A lawmaker pushed Sunday for the passage of a bill that will limit to adults the sale and distribution of violence-depicting video games, saying it is necessary to spare the youth from the corrupting influence of video games.

Alliance of Rural Concerns (ARC) Party-list Rep. Narciso D. Santiago III seeks the passage of House Bill 6834 or his proposed “Video Game Rating Enforcement Act of 2009,” supposedly to establish an age rating system for video games.

“By limiting the sale and distribution of video games to mature audiences only, we would be able to safeguard the moral foundation of our society and avoid unnecessary miseducation of the youth,” he said.

Santiago said as technology progresses, more and more recreational activities are being created.

“Video games in particular, offer a wide range of selection for all kinds of consumer. However, not all video games are meant for children. Many video games present ideas and images that are violent, indecent and corrupt, which may not be properly appreciated by the young consumers,” he said.

He said the passage of the bill is just proper since it is the declared policy of the State to recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-building and promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual and social well-being.

The solon said it is the obligation of the State to inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.

Under the measure, it shall be unlawful for any person to ship or distribute in interstate commerce, or to sell or rent a video game that does not contain an age-based content rating label, in a clear and conspicuous location on the outside packaging of the video game.

It shall likewise be illegal for any person to sell or rent or attempt to sell or rent any video game that has an age-based content rating of “Adults Only” to any person under the age of 18.