During a Senate hearing on the proposed budget for the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), the streaming app Vivamax became a focal point of discussion. Senator Jinggoy Estrada raised concerns about the platform’s content, questioning how the government could regulate it.
“I haven’t watched any movie of Vivamax, but according to those who are always watching this, medyo may pagkalaswa nang kaunti (it’s somewhat indecent),” Estrada remarked. His statement highlighted the growing concerns over the type of content available on Vivamax, known for its daring and often explicit films.
MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio responded by clarifying that online content regulation does not fall under the MTRCB’s current mandate. However, she acknowledged that the board has communicated with Vivamax to address these concerns. “They have been trying their best to cooperate with us. They do have PIN codes. They have created another online streaming app apart from Vivamax which is VivaOne. We appreciate the efforts but unfortunately, the content still bothers the general public,” Sotto-Antonio explained.
Despite these efforts, the issue of online content regulation remains a gray area, as the MTRCB’s jurisdiction is primarily over traditional media such as television and film. The rise of digital streaming platforms like Vivamax has introduced new challenges in content regulation, prompting lawmakers to consider updates to existing legislation.
In response to these concerns, Senator Estrada noted that Senator Robin Padilla plans to introduce a bill to amend the MTRCB’s charter to include the regulation of digital content. This potential legislative change could expand the MTRCB’s authority to cover online streaming platforms, allowing the board to enforce stricter content guidelines in the digital space.
WATCH: Streaming app Vivamax became a hot topic during a hearing on the proposed MTRCB budget when Sen. Jinggoy Estrada asked how the government can regulate its content.
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"I haven't watched any movie of Vivamax but according to those who are always watching this, medyo may… pic.twitter.com/bYYGSdUaFs
The discussion during the hearing underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to regulating content in the evolving media landscape. As streaming platforms continue to grow in popularity, the government faces increasing pressure to ensure that content accessible to the public aligns with societal standards and values. The proposed bill by Senator Padilla, if passed, could mark a significant step toward achieving this goal, ensuring that platforms like Vivamax are held to the same standards as traditional media.