MTRCB: Cinemas to resume operations on December 1

MANILA, Philippines — Cinema operators are eyeing to resume operations by Dec. 1 as they prepare for implementation of health protocols in theaters, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) said.

In an interview on One News’ “The Chiefs” on Wednesday, MTRCB executive director Benjo Benaldo said the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) confirmed that cinemas and movie theaters will be opening next month after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) allowed the reopening on limited capacity, though the organization is still working on protocols for movie theaters.

“They told me that they will be opening because the IATF already allowed them however they are still trying to do protocols in movie theaters. They told us this morning movie houses will open on Dec. 1,” Benaldo said.

He declined to mention the movies MTRCB is reviewing for showing in cinemas next month.

Benaldo said some theaters will be opening on Nov. 24 on a limited capacity. “The IATF allows 30 percent capacity. I think in areas where there’s 70 percent vaccination, they can increase cinema capacity by another 20 percent and if that cinema will get that safety seal by the IATF, they can add another 10 percent so they can have a capacity of 60 percent,” Benaldo explained.

“Some of the moviegoers might not be too comfortable as CEAP was saying they’re not sure if profitable but we are happy since the economy is opening up the cinemas, the last priority to open up, but President Duterte and the IATF allowed the opening,” he said.

Under the updated guidelines issued by the IATF on Oct. 13, cinemas and movie houses are included in the list of establishments “allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 30 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity.”

“Provided, that all workers/employees of these establishments are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and MPHS (minimum public health standards) shall be strictly maintained. Provided further, that there is no objection from the LGU where these activities may take place,” according to the guidelines.