Following the recent decision of the Movies and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to summon ‘It’s Showtime’ over an icing-eating moment involving hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez, numerous netizens expressed their fresh calls for the abolition of the regulatory body.
On Monday, July 31, MTRCB issued a notice of hearing for the producers of ‘It’s Showtime,’ alleging the airing of “indecent acts” on the July 25 episode.
Netizens criticized MTRCB’s move, stating that it reflects double standards and bias, particularly because the chairperson, Lala Sotto, is the daughter of Tito Sotto, a host of a rival program called ‘E.A.T.’
On Twitter, individuals like Kapamilya writer Jerry Gracio urged industry stakeholders to unite and push for the abolition of the board.
“Nagbago na ang landscape ng PH entertainment, ang mission pa rin ng MTRCB ay “to encourage value-based media & entartainment culture.” Kaninong value? Sa Estado, na bangkarote ang values? Once and for all, dapat manindigan ang buong industriya na i-abolish na ang board na ito.”
Nagbago na ang landscape ng PH entertainment, ang mission pa rin ng MTRCB ay “to encourage value-based media & entartainment culture.” Kaninong value? Sa Estado, na bangkarote ang values? Once and for all, dapat manindigan ang buong industriya na i-abolish na ang board na ito.
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) July 31, 2023
@joemaristela also questioned MTRCB’s decision, pointing out that the icing-eating scene was clearly a comedic act, devoid of any indecency.
“I agree with you. The MTRCB is overreacting to this instance. Section 3 of PD 1986, which the MTRCB is citing, is a broad provision that gives the board the authority to regulate “the exhibition of films and other audio-visual materials.” However, the provision does not specifically mention “food tasting” or “mukbang.”
“The MTRCB’s decision to set a hearing is also puzzling. The video in question is clearly labeled as “comedy” and is not intended to be taken seriously. It is also not clear what the MTRCB hopes to achieve by holding a hearing.”
I agree with you. The MTRCB is overreacting to this instance. Section 3 of PD 1986, which the MTRCB is citing, is a broad provision that gives the board the authority to regulate "the exhibition of films and other audio-visual materials." However, the provision does not…
— Joe (@JoeMaristela) July 31, 2023
Social media personality Nico Quejano emphasized the biased decision-making process due to Chairperson Sotto’s connection with a host from the competing show ‘It’s Showtime.’
“The thing is… MTRCB Chairperson right now is the daughter of Tito Sotto. Yes. From a rival show. So… can we really expect fairness from the MTRCB? Hmmm”
The thing is… MTRCB Chairperson right now is the daughter of Tito Sotto. Yes. From a rival show. So… can we really expect fairness from the MTRCB? Hmmm
— Nico Quejano (@nicoquejano) July 31, 2023
@dalebacar meanwhile slammed MTRCB double standards tweeting, “This is simple. If hetero couples can do it, LGBTQ couples should be able to do it without getting a call for an investigation. Fuck anyone who believes otherwise. #AbolishMTRCB”
This is simple. If hetero couples can do it, LGBTQ couples should be able to do it without getting a call for an investigation. Fuck anyone who believes otherwise. #AbolishMTRCB https://t.co/HcZqe4OiCj
— Dale Bacar (@dalebacar) August 1, 2023
@johnmariomag also called for the abolition of the board. He expressed, “#AbolishMTRCB trapong basurang pamilya mag-amang kapalmuks at walang delikadesa na ginagamit ang perang buwis ng taong bayan at panandaliang posisyon sa MTRCB para atakihin at gipitin ang kakompetensyang programa.”
trapong basurang pamilya
mag-amang kapalmuks at walang delikadesa na ginagamit ang perang buwis ng taong bayan at panandaliang posisyon sa MTRCB para atakihin at gipitin ang kakompetensyang programa.
https://t.co/CnGFwnihX1
— johnmariomag (@johnmariomag) July 31, 2023
Journalist Jonathan Sy shared a photo collage comparing Vice and Ion’s icing-eating moment with a past incident of former President Duterte kissing a random girl on the lips, implying a double standard within the MTRCB’s decision. He captioned it, “#AbolishMTRCB.”
#AbolishMTRCB https://t.co/62cCQSGI3d pic.twitter.com/9c9WIfpllW
— Jonathan E. Sy (@easy_jonathan) July 31, 2023
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time the MTRCB has faced calls for abolition. In 2020, the regulatory body received backlash from netizens and celebrities when it proposed to expand its mandate to include control over digital platforms like Netflix, iWantTFC, and other video-on-demand sites.
