CinemaBravo

The MTRCB clarifies that the film “Lost Sabungeros,” was not rejected nor denied review. Instead, the producers were asked to submit the documentary requirements needed for the Board to properly evaluate the film.

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.

The Board said this 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 requirement is consistent with the mandate of the Board under Presidential Decree No. 1986, which authorizes the MTRCB to review motion pictures and ensure that materials presented for public exhibition comply with existing laws.

Under Section 3(c) paragraph vii of the decree, the law explicitly provides that the MTRCB is mandated:

“to approve or disapprove…

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(vii) Those which may constitute contempt of court or of any quasi-judicial tribunal, or pertain to matter which are sub-judice in nature.”

According to the MTRCB, the production 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 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.