It has come to my attention that some theaters have been operating without the Certificate of Registration as required by Chapter 9, Section 32 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which states "All persons and entities authorized by law to engage in the movie and television industry, to include Importers, Exporters, Film Studios or Laboratories, Television Networks, Local Cable Television Operators, Local and Foreign Movie Producers, Television Program Producers, Distributors or Booking Agents, Movie houses, and other activities falling under the supervision and regulation of the BOARD as provided in Section 3 (d) of P.D. No. 1986, shall register with the BOARD."

Any theater, distributor producer who violates this provision is subject to the following penalties as contained in the Revised Schedule of Administrative Penalties effective January 1, 1999.  For first offense - FOR THEATER/TV STATION/PRODUCTION OUTFIT: One (1) month closure.  FOR OWNER OF PRINT/PROGRAM PRODUCER: Six (6) months suspension of PTE/prohibition from applying for PTE and confiscation of film print or material. For second offense - FOR THEATER/TV STATION/PRODUCTION OUTFIT: Six (6) months closure.  FOR OWNER OF PRINT/PROGRAM PRODUCER: One (1) year suspension of PTE/prohibition from applying for PTE and confiscation of film print or materials.  For third offense - FOR THEATER/TV STATION/PRODUCTION OUTFIT: Revocation of Certificate of Registration and one (1) year closure.  FOR OWNER OF PRINT/PROGRAM PRODUCER: permanent prohibition from applying for PTE and confiscation of film print or TV material.

The Board shall not hesitate to impose the corresponding sanctions for failure to comply with this memorandum circular.  Distributors and producers are enjoined to make sure that the theaters possess the necessary and valid Certificate of Registration before they transact business with the theaters.

Adopted: 15 March 2004


(SGD.) MA. CONSOLIZA P. LAGUARDIA
Chairman