The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) issued its decision today, 04 September 2023, to suspend the live noontime program “It’s Showtime!” for twelve (12) airing days.
Several viewers lodged complaints with the MTRCB about the show’s 25 July 2023 episode. In this episode, the program’s hosts allegedly acted indecently during one of its segments, “Isip Bata.” This case was subsequently referred to the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee, which reviewed the matter and required respondents to submit their position papers, adhering to procedural processes.
Under the Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1986 (MTRCB Charter), respondents have the right to file a Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within fifteen (15) days of receiving the decision. If the Board’s Decision doesn’t favor the respondent’s MR, they can then appeal to the Office of the President within another fifteen (15) days.
This isn’t the first time “It’s Showtime” faced a suspension. In 2010, the MTRCB imposed a 20-day preventive suspension on ABS-CBN’s daily variety program, previously named “Showtime.” In 2023 alone, the MTRCB has dealt with numerous complaints about the show.
Recent warnings:
- Case no. 1: The 24 January 2023 episode saw hosts Jhong Hilario and Vice Ganda utter the term “G Spot,” violating Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. No. 1986. The Board admonished the Respondents (ABS-CBN Corporation Broadcasting Network [ABS-CBN], ZOE Broadcasting Network, Inc. [ZBNI], and TV 5 Network, Inc.) and advised them against making similar utterances in the future, warning that repeat offenses would lead to harsher consequences.
- Case no. 2: Host Vhong Navarro used the word “Tinggil” inappropriately on the 03 June 2023 episode, violating the same section as the previous case. The Board sternly warned the Respondents (ABS-CBN and ZBNI) that they would face severe consequences for similar infractions in the future.
The noontime show has duly submitted their MRs for the aforementioned cases, which are now pending with the MTRCB’s Adjudication Committee.
Prior warnings:
The noontime show has previously received warnings for uttering the term “Pek. Pek Shorts” on the 09 January 2023 episode and for the indecent attire and performance of Kim Duenas in the “Girl on Fire” segment aired on 14 February 2023. In both instances, the Respondents were warned that further violations would lead to more severe repercussions.
Dismissed complaints over lack of merit:
The MTRCB has also received various complaints about the show, which were dismissed in the spirit of fairness and equity, including:
- Complaints about the “Rampanalo segment money game” where hosts paired up to catch play money using their lips.
- Feedback on the allegedly suggestive “macho” dancing in one of the show’s segments.
- Issues with wardrobe malfunctions or “nip slips” from one of the performers, leading the MTRCB to urge stakeholders to ensure appropriate attire during performances.
- Complaints regarding the inappropriate wearing of the Barong Tagalog by one of the hosts, among others.
The MTRCB only adjudicates cases which, in the Board’s judgment, align with the law and its governing mandate, P.D. No. 1986.