The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) reaffirmed the X rating it bestowed on "Dear Satan."
This, even as producers of the show already changed its title to "Dear Santa," supposedly to "better reflect" the message it wants to convey to audiences.
Note that an X rating means the film is not allowed to screen publicly.
In a statement , the MTRCB upheld its final decision to prohibit the public exhibition of the film citing its portrayal of Satan in a positive light, maintaining it is "an attack on fundamental belief of the Catholic and Christian faiths."
The agency noted this is a violation of Presidential Decree No. 1986, Chapter IV, Section F, Subsection (c).
Said MTRCB Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Lala Sotto-Antonio, “At the MTRCB, we operate under a Committee system, which thoroughly reviews each movie based on established guidelines in accordance to our charter."
“May these guidelines serve as a reminder to our filmmakers. While we are fully supportive of our movie and television industry, the MTRCB is mandated by PD 1986 to uphold and promote respect for Filipino cultural values," she added.
Produced by Mavx Productions Inc., the Christmas-themed movie stars Paolo Contis and Sienna Stevens.