The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has officially confirmed that the production team of the noontime show E.A.T. has issued an apology for the incident involving Joey de Leon pulling on a “Lubid” during a segment that discussed “mga bagay na isinasabit sa leeg.” This acknowledgment came to light during the Senate hearing for the proposed 2024 budget of the MTRCB on Wednesday, September 27. MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto revealed that the producers of E.A.T. voluntarily visited their office to seek leniency for Joey de Leon’s alleged joke.

“The E.A.T. production voluntarily appeared before the MTRCB on Monday (September 25) with an apology letter to enter into a dialogue with Atty. (Paulino) Cases, the chairman of the adjudication committee,” said Lala.

Reports have also verified that E.A.T. allegedly submitted an apology letter, and officials have stated that they are currently reviewing the received complaint in this regard.

As per the letter dated September 25, 2023, addressed to MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto, the management of E.A.T. expressed its intention to reach out to anyone who may have been “offended” by Joey’s remarks.

“During the said incident, Mr. Joey de Leon suggested ‘lubid’ (rope) as an answer to a question regarding things that may be worn around the neck. He conveyed this verbally in a very brief manner without further actions, elaborations, or demonstrations. However, some viewers interpreted the utterance of the said object to be an insinuation of suicide, which is a very sensitive and triggering subject,” as posted.

The whole E.A.T. management is regretful and apologetic to those who were offended by the said utterance. Rest assured that we are one with MTRCB in advocating a responsible viewing experience for the public,” she added.