MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto-Antonio defended the agency’s decision to issue X ratings for the documentary ‘Alipato at Muog’ and the upcoming holiday film ‘Dear Satan’ during a Senate finance subcommittee hearing on the board’s proposed P164 million budget for 2025.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, during the hearing, highlighted the appeal made by JL Burgos, the director of ‘Alipato at Muog,’ regarding the film’s X rating. The documentary, which delves into the 2007 abduction and disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, recently won the Special Jury Prize at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Estrada noted the documentary’s critical acclaim and questioned the MTRCB’s decision to restrict its public exhibition. The MTRCB had cited that the documentary “tends to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly constituted authorities,” as the reason for its X rating.
The rating has sparked criticism from groups such as UP Cinema and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, who argue that the MTRCB’s decision is a form of censorship and an infringement on freedom of expression.
In response, Sotto-Antonio stated, “We all know that freedom of expression is not absolute nor limitless, that is why there is a law in place. Laws and rules are important in order to put order.” She clarified that the MTRCB had granted exemption permits for ‘Alipato at Muog’ to be shown at Cinemalaya and in academic settings, which she said demonstrates that the board is not suppressing freedom of expression. However, she stood by the board’s decision that the documentary was “violative.”
Sotto-Antonio also noted that JL Burgos had requested a second review, which will be conducted by five additional board members on September 5.
The discussion then shifted to ‘Dear Satan,’ a holiday film starring Paolo Contis, which also received an X rating. Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) President Joey Reyes explained the film’s plot, which revolves around a young girl who mistakenly writes a wish list to Satan instead of Santa, leading to a storyline where Satan is humanized and learns about love.
Sotto-Antonio, who has seen the film, expressed her discomfort, stating she was “offended as a Christian” and emphasized that the film “depicts Satan becoming good when he will never, ever be good.” Unlike ‘Alipato at Muog,’ the creators of ‘Dear Satan’ have not yet filed an appeal but have indicated they may change the film’s title. Sotto-Antonio clarified that the final decision on the film’s classification will be made by the entire board.
The budget hearing concluded with Senator Estrada confirming that the MTRCB’s proposed budget for 2025 would be submitted to the plenary for further consideration.
