Numerous public figures and social media influencers have criticized Movies and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson Diorella “Lala” Sotto, for the board’s decision to suspend the Kapamilya noontime show, ‘It’s Showtime.’
In a recent interview shared by @altstarmagic on Twitter on September 5, Sotto was heard stating that her decision-making for the board would be guided by her spiritual convictions.
Even though the board has already clarified that Sotto didn’t participate in the voting for the decision, her statement still received strong disapproval from celebrities and social media personalities who argued that MTRCB rulings should be based on established rules and guidelines rather than the personal spiritual beliefs of the chairperson.
Nico Quejano expressed his frustration with Sotto’s statement, calling her ‘tanga’ (fool) and emphasizing the importance of following MTRCB guidelines.
“May guidelines ang MTRCB. Tanga. #AbolishMTRCB”
May guidelines ang MTRCB. Tanga.#AbolishMTRCB https://t.co/Sfzk4fQPJr
— Nico Quejano (@nicoquejano) September 4, 2023
Drag performer DeeDee Marie Holliday had a similar reaction, labeling Sotto Gaga (crazy).
Gaga ka. https://t.co/7n6oJi1K4g
— DeeDee Marié Holliday #DragIsNotACrime (@DeeDeeMarieH) September 4, 2023
Economist JC Punongbayan went as far as suggesting that the board should be abolished due to its perceived obsolescence.
“#AbolishMTRCB Anachronistic in the 21st century.”
#AbolishMTRCB Anachronistic in the 21st century. https://t.co/gbZAc3jrER
— JC Punongbayan, PhD (@jcpunongbayan) September 4, 2023
Former COMELEC Chairman Andy Bautista also criticized Sotto’s reliance on ‘spiritual conviction,’ citing the principle of the separation of church and state.
“Spiritual conviction deals with morality and not legality. Separation of church and state”
https://twitter.com/ChairAndyBau/status/1698875095509270578
Another drag queen, Lady Morgana, reacted in the Bisayan dialect with a tweet, “PAGHILOM! YA-YA RANA IMUNG NAWONG”, which roughly translated to “Manahimik ka…mukha mo.”
PAGHILOM! YA-YA RANA IMUNG NAWONG! https://t.co/fo1sNWMjlE
— Lady Morgana DIDAYlaygon (@itsladymorgana) September 4, 2023
Lawyer Emil Maranon humorously imagined a scenario in which Sotto was a law student.
“Lala Sotto as a law student: Teacher: ‘What’s your legal basis?’ Lala: ‘My spiritual conviction.’”
https://twitter.com/13thFool/status/1698865096808894702
Likewise, drag performer @doracrybaby joked about Sotto’s statement, expressing disbelief and amusement.
“‘my basis would be my spiritual conviction’ HA?????? HAHAHAAHAHAHA HATDOG”
“my basis would be my spiritual conviction” HA?????? HAHAHAAHAHAHA HATDOG https://t.co/DxorC8rKoD
— Dora (@doracrybaby) September 4, 2023
Director Rod Singh commented on the contradiction between Sotto’s words and the reality of the rating application process, suggesting that her self-righteousness was evident.
“Sobrang kontrabida ng mga katagang “anything to protect our children” Alamoyan Lala kung pinapanood mo lahat ng nag aapply ng rating. Oh well, warning sign talaga ng kahit sinong anak ng dilim ang pagiging self-righteous.”
Sobrang kontrabida ng mga katagang “anything to protect our children”
Alamoyan Lala kung pinapanood mo lahat ng nag aapply ng rating.
Oh well, warning sign talaga ng kahit sinong anak ng dilim ang pagiging self-righteous. https://t.co/BnSHgf6k13
— rod singh (@iamrodafrog) September 4, 2023
@jaicabajar characterized Sotto’s actions as another instance of a self-righteous individual using religion as a pretext for discrimination.
“Just another day of straight people using their superficial understanding of God to suppress and discriminate other people. P.S. Ang corny ng commercial niyo sa mga sinehan”
Just another day of straight people using their superficial understanding of God to suppress and discriminate other people.
P.S. Ang corny ng commercial niyo sa mga sinehan https://t.co/9SYmPEkXYt
— Jai Cabajar (@jaicabajar) September 4, 2023
@powiecan voiced the opinion that decisions based on spiritual conviction are inherently biased and unfair, rendering one unqualified for the task of objective decision-making.
“if her spiritual conviction will always be her basis, then she’s not even qualified cause that means she can’t be fair and objective.”
https://twitter.com/powiecan/status/1698715469514236144
