MTRCB summons ‘Till I Met You’ directors, producer over Jadine scene

MANILA, Philppines (UPDATE) – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned the directors, producer, and writer of the show Till I Met You to discuss episodes that aired on October 25, 27, 27, and 28. 

ABS-CBN has since issued a statement to address the MTRCB’s letter and social media users’ reaction to the news. 

The network said that the MTRCB was informed of the strong parental guidance (SPG) rating of the episode before it was created.

Read their full statement below:

“The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) earlier issued an invitation to the directors and producer of “Till I Met You” to a conference for them to explain some scenes to address certain viewer concerns. MTRCB posted the invitation online, which attracted social media discussion.

“Prior to the airing of the questioned episode last Oct 25, the producers, by way of self-regulation pursuant to MTRCB policy and practice, did send a letter to the MTRCB informing them that the episode will bear the classification of SPG (Strong Parental Guidance) because of the sensitive material involved.

“The intent of the episode to show certain sensitive scenes was to make viewers aware not only of the consequences of young and reckless love but also how impulsive acts of this kind of love occur in real life. There are lessons to be learned where decisions are made on impulse.  We hope that the program will be appreciated in its entirety and some scenes not taken out of context.

“Rest assured that the program executives will participate in the conference requested for by the MTRCB on Nov 10.”

MTRCB’s letter

In a letter dated November 2, signed by MTRCB chairman Eugenio “Toto” Villareal, directors Antoinette Jadaone, Andoy Ranay, executive producer Arnel Nacario, and writer Shugo Praico were called to attend the November 10 conference.

The October 25 episode was the first to receive complaints, as it included a sex scene between James Reid and Nadine Lustre’s characters.

According to the MTRCB’s letter, “some audiences found [the scene] to be unfit for television (despite its ‘SPG’ advisory).”

In the October 26 episode, the line “sex lang yan (it’s just sex)” was mentioned, while the October 27 and 28 episodes had alleged “sexually teasing” scenes, as well as “outrightly sexually-charged bath-related scenes.”

“With the above, considering that ‘PG’ and ‘SPG’ ratings still admit the reality of having young audiences, the Board shall expect you to present your side at the said conference which shall be before a Committee particulady designated for the matter,” wrote the MTRCB. 

MTRCB calls "Till I Met You" for a conference re: 25, 26, 27, and 28 October 2016 episodes.https://t.co/M0aF7vkqQA

— MTRCB (@MTRCBgov) November 2, 2016

Till I Met You is the second TV series of James and Nadine (also known as a real-life and onscreen couple as Jadine) with director Antoinette Jadaone. Their previous show, On the Wings of Love, was a major hit. – Rappler.com