MTRCB reports ₱633 million in savings due to fiscal discipline

 

THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) reported during its 2026 Senate committee budget briefing that it has generated more than ₱633 million in savings.

MTRCB Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Lala Sotto said the Agency’s strong financial standing shows how it has managed public funds efficiently.

“I am very happy to share with you, Mr. Chairman, that as of July 2025, we have ₱633,813,462.64 in our sinking fund. This savings record demonstrates our transparency and efficiency in managing public funds,” Sotto said.

The Agency has consistently surpassed its revenue targets.

In 2024, it collected nearly 129 percent above goal, and from January to June 2025, it had already achieved more than 70 percent of its yearly projection.

The ₱633-million is kept with the National Treasury, serving as a reserve that Sotto said proves the MTRCB can sustain its operations while safeguarding public money.

“This fund is proof that the MTRCB can deliver on its mandate while safeguarding resources entrusted to us,” she said. “Our responsibility to the Filipino people extends beyond media regulation; it includes ensuring that every peso entrusted to us is managed with integrity.”

Sotto added that for the 2026 budget, only ₱55 million, or about one-fourth of the Agency’s request, would come from the national government to cover salaries.

The rest will be financed from the MTRCB’s own income.

In August, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada filed a resolution to allow the Agency to retain a portion of its generated income to directly fund its programs. The measure seeks to strengthen the MTRCB’s regulatory and developmental work, including its digital initiatives to promote responsible media consumption.

In 2024, the Board reviewed 267,080 materials, while from January to June 2025 alone, it rated and classified 103,390.

For films, the MTRCB surpassed its pre-pandemic peak in 2019, rising from 550 to 582 films reviewed in 2024.

Sotto further reported that MTRCB has received multiple awards and recognitions from institutions and agencies.

Under the leadership of Sotto, the Agency was inducted into the Hall of Fame as an Outstanding eNGAS User and recognized for maintaining an Outstanding Accounting Office, affirming its reputation for excellence and good governance.