Lala Sotto, the Chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), has once again found herself at the center of controversy after a comment made by Joey de Leon during a segment of the noontime show ‘E.A.T.’
The incident occurred during the ‘imme 5: Laro Ng Mga Henyo’ segment that aired on Saturday, September 23. Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto served as the main hosts for the show, where a contestant was asked to list items that people typically wear around their neck.
The contestant had a 45-second time limit to provide five suitable answers.
Unfortunately, the contestant could only come up with “necklace” before the time ran out.
Vic Sotto announced, “Time’s up.”
Joey de Leon then humorously responded, “Lubid, lubid. Nakakalimutan ‘yon,” which was followed by laughter.
Vic Sotto added “sash” to the list, and other co-hosts contributed with “scarf,” “medal,” and “garland.”
This is a trigger warning clip about suicide and Joey De Leon can’t shut his mouth.
Really? Mga bagay na sinasabit sa leeg ay lubid? REALLY JOEY DE LEON???? LALA SOTTO ANO NA???? pic.twitter.com/YPF0jkPth3
— ALTStarMagic 💫 (@AltStarMagic) September 23, 2023
Joey de Leon’s comment about the “rope” quickly ignited a backlash on social media, with some users expressing concern that it could be distressing to individuals dealing with thoughts of suicide.
As a result, Lala Sotto, who is the daughter of fellow E.A.T. host Tito Sotto, also became a trending topic as netizens called for her to address the situation. Some netizens urged her to ensure fairness and consistency in overseeing noontime shows.
Hi @MTRCBgov! Reminding you of the media guidelines on suicide reporting that your office has released/signed up to. Hope you can do something about this show that might be triggering for some viewers. https://t.co/pRtnYco8HC
— RJ Naguit 🌹 (@docrjnaguit) September 24, 2023
Oh my goodness, disgracefully! There’s no place in this world for these perpetrators like Tito, Vic and Joey to making such inappropriate and irresponsible acts like a disrespectful and disgusting behavior to the general public. Lala Sotto must be resigned immediately, period! https://t.co/RyBnYP30CS
— Ian Joshua Alvarez Arcelo #TheLeniRobredoPodcast (@arcelo_ian) September 24, 2023
TW.
Ginawang katawa-tawa ni Joey de Leon ang pagsuicide. Nakalimutan na ata niya si Pepsi de leon at kung paano siya namatay. Sana bisitahin siya sa gabi.
I hope MTRCB practices what they preach and sanction E.A.T and its hosts. https://t.co/qmDQtqbvBt
— Nix (@macronikki) September 23, 2023
OMG. Sobrang WTF. Same person who invalidated depression before. Tss https://t.co/IPVmMapakd
— enzo (@enzo_almario) September 24, 2023
This follows a recent decision by the MTRCB to impose a 12-day suspension on ‘It’s Showtime’ due to a segment in which Vice Ganda and Ion Perez ate cake icing, which was deemed inappropriate.
It’s worth noting that Lala Sotto had faced criticism previously for an on-screen “sweet” moment between her parents, Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa. However, she clarified that her parents had not violated any regulations in that scene.
MTRCB said in a statement released to the media today, “Taking cognizance of the complaints from the viewing public in relation to E.A.T. Gimme 5 segment aired last 23 September 2023, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) shall determine if the same are valid and presumably violative of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and/or its Implementing Rules and Regulations.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression and having thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide, landline toll-free), 0966-351-4518, 0917-899-8727, or 0917-899-USAP (for Globe/TM users), or 0908-639-2672 (for Smart users).