The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chair, Lala Sotto, justified the X rating given to the Filipino film
Dear Satan due to its violation of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1986. She explained this during a Senate subcommittee hearing on September 3.
Sotto clarified that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it is not absolute. She emphasized the existence of laws, like PD 1986, and the MTRCB's role in enforcing them. While she didn't specify the exact violation, the decree's mandate for an X rating includes films that "clearly constitute an attack against any race, creed, or religion."
Veteran filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes, also the FDCP chairperson, described Dear Satan as a story about a little girl who, by misspelling Santa Claus, unintentionally summons Satan. The film portrays Satan as a character who is humanized by the girl's faith.
Sotto, however, expressed her personal offense as a Christian, stating that while the film wasn't demonic, its depiction of Satan becoming good was unacceptable. She asserted that Satan would never be good.
The makers of Dear Satan have yet to appeal the X rating. In a previous statement, they apologized for any offense caused by the film's title and clarified their intention to illustrate the power of faith over evil. Following the backlash, they announced plans to change the film's name to better reflect its intended message and respect the sensitivities of viewers.
In addition to Dear Satan, the MTRCB also gave an X rating to the documentary film Alipato at Muog, which addresses the abduction of an activist. Sotto stated that the film undermines people's faith and confidence in the government.
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