Mc Richard Paglicawan
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) defended its decision to suspend ‘It’s Showtime’ for 12 airing days, emphasizing the application of due process and fairness in their evaluation, despite the recent public backlash.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the MTRCB clarified the circumstances leading to the suspension, stating, “On 29 August 2023, during its regular board meeting, the Board unanimously voted on the suspension of the said program. This decision was made with careful consideration of prior warnings and offenses associated with the show.”
While the suspension has sparked criticism from many netizens, some of whom pointed out the perceived discrepancy in penalties compared to other shows, the MTRCB maintained its stance on the matter.
One issue raised by viewers involved the use of explicit language by Wally Bayola on the TV5 show ‘EAT,’ which some deemed as more severe than the ‘It’s Showtime’ incident. However, no official decision has been made regarding the “EAT” show at the time of this statement.
Lala Sotto and MTRCB, remind ko lang kayo sa pagmumura ni Wally Bayola ng PUT*NG IN* on national TV. Since you decided to suspend It’s Showtime for 12 days, any penalties below that which will be assigned to E.A.T. will not be accepted by the masses! pic.twitter.com/dHHtxZSCFc
— rob (@robismore) September 4, 2023
In response to the MTRCB’s suspension order, ABS-CBN announced its intention to file a Motion for Reconsideration, reiterating their position that ‘It’s Showtime’ did not violate any pertinent laws.
The suspension of ‘It’s Showtime’ stemmed from multiple complaints regarding an episode in which the program’s hosts, including real-life couple Vice Ganda and Ion Perez, allegedly “acted in an indecent manner” during the ‘Isip Bata’ segment.
About a month ago, the MTRCB summoned the producers of the show in connection with a viral cake-eating scene that featured Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.
