MANILA, Philippines — A public disagreement has erupted between GMA Public Affairs and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) over the classification of the controversial documentary Lost Sabungeros.
On March 6, 2026, GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon publicly disputed the MTRCB’s claim that it had not “rejected or denied” the documentary for review.
- The MTRCB’s Stance: Earlier that day, the board issued a statement clarifying that it never twice denied the film. Instead, they claimed the producers failed to provide a required “certification of no pending case” to ensure the film’s content is not sub judice (currently under judicial consideration).
- GMA’s Rebuttal: Valdellon shared a copy of a Feb. 19, 2026, letter from the MTRCB itself. The letter explicitly stated that the board found “no sufficient basis to disturb or reconsider its prior determination in DECLINING TO REVIEW AND CLASSIFY the above-mentioned film.”
- Valdellon’s Response: “From your own words, you declined to review… a second time,” she wrote, challenging the MTRCB’s phrasing.
The documentary, directed by Bryan Kristoffer Brazil, investigates the mysterious disappearances of over 30 cockfighting enthusiasts in the Philippines.
- Screening Hurdles: The film has faced numerous obstacles. It was originally pulled from the Cinemalaya festival in 2024 due to “security reasons.”
- Alternative Distribution: Following the MTRCB’s refusal to classify the film for mainstream cinemas, Valdellon announced that GMA will instead pursue screenings in schools to ensure the public can still watch the updated and complete documentary.
The MTRCB maintains that until the production can prove the subject matter is not part of an active court case, the board cannot legally proceed with a review under Presidential Decree No. 1986.