MTRCB denies motions for reconsideration of ‘It’s Showtime’

THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has rejected the Motions for Reconsideration (MR) of networks ABS-CBN and GMA regarding the suspension of the noontime variety show “It's Showtime.”

In a resolution dated and released on Thursday, the MTRCB – led by its Chairperson Lala Sotto – stood by its August 17 ruling, which imposed a 12-day suspension on “It's Showtime!” in response to complaints about the show's “Isip Bata” segment on July 25.

‘It’s Showtime’ hosts INSTAGRAM PHOTO/@AMYPCASTILLO

The statement specifically said that “hosts Ryan Bang, Vice Ganda and lon Perez allegedly acted indecently or inappropriately in the presence of children, which is alleged to have violated Chapter IV Section 2 (b) (1) of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.”

During the said episode, the comedian and real-life partner Perez made headlines after eating icing off their fingers, which some viewers felt was a portrayal of an indecent act.

On September 5 following the Board's decision to suspend the program following the incident, “It's Showtime's” camp maintained that there was no violation of pertinent law and immediately submitted their MRs.

But according to the government agency, viewers have lodged multiple complaints concerning the episode. The Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas, Inc. also filed a criminal complaint before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office on September 11 claiming that they violated Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No.10175, or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The MTRCB has also reported that in 2023 alone, they have received multiple complaints which the Board has given due course.

Among the prior warnings MTRCB has issued “It's Showtime” include: Utterance of the word “GSpot” by some of the hosts of the program (aired January 24); Utterance of the word “Tinggil” (aired June 3); and the provocative performance of Kim Duenas on the “Girl on Fire” segment (aired February 14).

“In all these cases, Respondents were either given stern warnings, or were admonished that similar violations shall be dealt with more severely,” the MTRCB stated.

Apart from the said cases, the MTRCB also received multiple complaints regarding the noontime show, which the Board dismissed “in spirit of fairness and equity.”

With the denied appeals of “It's Showtime,” the MTRCB said the networks can file an appeal to the Office of the President within 15 days.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN also on Thursday issued a statement regarding the MTRCB's decision.

According to the network, they have already received the resolution and are “currently exploring all remedies and options.”

“In the meantime, since the imposed suspension is not yet final and executory, we would like to reassure our audiences that “It's Showtime” will continue to be seen on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and GTV. It is also available on Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and TFC,” the statement read.

“We are truly grateful for the unwavering love and support that we have received from our viewers. We remain committed to bringing joy and inspiration to our beloved Madlang People,” they added.