The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has issued its final decision regarding the Motions for Reconsideration (MR) in the case of the suspension of the noontime variety show ‘It’s Showtime.’
Both ABS-CBN and GMA Network had their MR filings denied by the MTRCB.
In an official statement released on September 28, the MTRCB upheld its previous ruling from August 17, which imposed a 12-day suspension on ‘It’s Showtime’ following complaints related to an alleged indecent incident during the show’s ‘Isip Bata’ segment on July 25.
The controversial incident involved Vice Ganda, a host-comedian, licking icing off the fingers of Ion Perez, a co-host and Vice Ganda’s real-life partner. The MTRCB’s decision also considered the show’s history of previous preventive suspensions.
The next course of action available to ‘It’s Showtime’ is to file an appeal with the Office of the President within the next 15 days, now that the MTRCB has rejected the MRs.
It’s important to note that the suspension of ‘It’s Showtime’ will only take effect after the specified periods have elapsed without the show filing an MR or an appeal.
To ensure impartiality in the decision-making process, the MTRCB’s chairperson, Lala Sotto-Antonio, refrained from participating in the voting process. This measure was taken to guarantee that the MTRCB exercised independent judgment in reaching its decision, particularly in cases involving noontime shows.
It’s worth mentioning that Lala Sotto-Antonio is the daughter of former Senate President Tito Sotto, who was previously the host of the rival show ‘Eat Bulaga!’ on GMA and currently hosts ‘E.A.T.’ on TV5, a direct competitor of ‘It’s Showtime.’
