HB01999: AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8370, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "CHILDRENꞌS TELEVISION ACT OF 1997"
This bill proposes amendments to Republic Act No. 8370, also known as the "Children's Television Act of 1997," specifically regarding the composition of the National Council for Children's Television (NCCT) Advisory Committee. The explanatory note highlights the alarming statistics on Filipino children's television viewing habits, with many exceeding recommended daily exposure, often watching programs not specifically created for children during prime time. The bill emphasizes that such exposure can be detrimental to children's growth, potentially leading to negative health effects like aggressive behavior, poor academic performance, and negative self-image.
The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that the NCCT is advised more "knowingly and prudently" in formulating national policies for children's broadcast programs, recognizing that the future lies with children. Specifically, it modifies the composition of the Advisory Committee to include the Head of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Committee on Cultural Education and Information, and a representative from the National Youth Commission, replacing the Chairman or Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Press Undersecretary/Officer-In-Charge of the Philippine Information Agency, respectively. This change aims to bring more focused expertise and representation to the committee responsible for safeguarding the well-being and holistic development of Filipino children through television programming.