implementing age-gating for graphic material, disabling autoplay, and restricting the monetization of violent videos.

Diciembre explained, "Kung pwede, hindi ma-monetize because sa totoo lang, isa sa mga motivation ng mga content creators, syempre ma-monetize yung gagawin nilang content (If possible, it should not be monetized because, in reality, one of the motivations of content creators is to earn from the content they produce)."

He also proposed stronger 'safety by default' rules for minors, including enhanced privacy settings and measures against repeated exposure to violent material. The agency is considering special emergency protocols for livestreamed violence, particularly during mass shootings, terrorist attacks, hostage situations, riots, and similar incidents.

Diciembre highlighted the need for rapid escalation mechanisms on platforms to quickly route critical issues to government authorities, as harmful content can spread via livestreaming before standard moderation systems can intervene.

However, for now, Tulfo pointed out that MTRCB cannot enforce such measures without an expanded mandate from Congress. "Unless you will be given by Congress and the Senate to expand your powers to look into online platforms, social media, online games. For now, wala kayong magagawa (there is nothing you can do)?" Tulfo queried. Diciembre confirmed this limitation.

For 2027, MTRCB proposed a total spending of approximately PHP197.9 million, with PHP53.39 million sourced from the national government and PHP144.51 million, or about 73 percent, from agency-generated income. The agency also proposed PHP35.78 million in capital outlay for ICT software and equipment, including the second year of redevelopment of its transaction and collection system.