The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned Viva Communications, Inc. over a viral video showing one of its content creators making “profane” remarks against the agency.
In a letter dated October 23 addressed to Viva President Vincent G. Del Rosario, the MTRCB stated that the meeting aims to “promote mutual understanding” and “responsible conduct” in public events.
The agency further described the content creator’s comments as “disrespectful” to the institution and to the people behind its work.
“In line with our Responsableng Panonood campaign and our vision for healthy collaborative practices with our stakeholders, we would like to invite you for a dialogue on the said report,” the MTRCB said in its letter.
It continued, “While we respect freedom of expression, the agency views with serious concern the use of language that undermines respect for public institutions and the standards governing film classification.”
The dialogue is scheduled for November 4, which the MTRCB said will serve as a venue for “constructive discussion” and to “reinforce professionalism and accountability within the entertainment industry”.
While the agency did not identify the content creator in question, the summon follows the spread of a viral clip showing TikTok personality and actress Sassa Gurl cursing at the MTRCB during the premiere of Dreamboi, an erotic thriller film directed by trans filmmaker Rodina Singh.
“T*ng*na niyo, MTRCB!” exclaimed Sassa Gurl during the event.
She later added in jest, “Maldita ‘di ba? Bakit tayo ire-rated X ‘di naman ‘to porn. Hindi naman ako naglabas ng nota dito! Ay!”, referring to her cameo appearance in the film.
When asked by members of the press if she had a message for MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto, Sassa quipped as quoted by PEP.ph, “Tama na siya! Malala siya!”
@tatakpelikula Sassa Gurl: “Tang*na niyo MTRCB.” LOOK: Content creator and actor #SassaGurl, minura ang MTRCB during the premiere of the film Dreamboi. The movie received a Rated X twice before it was finally given an R-18 rating. #Dreamboi is an official entry to this year’s CineSilip Film Festival. Starring Tony Labrusca, EJ Jallorina, Jenn Rosa. #tonylabrusca @Sassa Gurl ♬ original sound – TatakMNL | Tatak Pelikula
Sassa Gurl’s outburst came in reaction to the MTRCB’s earlier decision to flag the film as X-rated, effectively disallowing its public screening at the time.
After two rounds of appeals, Dreamboi finally secured an R-18 rating from the MTRCB, allowing it to screen in local cinemas and participate in the inaugural CineSilip Film Festival 2025 where it took home eight awards including Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Migs Almendras), and the Audience Choice Award.
As of writing, both Viva Communications and Sassa Gurl have yet to issue statements regarding the incident or the MTRCB’s summons.
