The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) denied claims that "The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma" is under review, citing incomplete requirements from the film's distributor and production team.
"Contrary to a false claim, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) hereby serves notice that the Pepsi Paloma movie is currently NOT UNDER REVIEW due to incomplete requirements," the MTRCB said in a statement on Wednesday.
Moreover, the MTRCB Registration Unit was unable to accept the materials submitted by the representative of Pinoyflix because the Legal Affairs Division required the distributor to provide three specific documents: a Certificate or Clearance of No Pending Criminal, Civil, or Administrative Case from the Regional Trial Court, the Department of Justice, and the Office of the City Prosecutor.
In a statement signed by Atty. Paulino E. Cases Jr., MTRCB Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the Hearing and Adjudication Committee, it was noted that as part of the standard review process, the MTRCB Legal Affairs Division has officially communicated with the film's distributor, PinoyFlix Films and Entertainment Production, regarding the missing requirements.
"This is to ensure that there will be no violation of the P.D. 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR)," the statement read.
"The MTRCB is composed of 30 Board Members, the Vice Chairperson and the Chairperson. All applications are reviewed by a committee comprising three board members and a second review committee, composed of five members, if warranted," MTRCB added.
The board emphasized that every film undergoes a "rigorous and meticulous" review process, where each detail is carefully evaluated based on the standards outlined in Presidential Decree No. 1986.
Additionally, the board stressed that it will not tolerate any misinformation or false narratives aimed at discrediting the agency or undermining its mandate to safeguard the public interest.
The MTRCB further stated that any attempt to deliberately mislead the public will be addressed in accordance with the law.
Previously, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 granted the writ of habeas data filed by television host and actor Vic Sotto against filmmaker Darryl Yap, ordering the removal of the film teaser which mentioned Sotto's name.
However, the court permitted Yap to continue with the production and eventual release of the film.
Sotto's camp is awaiting the submission of the film to the MTRCB or other relevant agencies before deciding on their next course of action.
