Carmina, Zoren and twins help explain ‘SPG’ rating for TV shows

Carmina, Zoren and twins

An infomercial on the new rating system for television, featuring actors Zoren Legazpi, Carmina Villaroel and their twins Cassandra and Maverick, will be aired starting February 9.

Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chair Grace Poe-Llamanzares announced on Tuesday that the infomercial is in line with the implementation of a new classification rating called Strong Parental Guidance or “SPG.”

The revised ratings, based on a recent memorandum issued by the review board, are General Patronage (“G”), Parental Guidance (“PG”), Strong Parental Guidance (“SPG”) and Disapproved (“X”).

“We’ve agreed not to impose a time slot for the airing of shows with ‘SPG’ classification,” the MTRCB chief said. “As a compromise, the networks will help us air the infomercial, which aims to teach the public what the new rating means. They happily obliged—they will give us a list of airtime soon. They can’t just broadcast the [ad] when only a few people will get to see it; They have to air it on prime time, too.”

The 30-seconder was directed by Veronica Velasco, with Vic Acedillo as creative director. “These are hard-core movie people; they did this at no cost,” Llamanzares said. “Carmina and her family didn’t ask for talent fees, either.”

Explaining the need for a higher classification rating, Llamanzares said programs classified as “SPG” may contain “more serious topics and themes, which may not be advisable for children to watch except under the very vigilant guidance and presence of a parent or adult.”

Llamanzares noted: “The scope of ‘PG’ was so wide—from basketball to [the reality show] ‘Pinoy Big Brother.’ A basketball game is ‘PG’ since fights could break out, but PBB may be considered ‘SPG.’”

She said a dialogue will soon be held about what constitutes the sexualization of a scene.