MTRCB says 'Lost Sabungeros' was not rejected nor denied review

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) issued an official statement Friday following the release of a new trailer for “Lost Sabungeros: The Complete Story.”

In the trailer, the film said it was “twice denied review” by the MTRCB as it recalled its Cinemalaya premiere being cancelled over “security concerns,” teasing “never-before-seen footage” and “new revelations.”

But in its statement, the MTRCB clarified the film was not rejected or denied review.

“Instead, the producers were asked to submit the documentary requirements needed for the Board to properly evaluate the film,” the board said. “One of these requirements was a certification confirming that the subject matter of the material is not the subject of any pending case before the courts.”

According to the MTRCB, it 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 statement further referenced Presidential Decree No. 1986, which empowers the MTRCB to ensure that films comply with existing laws. Under Section 3(c) paragraph vii, the board is explicitly tasked “to approve or disapprove… those which may constitute contempt of court or of any quasi-judicial tribunal, or pertain to matters which are sub-judice in nature.”

According to the board, “Lost Sabungeros” was unable to submit the required certification.

“In fact, in a letter dated Feb. 12, 2026, to the MTRCB, Lost Sabungeros director Kristoffer J. Brazil acknowledged the Board’s requirement for such certification.”

Until the necessary documents are provided, the MTRCB said it cannot continue the review process.

“It is therefore incorrect to state that the MTRCB twice denied review of the film," it said.

In response, GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon took to Facebook and addressed the MTRCB directly, saying the film company respected the board but stood by its own experience.

“I truly have no wish to be disrespectful nor answer via a statement through our public sites. 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."

“From your own words, you declined to review 'The Lost Sabungeros' a second time. We are going the school route so that more people can see the new/complete version of the documentary. Thank you.”

In her Facebook post, Valdellon attached a letter from the board dated February 19, 2026, which stated that after reviewing GMA Pictures’ appeal for review, the MTRCB found “no sufficient basis to disturb or reconsider its prior determination in declining to review and classify the above-mentioned film,” citing the documentary’s sub judice nature under Presidential Decree No. 1986.

The letter emphasized that reconsideration could only be entertained upon submission of a Certification of No Pending Case, and without it, the board was constrained to deny the appeal for review and classification.

In 2024, the MTRCB withheld review for the documentary film.

The film was supposed to premiere at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2024, but its screening got canceled.

It eventually premiered at the QCinema International Film Festival the same year.

— LA, GMA Integrated News