By Gabriela Baron
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) summoned the producers of “Mang Kanor” film after it had an unauthorized public showing in a cinema in Quezon City.
The MTRCB issued “Notices to Appear” to A&Q Entertainment, Gateway Cinema, and Cignal TV Inc.
According to MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio, the producers violated Presidential Decree No. 1986, the agency’s charter.
“Binibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataon na ma-explain ‘yung kanilang mga kompanya,” Sotto-Antonio said.
“Hindi kami natutuwa na nagkaroon sila ng ganitong violation, pero it has to go through its due process. Ang importante lang dito, they are required to show up,” she added.
According to Sotto-Antonio, the film did not have a Permit to Exhibit as it did not go under MTRCB’s review.
The film’s poster also did not receive a rating from the MTRCB.
“Ang pagkukulang din ng cinema, dapat alam nila na meron silang permit to exhibit. Bawat cinema, automatic alam nila dapat ‘yun,” she added.
The film premiered last Jan. 25.
‘We will cooperate’
Streaming company AQ Prime said in a statement Wednesday night that it will cooperate with MTRCB.
“We are honored to commit ourselves to establish a collaborative relationship with your good office and align our strategic programs and initiatives to ensure suitability of content viewed by the public in our online platform,” AQ Prime said.
It also vowed to comply with the necessary requirements of the MTRCB and “uphold our goal” to help the Philippine movie industry.
“We appreciate all comments and look forward to having a good partnership with MTRCB and the government as a whole,” it added. – With report from Rod Lagusad–ag
