We write to clarify the news item published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Dec. 24, 2024, titled “COA flags MTRCB over 15 consultants paid P4 million.”
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board has already addressed and complied with the COA Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) as of Aug. 22, 2024, and this will be reflected in the final audit report. The published report referenced in the news article is not yet final. We would have appreciated it had the Philippine Daily Inquirer reached out to us for comment before publishing the news item that was based on the 2023 report, considering that actions have already been taken.
The MTRCB is a small agency tasked with the big responsibility of protecting Filipino audiences, especially children, from potentially harmful content. In 2023, the MTRCB operated with only 49 plantilla positions and 30 appointive Board members. Despite our limited manpower, we fulfilled our mandates under Presidential Decree No. 1986, while addressing the growing challenges posed by digital media platforms. We note that despite its manpower limitation, the MTRCB reviewed a total of 255,200 TV programs, plugs, and trailers, and films and movie trailers in 2023 and a total of 241,144 materials as of November 2024.
To effectively carry out our core mandates and developmental initiatives, we engage consultants to address expertise gaps and support our operations. These consultants are vital to maintaining the quality and efficiency of our services.
It is unfair to make a general claim that there was non-submission of documents. The MTRCB submitted the necessary documents prior to the hiring of consultants and the release of payments, in accordance with government rules and regulations. However, the COA required more detailed accomplishment reports and updated curriculum vitae, which we have since provided as of Aug. 22, 2024.
To ensure compliance, the MTRCB now requires consultants to issue official receipts and complete all necessary documentation before payments are processed. The agency’s accountant, in coordination with the bids and awards committee, ensures all procurement complies with Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and its implementing rules and regulations.
Additionally, the requirement for written approval from the Office of the Solicitor General regarding the hiring of legal counsel does not apply to the MTRCB in this particular instance. The consultant that we hired in 2023 was engaged in stakeholder management, not as a legal consultant.
Rest assured that, in 2024 and moving forward, the MTRCB has fully implemented the COA’s findings to strengthen accountability and ensure full compliance with government rules and regulations.
Thank you for allowing us to provide this clarification.
DIORELLA MARIA “LALA” SOTTO-ANTONIO, MTRCB chair and chief executive officer