MTRCB to review political ads

MANILA, Philippines - The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) will review political advertisements aired on television for the 2013 elections but the agency would continue monitoring regular TV shows and movie trailers.

Newly appointed MTRCB chairman Eugene Villareal said political advertisements are beyond the mandate of the board and the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) has the responsibility to review political ads.

Villareal said the board would continue reviewing TV shows during the election period to ensure that guidelines are being observed.

He said designated deputies would be scrutinizing all TV and movie trailers, including documentaries on Philippine politics.

“For political documentaries we just look at the content. If there is anything offensive, and if there is compliance with our rules on classification,” he said.

Villareal said there should be no confusing media laws with the election law, which is being implemented by the Commission on Elections.

So far, he said no government agencies have requested the assistance of MTRCB on election-related activities.