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(NAR) VOL. 14 NOS. 1-2 / APRIL - JUNE 2003
[ MTRCB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 01-03, January 09, 2003 ]
AMENDMENT OF THE MTRCB IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS
CHAPTER III
Movie, Television, and Trailer Classification
SECTION 3. Movie Classification — Movies shall be classified as: GENERAL AUDIENCE ("G"); Parental Guidance-13 ("PG"); STRICTLY FOR 13 AND UP ("R-13"); Strictly for Adults ("R"); and NOT FOR PUBLIC VIEWING ("X").
(a) GENERAL AUDIENCE ("G"), all ages admitted — A movie which, in the judgment of the BOARD, contains nothing that would be deemed offensive by parents whose young children were to view the material. The material must at all time be wholesome.
While some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation, they should be common everyday expressions. No stronger words are present in "G" films. Violence is at a minimum. There is no sexually-oriented nudity. Any drug use content pushes the "G" film into a "PG-13" classification.
(b) PARENTAL GUIDANCE — 13 (“PG-13”), parents strongly cautioned. A “PG” film may contain some material inappropriate for children below 13. Parents are strongly cautioned to give special attention to this film before allowing their minor children to view it. Children below 13 may view a “PG-13” film only if accompanied by parent or an adult.
The “PG-13” classification will generally not allow considerable sex or violence. A film’s single use of a harsh sexually derived word, though only as an expletive, may lead the BOARD to issue the material an “R” classification, as may one of these words used in sexual context.
The “PG-13” places the principal responsibility on parents for their children’s moviegoing. Its purpose is to give prescreening advance information or warnings. (c) STRICTLY FOR 13 AND UP (R-13). A movie which, in the judgment of the BOARD, goes beyond a “G” and “PG” classifications in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, or other contents but does not quite fit in the “STRICTLY FOR ADULTS” (“R”) rating.
(d) STRICTLY FOR ADULTS (“R”), restricted to or patently for adults — A movie which, in the judgment of the Board, contains adult material, vulgar or profane language, considerable sex and violence, sexually oriented nudity, tolerant depiction of aberrational behavior, drug use, or a combination of all of the above.
No one below 18 shall be allowed to watch material with an “R” classification. The “R” however, does not mean the material is “obscene” or “pornographic”. It is merely classified as such because most parents would consider the abovementioned adult elements off-limits for viewing by their children.
A motion picture classified “R” is automatically disqualified from exhibition on television, unless it has been made to fit into the standards of the “G” and “PG” classification for television.
(e) NOT FOR PUBLIC VIEWING (“X”) — A movie which, in the judgment of the Board, is contrary to law, public order, public safety, or any legitimate public interest.
The Board shall not mark “X”-rated films as obscene, pornographic, or seditious. These are legal terms for courts to decide.
A motion picture classified “X” is likewise disqualified from exhibition on television, unless it has been made to fit into the standards of the “G” and “PG” classification for television.
The “X” classification is tantamount to a ban on film’s theatrical distribution. Before the BOARD issues an “X” classification, it must clearly determine that:
(i) The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the dominant theme or the work, taken as a whole, appeals to prurient interest and satisfies only the market for gratuitous sex and/or violence.
(ii) The work depicts, in a patently lewd, offensive, or demeaning manner, excretory functions and sexual conduct such as ultimate sexual acts (normal or perverted, actual or simulated), masturbation, and exhibition of the genitals; or
(iii) The work, taken as a whole and viewed within its context, manner of presentation, intention, and culture, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
A motion picture that has been rated “X” may be exhibited in venues that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the MTRCB as provided by law. It is incumbent upon such venues to strictly observe non-admission of minors. These venues are not in any way compelled to exhibit such “X”-rated films, and may reject an “X” rated film for exhibition.
For your guidance and strict compliance.
Adopted: 09 Jan. 2003
(SGD.) ATTY. DENNIS G. MANICAD
Officer-in-Charge