In a recent development regarding the suspension of the popular noontime show ‘It’s Showtime,’ the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) clarified that the suspension is not yet considered final and executory.
This clarification comes after several viewers raised concerns about the fate of the show following the MTRCB’s decision.
According to a report by Nelson Canlas on ’24 Oras,’ the MTRCB emphasized that it is still awaiting the “finality” of the case before implementing the suspension.
MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto explained the board’s decision, saying, “With others, puwede naman talagang ma-suspend na kanina pa lang. But no, again, in the spirit of fairness, we’re giving them the chance kaya hindi sila suspended today. We will wait for its finality.”
The MTRCB’s decision to suspend ‘It’s Showtime’ for a duration of 12 airing days came in response to multiple viewer complaints about the show’s July 25 episode. These complaints alleged that hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez engaged in indecent behavior during the ‘Isip Bata’ segment.
Addressing allegations of bias against ‘It’s Showtime,’ Chairperson Lala Sotto, who is the daughter of former Senate President Tito Sotto (host of a noontime show on a different network), firmly denied any partiality.
She stated, “No, that is not true. Siguro natural lang naman sa mga supporters ang maging ganoon ang pakiramdam kasi siguro naririnig nila na parating na-re-report. But hindi po kasalanan ng MTRCB ang violations na ginagawa nila.”
She stressed that the MTRCB board reached its decision independently.
The MTRCB further clarified that Chairperson Lala Sotto had recused herself from voting, ensuring that the board members exercised their independent judgment when determining the appropriate course of action.
In response to the MTRCB’s decision to suspend ‘It’s Showtime,’ Vice Ganda shared an uplifting quote on Instagram: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN continues to assert its position that ‘It’s Showtime’ did not violate any pertinent laws or regulations, despite the recent suspension imposed by the MTRCB. The network is expected to submit a Motion for Reconsideration as it seeks to overturn the suspension.
