Bullecer to MTRCB: 'Da Vinci Code' must not be shown in RP cinemas

For attacking the divinity of Jesus Christ, the film "The Da Vinci Code" should not be shown in Philippine cinemas starting today, Cebu Anti Indecency Board chairman Rene Josef Bullecer wrote to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board lately.

Bullecer, in his letter to MTRCB chairman Maria Consoliza Laguardia, said the board should have taken a closer look at its guidelines before allowing the film's showing, even on a "For Adults Only" rating.

"I think we should do everything not to allow it and to oppose the showing of the movie. I am very much dismayed of the decision because this will create a negative impact to moviegoers of this predominantly Catholic country," Bullecer said in protest of MTRCB's decision.

Bullecer, in an interview yesterday, said the film, which he said carried a premise that Jesus Christ had a child with Mary Magdalene, is a blasphemy and attacks the divinity of Jesus Christ. The controversial Ron Howard adaptation of the best-selling novel of Dan Brown that similarly spawned controversy worldwide is starred by Academy award winner Tom Hanks and is due to open in cinemas, including here in Cebu, today.

The Bullecer protestations might be rather late but the anti-indecency advocate made clear his opposition against MTRCB's decision and his consternation over the statement of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines respecting the decision of the film review board.

Bullecer said Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal also opposed the movie's showing but then the cardinal is still in Rome and could not release an official statement on the matter. The Cebu Archdiocese, however, will soon release a primer of the movie that will be distributed throughout its parishes, said Bullecer. - Jasmin R. Uy