MTRCB Sticks By Decision To Suspend Tulfo Brothers' TV Program
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) stands firm in its earlier decision of implementing a 20-day preventive suspension on the TV5 program “T3: Kapatid, Sagot Kita.”
In a statement issued on May 14, the Board said, “The MTRCB stands by the legality of the said order and its jurisdiction over ‘T3’ as a ‘public affairs' program under PD (Presidential Decree) 1986 and the agency’s Implementing Rules and Regulations.”
The Board imposed such suspension on May 10 for the “alleged objectionable utterances” of “T3” hosts Ben, Raffy, and Erwin Tulfo in the show's May 7 episode in connection to their brother Mon Tulfo's controversial altercation with actor Raymart Santiago at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on May 6.
On May 11, meanwhile, TV5 asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to stop the suspension order, as well as to instruct the MTRCB to discontinue their hearings in connection to the show. The network contended that the MTRCB had committed "grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.”
TV5 likewise maintained that “T3” is a news program and not a public affairs one.
On Friday, however, “24 Oras” showed a copy of TV5’s application for TV permit to exhibit, filed with the MTRCB, in which they declared “T3” as a public affairs program.
Meanwhile, TV5 released a statement on May 10 regarding the suspension. Part of it read: “The Tulfos have been sanctioned. What else is there for government to resolve?”
“For MTRCB to even consider or suggest by its actions that 'T3' has suddenly lost all its purpose and value… sets a dangerous tone and could potentially lead to a dangerous precedent for all news programs,” the network also said.
In an interview with DZMM on Monday, MTRCB spokesman Atty. Eugenio Villareal related that TV5’s motion was denied because the Board’s adjudication panel did not find a “legal ground” for it.
As for the petition that TV5 had lodged with the CA, Villareal said that they have yet to receive an order.
“Under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court, if we don’t receive a TRO (temporary restraining order) we are duty-bound to proceed with the hearings,” he said in Filipino.
Veteran columnist Mon Tulfo’s heated confrontation with Santiago erupted after he was seen taking photos of the latter’s wife, actress Claudine Barretto, allegedly berating and cussing at some ground personnel over their offloaded luggage. Both parties have already filed cases against each other.
By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
mb.com.ph
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