PUVs reminded to show only ‘general patronage,’ ‘parental guidance’ movies

MANILA, Philippines — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is making sure that only “wholesome” movies will be shown in public utility vehicles (PUVs) during Holy Week.

On Monday morning, MTRCB officials and personnel led by their chair, Eugenio “Toto” Villareal, held a surprise inspection of buses as well as the facilities at the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport terminal in Coastal Mall, Parañaque City.

The inspection was part of their continuing efforts to remind PUV drivers and operators to show only movies rated “G” or “PG” by the MTRCB.

A movie with a “G” classification is deemed suitable for all audiences while parental guidance is suggested for those rated “PG.”

During the inspection, three buses were caught showing unrated videos, resulting in the confiscation of the items.

Villareal identified the buses as Erjohn and Almark, Baes and Alfonso Liner.

The MTRCB official said he would summon the bus operators, drivers and conductors concerned to a preliminary conference.

Based on notices posted by the agency at waiting areas in the Parañaque terminal, violators face a prison sentence ranging from three months to a year,  a fine of up to P5,000 or the cancelation of their franchise.

The MTRCB also inspected ferry boats and their facilities at the North Harbor Port in Manila later in the day.

Earlier this month, the MTRCB went around Manila to inspect the bus terminals of Dangwa, Fariñas Transit and RCJ.

According to project reports posted on the MTRCB website, the agency entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in May 2011 to regulate the type of movies being shown in PUVs in response to passenger complaints about films with excessive sex and violence being shown in buses.

Since then, the MTRCB has been deploying inspection teams to PUVS and ferries. It also urged passengers to report violations through letters or by calling its hotline at 3767380.

RELATED STORY

MMDA: No number coding for provincial buses during Holy Week