The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has announced a suspension of ‘It’s Showtime’ for a duration of 12 consecutive airing days. In an official statement released by the MTRCB on Monday, September 4, they have confirmed the suspension of ABS-CBN’s noontime program, ‘It’s Showtime.’
Recall that this isn’t the first instance of suspension for the show. This action follows a series of complaints from viewers regarding the July 25, 2023, episode of the show. According to the complaints, the hosts of ‘It’s Showtime’ engaged in inappropriate behavior during the segment known as “Isip Bata.”
AFAIK, MTRCB can only suspend airing of It's Showtime thru A2Z and GTV. It's Showtime can still air the program at Kapamilya Online Live Youtube channel. MTRCB jurisdiction only covers television Programs – include all materials or content seen on free television and cable… pic.twitter.com/0utkypvQTP
— Rod Magaru (@rodmagaru) September 4, 2023
The incident in question pertains to the exchange between Vice Ganda and Ion Perez involving a “cake” joke, which prompted the MTRCB’s intervention. This particular scene was deemed to be in violation of Section 3 (c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986.
Prior Warnings
It may also be recalled that the noontime show received prior warnings from the Board in relation to the utterance of the word “Pek Pek Shorts” in the 09 January 2023 episode of the show and the indecent attire and performance of Kim Duenas in the “Girl on Fire” segment aired on 14 February 2023, in both cases, the Respondents were admonished that similar violations shall be dealt with more severely.
Dismissed Complaints over lack of Merit
Apart from these, the MTRCB has received multiple complaints regarding the noontime show, which the Board dismissed in the spirit of fairness and equity, such as (1) Complaints regarding the “Rampanalo” segment money game where hosts were paired together to catch play money using their lips; (2) Complaints regarding the allegedly suggestive “macho” dancing in one of the show’s segments; (3) Complaints regarding the wardrobe malfunctions or “nip slips” of one of the performers, to which MTRCB issued a memorandum urging stakeholders to exercise prudence in securing their talents’ clothing during performances; and (4) Complaints of alleged inappropriate wearing of the Barong Tagalog of one of the Hosts, to name a few.
The MTRCB only adjudicates cases which, to the Board’s judgment, have basis in law and its mandate, P.D. No. 1986.
