GMA exec, MTRCB clash on 'Lost Sabungeros' review outcome
MANILA, Philippines — GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon is disputing a claim by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) that the agency did not deny a review of "Lost Sabungeros."
The documentary produced by GMA and directed by Bryan Brazil looks into the investigation of the mass disappearance of several cockfighters as first reported back in January 2022.
"Lost Sabungeros" was initially slated to participate in the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival but its screenings were cancelled due to "security concerns."
It premiered instead at the QCinema International Film Festival later that November and has been screening in schools ever since pending a review from the MTRCB.
The investigation arose again after a suspect alleged the missing cockfighters may have already been killed and their remains were tossed into Taal Lake.
As of last January, a Laguna court issued arrest warrants for businessman Atong Ang and several others for kidnapping and homicide charges. 17 individuals have been arrested while Ang is still at large.
Review requirements
Last March 6, the MTRCB issued a statement saying that "Lost Sabungeros" was not rejected nor denied review, but it had asked producers to submit requirements for proper evaluation.
Among these requirements was a certification confirming the subject matter of the documentary is not the subject of any pending case before any courts.
This as the MTRCB finds it necessary to comply with the sub judice rule, which prohibits the public discussion or presentation of matters currently under judicial consideration.
The agency cited its mandate under Presidential Decree No. 1986 Section 3 (c) authortizing it to review films and ensure materials presented for public exhibition are in line with existing laws.
The MTRCB said the producers were not able to submit the required certification, and even noted that in a letter dated February 12 to the agency, Brazil acknowledged the required certification.
"Until the necessary document is provided, the Board said it cannot continue with the review process," the MTRCB's statement ended. "It is therefore incorrect to state that the MTRCB twice denied review of the film."
'Declined to review'
Just an hour after the MTRCB's statement was released, Valdellon took to social media to point out that GMA received a letter from the MTRCB that said it was "declining to review and classify" the disputed documentary and even posted the letter in full.
The MTRCB's letter sent last February 19 mentioned Brazil's February 12 letter about the director appealing for the review and classification of his documentary.
"After a thorough review of your letter, the Board finds no sufficient basis to disturb or reconsider its prior determination in declining to review and classify the above-mentioned film," the letter said, again citing Presidential Decree No. 1986 Section 3 (c).
The letter reiterated that reconsideration for review and classification may only be entertained if the aforementioned required certification is submitted, or else the MTRCB would be "constrained to deny" appeal for reconsideration.
In Valdellon's view, the letter signed by MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto states that the agency declined to review "Lost Sabungeros" a second time, contrary to what MTRCB claimed.
"We are going the school route so that more people can see the new/complete version of the documentary. Thank you," Valdellon ended.
No legal remedies
Filmmaker JL Burgos offered his input on the issue sharing his concern on Facebook the MTRCB's refusal to review "Lost Sabungeros."
Burgos' documentary "Alipato at Muog" was previously given a controversial "X" rating by the MTRCB for "undermin[ing] the faith and confidence of the people in their government."
"Alipato at Muog" — which Burgos directed, wrote, shot and edited — revolves around the filmmaker's brother Jonas, an activist who was abducted in 2007 by suspected military personnel.
The documentary carried a PG rating during the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, but the "X" rating would have prohibited it from any commercial release.
Burgos' documentary was reclassified as "R-16" following an appeal by the filmmaker and several activists. After a Special Jury Prize at Cinemalaya, "Alipato at Muog" won Best Picture and Best Director for Burgos at the 2025 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards.
"Inaalis ng MTRCB ang sarili nila sa accountability by requiring the producers of the film to submit a Certification of No Pending Case," said Burgos. "If there is no such certification, then the MTRCB can give the documentary an X rating under sub judice rule."
Burgos posted MTRCB's February 19 letter and March 6 statement as visual aid, highlighting "declining to review and classify" in the former.
For the filmmaker, such a case already has a premature decision and he finds it bothersome that a producer's legal remedies to challenge a rating are being removed.
"How can the producer appeal, when the MTRCB refused to rate and review the film?" Burgos posited. "Kung walang certification of no cases pending then give them an 'X' rating — nasa clause naman yan."
Burgos noted that if an unfavorable rating is finally given, the legal remedies available to filmmakers are a second review, an appeal to the Office of the President (if an "X" rating is given), or take the issue to court.
"Yun ang problema kapag sa simula pa lang they refuse to review the film: Inaalis ang pagkakataon ng producer ng pelikula na tumahak sa legal at demokratikong paraan ng pagapila. Hugas kamay agad, ni hindi pa na review ang pelikula," Burgos said.
The filmmaker said such actions shouldn't become the norm, and he challenged reviewers to give films an "X" rating if they believe it qualifies as such.
"Kung sub judice ang dahilan eh di bigyan ng tamang rating ayon sa kanila. Hindi pwede sabihin na, 'Naku malamang 'X' rated kayo kasi may pending case pa kaya di namin kayo ireview para di kayo ma-'X,'" he added.
Burgos ended by reiterating that the MTRCB was banning "Lost Sabungeros" for public exhibition even with the absence of a review, "Huwag naman ganon, review natin ng tama. May proseso naman. Huwag naman natin pagkaitan ang mga lumikha ng pelikula ng demokratikong proseso na ito."
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