The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) clarified on Tuesday that it does not currently have jurisdiction over content on streaming platforms.
The statement comes after Senator Jinggoy Estrada criticized streaming service VMX (formerly Vivamax) for allegedly featuring “pornographic” material and exploiting performers with low wages.
In a statement, MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto explained that the agency’s mandate, as defined under Presidential Decree 1986, is limited to regulating content on traditional platforms like television and cinema.
“Currently, online curated content does not fall within the MTRCB’s mandate. This is why we are grateful to the entire Senate for supporting amendments to the MTRCB charter to expand our scope,” Sotto said.
Sotto echoed Estrada’s concerns about protecting audiences, particularly children, in the age of digital media.
“We share Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s concerns that we need to protect our viewers, especially children, in this digital age. As one of its proactive steps, the MTRCB called the attention of subscription-based platforms and encouraged them to observe our standards,” she added.
The statement was issued after Senator Estrada delivered a privilege speech on Monday, where he called out VMX for what he described as “graphic, sexual, and exploitative material.” Estrada argued that the platform’s content lacks redeeming value and is widely accessible to younger audiences.
“Vivamax, a subscription-based popular streaming service, has gained attention not for its meaningful and family-oriented content, but for inundating the digital space with films and shows filled with graphic, sexual, and exploitative material,” Estrada said.
Estrada expressed concern over the platform’s affordability, with subscription plans ranging from ₱169 to ₱499 per month, making it easily accessible. He further accused VMX of failing to fulfill its commitment to self-regulation despite previous warnings.
“Vivamax committed to ensure that the content on its platforms aligns with Filipino cultural values, and is not objectionable for being immoral, indecent, or contrary to law. However, monitoring conducted by the MTRCB shows that their films are more suitable for pornographic sites,” Estrada said.
The senator also criticized the alleged exploitation of performers, claiming they are paid as little as ₱15,000 per day, with some films completed in as little as two days. This, he said, enables the platform to mass-produce content.
Estrada cited Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, which prohibits the distribution, exhibition, or sale of immoral or obscene content, adding that the Philippines remains a nation grounded in moral values, family traditions, and respect for human dignity.
“While I acknowledge the importance of artistic freedom and creative expression, these should come with boundaries, especially when they begin to undermine our society’s moral fabric,” Estrada stated.
He further emphasized that his concerns were not about censorship but about protecting societal values.
“Wala po akong nakikitang redeeming values na mapupulot ang mga manonood kundi ang pagsilbihan ang mga tumatangkilik ng kalaswaan, kawalan ng respeto sa dignidad ng tao, at pagkakitaan ang ganitong klase ng pelikula,” Estrada added.
In September, the MTRCB proposed collaborating with online streaming platforms to implement content safeguards and establish a feedback mechanism, recognizing the growing demand for stronger oversight in digital media.
The MTRCB assured the public that despite the limitations of its current mandate, it continues to explore solutions to address concerns about online content.
LionhearTV has reached out to VMX for their side on the issue but has yet to receive a response.
