Senator Risa Hontiveros' Explanation of "No" Vote on the Bill Expanding the Authority of MTRCB

Mr. President, I voted no to the bill expanding the authority of MTRCB since it grants the MTRCB overly broad powers to censor even speech protected by the 1987 Constitution, and even material not meant for theatrical distribution.

We can be specific about the materials we should protect people from -- media that, by their mere showing, constitute violations of law, including:

RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act

RA 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, and

RA 9995 or the "Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009

Yan ang dapat kalaban ng MTRCB.

Hindi ito ang general na "contrary to good morals," "injurious to the prestige of the Philippines", o "undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government."

More than this, Mr. President, the regulation of digital services and online content, should be carefully done with legislation crafted specifically for this purpose, at hindi lamang add-on sa MTRCB.

Ang boses at sining ng mga Pilipino -- offline man o online -- ay kapangyarihang pag-aari ng taumbayan, at protektado ng Saligang Batas. Ang anumang regulasyon nito ay dapat hindi labis.

Salamat po.