The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) officials on Monday reminded bus firms to offer passengers, who are traveling for the Holy Week break, videos rated General Patronage (G) and Parental Guidance (PG) only.
During a surprise inspection, three buses were caught showing unrated videos, resulting in the confiscation of the items. The names of the buses were not immediately made public pending an investigation on the incident.
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.
The G rating, based on the board’s classification system, means a general audience, or viewers of all ages, may watch the film or video while the PG rating means viewers below 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
In his inspection at the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport System terminal in Parañaque City, Board Chairman Eugenio Villareal said bus drivers and conductors will be penalized for offering lewd shows or pirated videos on board.
In a radio interview, Villareal said bus firms whose units were caught showing videos rated higher than PG face a P20,000 fine on the first offense and franchise cancellation on the the second offense.
Authorities say the Lenten exodus peaks on Holy Wednesday as commuters catch last-minute rides.--Source: Manila Standard Today/Inquirer