Two films were recently slapped with an X rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). One was reclassified to R-16, the other one retained its X rating, reigniting the debate among artists and film practitioners: at this time of a major industry slump, who needs the MTRCB?
“Alipato at Muog”
“Alipato at Muog” is a documentary by JL Burgos, which won a special jury prize at the recently concluded Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Initially, it received an X rating from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), but this decision was overturned in a second review, where the film was reclassified as R-16 by a new five-member group. The panel included lawyer Maria Gabriela Concepcion, lawyer Paulino Cases, Jr., film and TV producer JoAnn Bañaga, music producer Eloisa Matias, and retired educator Maria Carmen Musngi, allowing the documentary to be shown in Philippine cinemas.
Prior to the reclassification, Burgos led a protest outside the MTRCB office in Quezon City, calling for an end to censorship and justice for victims of enforced disappearances. He said in a Facebook post that five of the MTRCB’s reviewers had spoken to them in person to announce their new decision.
“We request your good office to take another look at ‘Alipato at Muog’ with an open mind and an open heart,” Burgos said, “Our documentary is not fiction. It is a story of a family searching for their missing loved one. It is about human rights and the pursuit for justice.”
The MTRCB initially justified its X rating by claiming the film could “undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly constituted authorities.” Alipato at Muog delves into the disappearance of Burgos’ brother, Jonas, a farmer-activist, and implicates military officials. Jonas was abducted in 2007 and has not been seen since. The AFP has denied involvement.
The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), represented by Vice Chairperson Lisa Ito, supported the reclassification, stating that it was a victory against censorship:
“We celebrate with the Burgos family and everyone the decision of the MTRCB na tanggalin ang X rating at ibaba ito sa R-16. Tagumpay ito sa laban kontra censorship.”
Ito stated that the reclassification was important because it allowed the film to reach a wider audience and showed the impact of collective action against censorship.
Ito also highlighted the dangers of political censorship, noting, “As long as there are clauses like ‘undermining government’ in the law, the MTRCB will be prone to enabling political repression.” CAP called on lawmakers to reexamine these provisions, given that censorship against works on human rights continues amid the country’s worsening situation.
“Dear Santa”
The second film, “Dear Santa,” directed by RC delos Reyes and starring Paolo Contis, was less fortunate. The comedy, produced by MAVX Productions, centers on Satan accidentally receiving a child’s letter to Santa Claus. While the producers were open to changing the film’s title to widen its release, as seen with Quark Henares’ “Marupok A+,” the MTRCB denied their appeal.
At the Senate’s budget hearing on September 3, MTRCB chairperson Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio stated: “I have seen the film. I joined the board. I am offended as a Christian. It is not demonic, but it has a different depiction of Satan becoming good. But Satan will never ever be good.”
The chair of the new review group for “Dear Santa,” singer Richard Reynoso said, like MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto, he was offended by the film. In a radio interview he said, “Siyempre, lihis po ‘yan sa itinuro sa atin nung tayo ay bata pa. Lihis po ‘yan sa ating Christian foundation at sa ating personal belief. Siyempre, talagang mao-offend po tayo, masakit ho ‘yan. Kaya itinabi po namin ‘yan, dahil pagka umabot po ‘yan ng Supreme Court ay hindi naman po nila titingnan ang ating spiritual belief.”
The other members of the committee are Val Sotto, Dra. Lilian, Cherry Anne Espion and JoAnn Bañaga.
According to Reynoso, the X rating was based on the film constituting “an attack against any race, creed, or religion.” He emphasized that the board’s decision was grounded in legal guidelines, not personal beliefs.
With these precedents, the Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI), through its president, Mark Meily, has released a statement condemning MTRCB’s recent actions on film ratings.
The DGPI argued that these decisions represented an overreach of the MTRCB’s mandate and reflected political and religious biases. Meily criticized the X rating on “Alipato at Muog,” stating that the documentary sheds light on a real, public issue, not fiction.
“Although the film was eventually reclassified to R-16, this delay in justice for ‘Alipato at Muog’ reflects negatively on the subjectivity and inconsistency in the MTRCB’s decision-making processes. The process by which this rating was initially determined calls into question the board’s commitment to fair and objective assessment.”
Regarding “Dear Santa,” the DGPI called the decision to classify it as X an overreach, pointing out that fiction often explores unconventional themes without adverse effects on the audience.
“The MTRCB’s decision, rooted in a belief that a depiction of Satan as a character capable of good is inherently harmful, disregards the long tradition of literature and film where such themes have been explored without adverse effects. Films such as ‘Hellboy,’ ‘Lucifer,’ and ‘Little Nicky’ have been received positively by audiences and critics alike, regardless of their religious or moral implications.”
The DGPI urged the MTRCB to base its decisions on fair, objective assessments “free from personal, political, or religious prejudices.”
Given all these developments, we believe there has got to be a wider and more thorough consultation and study on the proposal to legislature to expand the MTRCB regulatory powers that will cover all streaming content, YouTube, student short films, Cinemalaya, UP, and even advertising and all sponsored content.
Logistically and practically, it’ll be such a major task – not to mention the resources and staff needed. But the more important concern is, are we really up to it? Do we really need and deserve broader MTRCB powers?
