The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Thursday, August 27, warned filmmakers, producers and cinemas against using falsified or tampered permits after discovering a fake Permit to Exhibit (PTE) allegedly linked to Tanajuan Pelikula Production and its film, “Tatsulok Trilogy.”
In a press release, the MTRCB said its records showed that the film did not undergo the required review and classification process and had no valid PTE. Tanajuan Pelikula Production was also not registered with the agency.
The falsified permit was discovered during the film’s premiere on August 21, when MTRCB Board Member Ma. Cecilia Villarosa noticed that her name appeared on the document as one of the purported reviewers.
The agency said Villarosa had not reviewed the film.
Further examination of the document reportedly revealed several irregularities, including the misspelling of another MTRCB Board member’s name, the absence of the agency’s official dry seal, and a purported issuance date that fell on a day when government work had been suspended due to flooding.
MTRCB Chair and CEO Lala Sotto strongly condemned the alleged use of the fabricated document.
“The use of a falsified Permit to Exhibit is a serious violation. No producer or filmmaker may bypass the MTRCB’s review and classification process through fabricated or unauthorized documents,” Sotto said.
The MTRCB emphasized that individuals and entities involved in regulated activities in the movie and television industry are required to register with the agency and comply with its review and classification requirements.
The agency said it is pursuing the appropriate proceedings against Tanajuan Pelikula Production, subject to due process.
The MTRCB also reminded cinemas and exhibition venues of their responsibility to independently verify the authenticity and validity of every Permit to Exhibit before allowing a film to be screened.
The agency urged industry stakeholders to observe established regulatory procedures and avoid relying on unauthorized or questionable documents, warning that violations could result in appropriate proceedings under existing rules and regulations.
