Image: Instagram/@tonifowlerpo, File photos
Inquirer Bandera, the tabloid of Inquirer Publications, Inc., is setting the record straight on the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s (MTRCB) statement that seemingly insinuated erroneous reporting on the part of the online entertainment news channel regarding an article on content creator Toni Fowler’s sexually explicit music video, “MPL”.
The MTRCB, in a statement dated Feb. 21, tagged Bandera in its social media account after it published an article on February 17 quoting another content creator Papi Galang defending Fowler and Freshbreed’s music video, saying that it had been given a classification rating of “Strong Parental Guidance”.
Galang was also present in Fowler’s music video, which luridly depicted sexual acts and featured scantily-clad women, including Fowler, a minor and a pregnant woman.
The music video has been viewed and shared in various social media platforms, and may be accessed even by minors.
The MTRCB claimed that “MPL” did not undergo any review and classification, hence, it was not given any rating by the board.
“We assure the public that had the MTRCB been given the opportunity to rate the same, it would have been given a NOT FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION (‘X’) rating… We appeal to Ms. Galang, to be circumspect in her statements, and for news organizations such as Bandera to practice responsible journalism by fact-checking their reports before publication, as the public may be led to believe that the MTRCB had given its highest allowable rating for airing content on television to the said material,” it said.
‘Just a reminder’
After reviewing the facts, Bandera came out with its own statement, saying that it practices responsible journalism, contrary to the MTRCB’s assertion.
“Naninindigan ang BANDERA na hindi ito naglalabas ng mga maling impormasyon sa publiko at patuloy na sinusunod ang ‘responsible journalism’ sa bawat ulat na inihahayag nito,” Bandera stated.
The online entertainment news portal further pointed out that there was no mention in its report of the MTRCB coming out with an SPG rating on the controversial music video, not even that it underwent review by the board.
In fact, Bandera said, it immediately sought clarification with MTRCB, after which, its chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio said that: “The only reason why we cited Bandera was [because] sa kanila naka print [ang] interview. Wala naman penalty sa kanila we are just reminding.”
Bandera also reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism, clarifying that it aims to seek both sides before publishing its reports to the public.
“Ito’y nangangahulugan lamang na bukas ang BANDERA sa panig ng bawat indibidwal na nabanggit sa controversial music video at nais lang nitong ihayag ang saloobin ng mga taong nasasangkot sa isyu. Laging pinahahalagahan ng BANDERA ang pagbibigay ng patas at responsableng pamamahayag at patuloy itong maghahatid ng totoo at balanseng balita para sa publiko,” it said.
Under the MTRCB’s classification table, a Parental Guidance rating “may contain some adult material but may be permissible for children to watch under the guidance and supervision of a parent or an adult.” An SPG rating, on the other hand may have a “more serious topic and theme,” but which may allow viewership by children aged 13 years and above.
On the other hand, an “X” rating is not suitable for public exhibition.
Earlier this week, Fowler’s music video caught the attention of netizens who supposedly complained to the MTRCB about its alleged indecent content. The government agency, in response, also reminded the public that they may use the “flag” option on online platforms to report content they deem to be offensive.
The camp of Fowler has yet to issue a formal statement, although she earlier requested netizens to not watch the video if they deem it to be inappropriate according to their sensitivities, as of this writing. EDV