MTRCB: Pepsi Paloma not under review, incomplete reqs

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) clarified on Wednesday, January 29, that Darryl Yap's Pepsi Paloma film is not under review due to incomplete requirements.

Director Darryl Yap shared a letter from MTRCB to the distributor Pinoyflix Films and Entertainment Production shortly after the clarification was issued, expressing hope for further explanation regarding the board's request.

The regulatory body emphasized that it cannot accept materials submitted because its legal affairs division requires proof of no pending criminal, civil, or administrative cases from relevant authorities before proceeding with the review.

MTRCB stated that every film undergoes a rigorous evaluation to ensure compliance with Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, clarifying that the request is not an outright prohibition for exhibition or pre-judgment of the film's contents.

Yap faces 19 counts of cyber libel filed by actor-TV host Vic Sotto, whose name was mentioned in the teaser as an alleged rapist, with a pending petition for writ of habeas data that ordered the removal of the film's teaser but allowed production to continue.