The freedom of speech, of expression and of creation are enshrined in our Constitution, but they should never be abused.
Senator Robin Padilla stressed this as he presided over the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media that tackled, among others, proposed measures giving the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) added teeth to protect Filipinos, especially children, against objectionable movies, publicity materials and other audio-visual media.
“Huwag natin abusuhin ang salitang freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of creation, na ang atin pong kultura lalong lalo na ang kapakanan ng ating kabataan ang nakasalalay.”
“Muli po, ang akin pong paalala sa lahat: Huwag natin abusuhin ang salitang freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of creation, na ang atin pong kultura lalong lalo na ang kapakanan ng ating kabataan ang nakasalalay,” Padilla said.
“Hindi po dapat tayo dapat nakadagdag ng apoy kundi dapat po tayo ay nagsisilbing tubig na nagpapatay ng apoy.”
“Hindi po sapat na dahilan ang mga ito upang manira tayo ng kapwa natin o ng mga dayuhan. Hindi po dapat tayo dapat nakadagdag ng apoy kundi dapat po tayo ay nagsisilbing tubig na nagpapatay ng apoy upang tayo po ay tumungo sa tunay na pagmamahalan, hindi lamang po Pilipino sa Pilipino kundi Pilipino sa dayuhan. Tayo ay nandito para magtulong-tulong para makamit ang kapayapaan at pag-unlad,” the legislator said at the hearing where international groups voiced support for giving the MTRCB added teeth.
Padilla’s bid to update the MTRCB’s mandate to deal with modern media and distribution platforms, including online and streaming, got the support of international organizations including the Motion Picture Association and Asia Video Industry Association.
James Cheatley, regional director of the Motion Picture Association, said they would welcome such a move since the association’s members make available content on a global scale, “taking into account regional and local differences related to religion (and) society.”
Celeste Campbell-Pitt, Chief Policy Officer of the Asia Video Industry Association, said they are willing to cooperate with the MTRCB.
Before adjourning the hearing, Padilla stressed the need for everyone concerned to protect Filipinos, especially the youth, from false information and values.
“Kailangan tayong lahat ay prophet of love and peace. Yun lang. At higit sa lahat true information. Magkasundo po tayo doon na tamang impormasyon,” the lawmaker stressed.
