The Board has observed that during some raids conducted on theaters, the MTRCB raiding team encountered some difficulty in seizing the film prints when some violations were discovered.

Following are pertinent provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and the Implementing Rules and Regulations.

"Sec. 13. Inspection. - In addition to its powers vested by law, and for the effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act, the BOARD or its duly authorized representative shall have the power to inspect all public exhibitions of any motion picture or publicity material in movie houses, theaters and other public establishments, and in any case, upon discovery of any motion picture or publicity material which, although previously approved by the BOARD, has been tampered with to introduce any unapproved matter, to immediately seize the article containing or incorporating such unapproved matter and to cause the prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the violations of the Act, Presidential Decree No. 49 and/or Revised Penal Code, as amended."

Any interference or intervention by any person in the implementation of aforementioned provision such as but not limited to the movie theaters' strict policy denying access to the projection room to secure the prints and in asking for approval from producers or distributors before they release the said prints, shall be construed as an act of obstruction of justice.  Such person(s) shall be held criminally and/or administratively liable for violation thereof.

For your attention and compliance.

Adopted: 15 March 2004


(SGD.) MA. CONSOLIZA P. LAGUARDIA
Chairman