Friday, November 24, 2006 Censors told to review Estrada documentary
THE appeals committee tasked to look into the "X rating" given to the life documentary of former President Joseph Estrada has directed the Movies and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to consult its members and clarify which portions of the material they found "offensive, libelous and a threat to the political stability of the country."
The committee said the MTRCB should consult with as many members of the board as they can to get their views on the "Ang Mabuhay Para sa Masa (To Live for the Masses)" documentary.
The MTRCB should also identify which portions of the film, "words said, images depicted as well as personalities", they find that tend to "threaten the political stability of the state; undermine the faith and confidence of the people in government; libelous or defamatory to the good name of persons; and pertain to matters which are sub judice in nature."
The agency was also asked to furnish the complainants of their clarificatory report to enable them to react and submit their reply to the appeals committee within five days upon receipt of the MTRCB's statement.
The appeals committee would then make its recommendation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after receiving the response of the MTRCB and Publik Perception Management Asia (Publikasia) Inc., which produced the documentary and filed the appeal before Malacañang.
Arroyo formed the appeals committee after Publikasia and lawyer Rufus Rodriguez, on behalf of Estrada, appealed the rating slapped by the MTRCB on the documentary. The MTRCB in the three reviews conducted all gave "X ratings."
The five-man appeals committee is comprised of Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, chairperson; Robert Rivera, vice chairman; and Ric Camaligan, Dody Lacuna and Mike Lopez as members. (JMR/Sunnex)
