By Ellson Quismorio Agusan del Norte 1st district Rep. Lawrence Fortun has called on the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to conduct a thorough review of a foreign animated film that could potentially "bastardize" the legacy of Philippine hero Lapu-Lapu. (thefirstvoyagearoundtheworld.com / MANILA BULLETIN) The Mindanao lawmaker was referring to the Spanish-produced “Elcano and Magellan: The First Voyage Around the World,” which is set to be shown in movie houses in January 2020. "We urge the to conduct a thorough review of the movie 'Elcano and Magellan: The First Voyage Around the World'...and ban its showing, or remove certain scenes, as may be warranted, to prevent a possible bastardization of the memory and heroic legacy of Lapu-Lapu and his people who first resisted Spanish rule in the Philippines," Fortun said. Fortun's reservations on "Elcano" has much to do with the fiasco involving the Dreamworks-produced “Abominable”, which had to be pulled out from local theaters after it was discovered that it depicted in one of its scenes a map showing China's nine-dash line over the South China Sea. The Philippines, which has a territorial dispute with China over features in the West Philippine Sea, is challenging the validity of the nine-dash line. Pointing to the upcoming animated movie, Fortun warned that "Lapu-Lapu might be depicted as a villain in this movie, and we, as Filipinos, cannot allow such a lie to be propagated right on our very own soil." "What can make matters even worse is that the movie caters primarily to young audiences, especially, children," he underscored. Ferdinand Magellan is credited to have "discovered" the Philippines in March 1521 via Spain-backed expedition, but met his end shortly after in the Battle of Mactan when his men clashed with that of Lapu-Lapu's. Locally, the battle is celebrated as a case wherein the underdog Filipino warriors were able to outwit and conquer their better-equipped colonizers. The expedition was continued by Juan Sebastián Elcano, who would be hailed as the first to circumnavigate the globe. As for the Philippines, the country went through a 333-year colonization period under Spain. "We suggest that Philippine history experts be tapped in reviewing the said movie to provide a more in-depth perspective and ensure that the movie will not dishonor Lapu-Lapu’s rightful place in our collective memory," Fortun said. He noted that the MTRCB has at its disposal the power to prohibit its showing or order the removal of scenes that may be offensive to the sensibilities of the Filipino people. "While we acknowledge the importance of the circumnavigation of the world to human history, may its retelling not devalue the admirable courage shown by early Filipinos in fighting for freedom and independence," concluded Fortun. Related story: Palace: Up to MTRCB to decide on Magellan film