Lala Sotto is aware that MTRCB is not a friend to some showbiz personalities
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairwoman Lala Sotto knew that, for some people in the entertainment industry, they are the “enemy.”
MTRCB’s main role is to supervise and regulate the operation of the movie and television industry. With its job to rate movies and TV shows and censor what needs to be censored, people in the industry may not like the board’s decision.
There have been suspensions and cancellations in the past. Producers, directors, and people in front of and behind the camera did not like this.
In a recent interview, based on the article in Bandera, there are times when some film and television industry members view the MTRCB leadership as antagonistic, especially when “punishments” are imposed on those who violate existing laws.
“Hindi na masyado. Iyon talaga ang tingin nila sa amin. Pero kami, alam namin dito sa loob, na kami ay allies. But hindi naman maiiwasan to feel that way and, you know, everybody’s entitled to think what they want to. So, we’re just doing our job,” MTRCB chair Lala Sotto said.
Meanwhile, MTRCB also brought together its stakeholders, including producers, well-known celebrities and the First Family, in an infomercial.
Chair Lala stressed that it is important to really work together, and encouraged the Filipino families to go back to the cinemas and enjoy that communal experience with their loved ones.
When asked if they have the power to amend the by-laws implemented by MTRCB, she said that they may have the power to make a few changes in the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations).
They can do this through the memorandum circulars. However, they cannot change the law. There should be an amendment to the charter before changes may happen.
“We don’t have that power. That power belongs solely to the House of Representatives and the Senate to be approved by the President,” the chairwoman said.
If there is a need to change something, they would do their best. The board would pass memorandum circulars and board resolutions. However, interfering with the law is not possible.
Regarding the question if MTRCB can be abolished if there is a call for it, Lala Sotto said that it is possible if it passes both Congress and the Senate and is approved by the President.
She added that botth Senate and Congress need to pass the bill. “It’s really up to them,” she said.