Popular comedian and TV host Vice Ganda tackled the concept of malice among children during a segment of It’s Showtime’s ‘Isip Bata’ on August 1, 2023.
In the episode, contestant Kulot shared a story about a young girl playing with other children at school and her mother’s reaction upon learning about it.
“Sabi nung bata naglaro daw sila ng Chinese Garter sa school. Sabi nung nanay ‘bat ka naglaro makikita ‘yung panty mo’ sabi nung bata ‘tinanggal ko naman ‘yung panty ko’” Kulot said.
Vice Ganda responded to Kulot’s story, highlighting that there was nothing wrong with the children’s innocent actions, as they do not possess any malicious intentions.
“Among kids, there’s nothing wrong with it, kahit naman sa bahay kapag naglalaro tayo wala tayong mga salawal kasi to begin with, wala silang malisya,” said Vice.
“Pero pag lalabas tayo syempre dinadamitan tayo ng ating mga magulang para mas kumpleto ‘yung ating kasuotan,” he added.
https://twitter.com/xovicey/status/1686252129714094080
Netizens interpreted Kulot’s story as an illustration of the difference between the mindset of an adult and that of a child.
Furthermore, they related the story to the ongoing controversy surrounding Vice and his boyfriend Ion Perez, who faced criticism from adults over their way of eating a cake in front of children.
The issue garnered attention, leading the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to summon the producers of It’s Showtime. The regulatory body received complaints regarding the “Isip Bata” segment, particularly Vice Ganda and Ion Perez’s actions during the show’s July 25 episode.
The MTRCB issued a notice to the producers to appear and testify in response to the allegations of “alleged indecent acts.” The controversial incident has sparked discussions on the distinction between playful innocence and adult sensibilities in the context of television programming.
