Tulfos’ show suspension stays

MANILA, Philippines – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)on Monday denied TV5’s request to lift the 20-day preventive suspension the ratings board had imposed on the program “T3: Kapatid, Sagot Kita.”

Citing a petition for certiorari it had earlier filed in the Court of Appeals, TV5 asked that the suspension be lifted and the legal proceedings connected to the case be suspended,” said MTRCB legal counsel and spokesperson Eugenio Villareal.

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

On May 7, broadcasters Ben, Raffy and Erwin Tulfo issued grave threats against celebrity couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto on their program “T3.”

They were reacting to the mauling of their eldest brother Ramon, an Inquirer columnist, 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.” Ramon Tulfo, Martin Andanar and lawyer Mel Sta. Maria would be their temporary replacements.

On May 10, the MTRCB released a statement that said “T3” had 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 of the program.

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

Villareal said that on the agreement of both parties, the MTRCB would file a position paper on or before May 17. TV5 was given up to May 21 to reply.