Amid growing speculation and accusations, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has set the record straight about the film “Lost Sabungeros.”
In a statement, the board maintained they did not reject or block the review of the documentary, which has sparked a wave of public discussion. The MTRCB insists that the filmmakers have simply failed to meet one critical requirement that would allow for the same: document confirming that the subject matter of “Lost Sabungeros” is not currently part of any ongoing legal case.
This request stems from the MTRCB’s duty to ensure that films presented for public exhibition comply with existing laws, particularly those that safeguard judicial processes.
At the core of this request is the so-called sub judice rule—a legal principle that prohibits the public discussion or presentation of matters that are still being decided in court.
However, as of now, the filmmakers have yet to provide this document.
The MTRCB maintained the filmmakers were fully aware of this requirement, citing a letter dated February 12, 2026, wherein “Lost Sabungeros” director Kristoffer J. Brazil acknowledged the MTRCB’s request and confirmed that the certification was needed to proceed.
The Board clarified that it is not the denial of the film that is at the heart of the issue, but rather the failure to comply with this critical legal requirement.
Until then, the film, very much like its subject matter, remains in limbo.
