MTRCB says 'Lost Sabungeros' film 'not denied review,' contrary to claim

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board has clarified that it neither rejected nor denied review of the film Lost Sabungeros. 

In a statement released on March 6, MTRCB wrote, "Instead, the producers were asked to submit the documentary requirements needed for the Board to properly evaluate the film."

This clarification came two days after the new Lost Sabungeros: The Complete Story trailer was uploaded on the GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel. In the first few seconds of the trailer, the text onscreen read, "Its Cinemalaya premiere was cancelled over 'security concerns'," and that the documentary was "Twice denied review by the MTRCB."

MTRCB stated it asked the documentary's producers for "a certification confirming that the subject matter of the material is not the subject of any pending case before the courts."

This requirement, according to the board, "is necessary to comply with the sub judice rule, which prohibits the public discussion or presentation of matters that are currently under judicial consideration. 

The board added that their certification requirement is consistent with the government mandate, under Presidential Decree No. 1986, that the MTRCB is tasked "to review motion pictures and ensure that materials presented for public exhibition comply with existing laws."

In its statement, the board said Lost Sabungeros director Kristoffer J. Brazil sent MTRCB a letter dated Feb. 12, 2026, acknowledging the board's requirement of the certification. 

However, according to MTRCB, the Lost Sabungeros production was not able to submit the document. 

"Until the necessary document is provided, the Board said it cannot continue with the review process. It is therefore incorrect to state that the MTRCB twice denied review of the film. 

GMA refutes the statement

In a statement released on social media on March 6, Nessa Valdellon, senior vice president of GMA Public Affairs, disproved MTRCB's claim that it did not deny a review of Lost Sabungeros. 

Addressing the MTRCB chair, Valdellon wrote, "Would just like to remind you that your very own office sent out communications to us last February with this specific line: 'The Board finds no sufficient basis to disturb or reconsider its prior determination in declining to review and classify the above mentioned film.'"