MTRCB flags fake screening permit linked to political film ‘Tatsulok’

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) warned filmmakers and cinemas against falsified or tampered permits following the discovery of a fake Permit to Exhibit (PTE) linked to film production company Tanajuan Pelikula Production and its film “Tatsulok Trilogy.”

The MTRCB issued a statement on Thursday, Aug. 27, a day after Gateway Cineplex 18 and “Tatsulok” director Jhonny Bobier released separate statements regarding the planned Aug. 29 screening of the political film.

According to the MTRCB, its records showed that “Tatsulok Trilogy” had not undergone the agency’s review and classification process and did not have a valid PTE. Tanajuan Pelikula Production was also not registered with the agency.

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The allegedly fake permit was discovered during the film’s Aug. 21 premiere at Gateway after MTRCB board member Ma. Cecilia Villarosa noticed that her name appeared on the document as one of the purported reviewers, despite not having reviewed the film.

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Further examination found that the name of another board member was misspelled, the document did not bear the official MTRCB dry seal, and it was supposedly issued on a date when government work had been suspended because of flooding.

“The use of a falsified Permit to Exhibit is a serious violation. No producer or filmmaker may bypass the MTRCB’s review and classification process through fabricated or unauthorized documents,” MTRCB Chair and CEO Lala Sotto said.

The agency reminded producers and other entities involved in regulated movie and television activities that they are required to register with the MTRCB.

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The MTRCB said it is pursuing the appropriate proceedings against Tanajuan Pelikula Production, subject to due process.

It also called on cinemas to independently verify every PTE before allowing a film to be screened.

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Gateway Cineplex 18 earlier announced that it was “NOT ASSOCIATED” with Tanajuan Pelikula and that “Tatsulok” would not be screened at Cinema 11 on Aug. 29.

“The film Tatsulok will not be shown across all cinemas at Gateway Cineplex 18,” the cinema said on Wednesday. 

In his statement, Bobier confirmed that the film had already premiered at Gateway on Aug. 21 but that the next scheduled Aug. 29 screening will no longer proceed under the current arrangement.

The director claimed the screening had been discussed and agreed upon by Tanajuan Pelikula and Gateway Cineplex 18 on Aug. 17.

Bobier also maintained that the cancellation would not diminish the film’s message. “It certainly does not make the questions raised by Tatsulok any less relevant,” he said. 

As of writing, Bobier has not addressed the fake permit allegations. 

According to a profile on his film studio’s website, Bobier became the youngest and first-ever recipient of the FAMAS Best Director Award for Short Films for his work on “PARAPO” in 2025. 

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According to Letterboxd, “Tatsulok” explores themes of injustice and the complexities of the human condition and is inspired by the realities that continue to shape Philippine society. It features Emilio Gatialco, Kian Vicente, Vean Cancino, Abelle Manalansan, Russ Mesia and Earl Quintana, among others. /ra