MANILA, Philippines - Funfare got a text message yesterday from an unlisted source about a call for the “boycott” of Fr. Jejemon, Dolphy’s movie which is one of the eight official entries in this year’s Metro Manila Filmfest because of a scene showing Dolphy as a priest giving communion, with the Holy Eucharist accidentally dropping on the cleavage of one woman and, in another scene, getting stuck in the dentures of a senior citizen.
The scene is part of the trailer of the movie which could be the Comedy King’s last because of ill health. He was recently diagnosed to be suffering from severe pneumonia that required hospitalization. He admitted that he needed an oxygen mask because he oftentimes has difficulty breathing.
Calling the receiver to pass the message, the unidentified sender, quoting from whoever was the original sender, said, “We must denounce this mockery and desecration of the highest form of worship. Let’s not allow the ‘King of Comedy’ to make a comedy of the ‘King of Kings’.”
Asked by Funfare for comment, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dolphy’s beloved who’s acting as the producer (for the family-owned RVQ Productions), said, “Initially, I found the scene ‘cute.’ We didn’t have any malicious intention to offend any religion, not especially Catholicism, because Dolphy is sarado Katoliko.”
Funfare understands that the guidelines of the MTRCB (Movies and Television Review Classification Board) frown on any scene that may be deemed “offensive” to any race or religion.
“We were confident because the trailer was approved by the MTRCB,” added Zsa Zsa. “But we are pulling out the trailer at once and having that scene cut.”
Contacted by Funfare, Grace issued the following statement:
Due to the feedback we received regarding the trailer of Fr. Jejemon, I have ordered a second review of the scene in the movie being questioned. Please note that the MTRCB is given the autonomy to decide what rating to prescribe. As chairman, I am bound to respect the independent view of the majority of the members in a committee review. The chairman, however, will order a second review if there is a credible opposition to the material. In this case, I have ordered a second review of the trailer of Fr. Jejemon which will be held today, and I will be part of the second review committee. I will take note of the possible offensive scenes and will recommend appropriate action. I have also requested Mr. Pascual of RVQ Productions to refrain from airing the trailer pending a second review. Mr. Pascual signified his willingness to cooperate.