MTRCB denies TV5 request to lift suspension on Tulfo brods’ program

MANILA, Philippines—The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board on Monday denied TV5’s request to lift the 20-day preventive suspension that the ratings board imposed on the program “T3: Kapatid, Sagot Kita” in relation to its May 7 episode.

Citing the petition for certiorari it recently filed before the Court of Appeals, TV5 asked for the lifting of the suspension, as well as the suspension of the legal proceedings connected to the case,” reported MTRCB legal counsel and spokesman Eugenio Villareal.

“Since the MTRCB has not yet received any pleading or order about the alleged petition… the adjudication panel ruled to deny both motions,” said Villareal shortly after Monday’s hearing at the MTRCB offices in Quezon City.

On May 7, broadcasters Ben, Raffy and Erwin Tulfo uttered grave threats against celebrity couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto on their program “T3.” This was in reaction to the beating of their eldest brother and Inquirer columnist, Ramon, during a brawl involving show-biz couple Raymart Santiagao and Claudine Barretto at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 the day before.

On May 9, TV5 issued a public apology and announced the suspension of the Tulfo brothers from hosting “T3.” The eldest Tulfo, Martin Andanar and lawyer Mel Sta. Maria would be their temporary replacements.

On May 10, the MTRCB released a statement that said “T3” violated Presidential Decree 1986 “for airing scenes and utterances that are indecent and contrary to law, or with a dangerous tendency to encourage the commission of violence or of a wrong or crime.” It also ordered a 20-day preventive suspension on the program.

During the hearing on Monday, Villareal said TV5 “orally moved” for reconsideration, “but since no new arguments were made, the adjudication panel denied this.” This meant that the 20-day preventive suspension was still in effect, he stressed.