Naglabas ng pahayag ang Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) para kondenahin ang “rape” at “death threats” na natatanggap na umano ng chairperson nito na si Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio.

Sa isang pahayag nitong Huwebes, Setyembre 14, ipinabatid ng MTRCB na nagiging target umano ng “alarming online attacks” si Sotto.

“Netizens have taken to the official social media pages of the MTRCB to express their grievances in an inappropriate and harmful manner, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of the Chairperson,” pahayag ng MTRCB.

“Over the past weeks, we have experienced an unfortunate surge in threatening messages on our official social media pages, including explicit rape and death threats directed at Chairperson Lala Sotto," saad nama ni MTRCB Vice Chairman Njel De Mesa.

MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto pinagre-resign ng netizens dahil sa 'conflict of interest'

Ayon pa kay De Mesa, isang “dedicated public servant” si Sotto na may adbokasiya para sa “responsible and inclusive media content.”

“She has consistently championed the importance of media content that respects cultural sensitivities while contributing positively to the Philippine entertainment industry.” ani De Mesa.

Binigyang-diin naman ni MTRCB Executive Director II Atty. Mamarico Sansarona Jr. na walang Pilipinong nararapat na makatanggap ng nasabing personal na pag-atake na nararanasan umano ni Sotto.

“We must not resort to personal attacks because our agency is just doing its mandate. We are happy that our Chair is very active in discharging the functions of our office based on existing laws,” saad ni Sansarona.

Inihayag din ng MTRCB na bagama't kinikilala raw nito ang kahalagahan ng “constructive criticism” at “open dialogue,” mariin umano nitong kinokondena ang anumang anyo ng pananakot, panliligalig, o karahasan, online man o offline.

“Such behavior is not only illegal but also runs counter to the principles of a Filipino value-based media and entertainment culture that the MTRCB upholds.”

“The MTRCB remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that television and movie content aligns with the cultural values and norms of the Philippines. We continue to encourage constructive dialogue with the public, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse and responsible criticism,” saad pa ng MTRCB.

Matatandaang kamakailan lamang ay nakatanggap ng mga negatibong reaksyon si Sotto matapos ang kaniyang naging pahayag tungkol sa hindi pagtawag sa atensyon ng noontime show na “E.A.T.” dahil sa lambingan ng kaniyang mga magulang na sina dating senate president Tito Sotto III at Helen Gamboa.

Binatikos din ng ilang netizens ang MTRCB kaugnay ng pagpapataw nito ng 12 airing days suspension laban sa It’s Showtime dahil sa isyu ng pagkain ng icing ng cake ng dalawang hosts na sina Vice Ganda at Ion Perez sa segment na “Isip Bata.”