Jerrold Tarog’s controversial psychological thriller film Bliss has been re-classified to R-18 by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

The initial X rating was due to adult themes, strong language, and scenes of graphic nudity, violence, and sexuality. X-rated movies are banned from public exhibition except at the UP Film Institute’s Cine Adarna and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Tarog is also working on a second version for an R-16 appeal.

Last Monday, a special free screening of Bliss was held at UP Cine Adarna where survey forms were given to attendees. Data collected were presented by the filmmakers at the second review of MTRCB.

According to Noel Ferrer, Iza Calzado’s manager, the new MTRCB panel who reviewed the film yesterday was composed of Direk Joey Romero, Bibeth Orteza, Gladys Reyes, Consoliza Laguardia and Atty. Ogie Jaro.

The first reviewers were Robert Arevalo and Pammy Macasaet who both gave it an X, and Roland Tolentino who gave it an R-18.

Read more: After ‘X’ rating from MTRCB, Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Bliss’ to screen for free at UP Cine Adarna

A production of TBA, Artikulo Uno, and Quantum Films, Bliss opens May 10, 2017 in Philippine cinemas.