MTRCB bans 'Rated R' movies in public buses

MANILA, Philippines - Local and foreign films that have been rated "R" or restricted should not be shown in public transportation, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) announced in a press briefing on Thursday.

MTRCB chairman Eugenio Villareal said that the agency now restricts movies and programming shown in public transportation, particularly in buses. He said that the board only allows the showing of G-rated or general patronage movies in public places.

Villareal said that the viewing of Rated R movies having violent, sexual or sensual content had been particularly frequent in provincial-bound transportation the past years.

He added that R-rated films are only recommended for viewers beyond 18 years old, while the G-rated ones are friendly even to children.

He also reiterated the MTRCB's call for viewer awareness in public buses and encouraged the public to report transportation companies that do not provide child-friendly entertainment.