A recent episode of the Philippine television show “It’s Showtime” has sparked significant controversy after 54-year-old searchee Renzo admitted to dating a 17-year-old minor.
The revelation, part of the “Step In The Name of Love” dating segment, has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with users labeling Renzo’s actions as inappropriate and disturbing. The backlash underscores broader societal concerns about age gaps in relationships, particularly when involving minors.
In the video, Renzo recounts his past relationship, stating, “She used to be my customer” when asked by the hosts what the age of his ex was.
Disisyete??! Seryoso ka Tay?!
Showtime, balik mo na sa mga bagets tong segment juskopoooo#ShowtimeBangBangBang pic.twitter.com/xPxA5GhOyu
— Mon (@sweetdonutt_) June 16, 2025
When told, ”Seventeen”, one of the show’s host, Vhong Navarro, seemingly got taken a back, remarking, ”Masyadong bata po ‘yun, underage po ‘yun”.
However, much of the unfavorable reaction from netizen was targeted towards Jhong Hilario, who quipped, ”lusot!”, when Renzo clarified, his ‘ex’ just turned 18, a month earlier.
The negative response was swift and vocal. @ddjavs demanded, “Kadiri! Ipakulong niyo yan. And no Jhong, hindi siya lusot!”while @bellatism70077 labeled the hosts as “enablers,” stating, “These hosts are enablers! Nakakasuka!!”.
Kadiri! Ipakulong niyo yan. And no Jhong, hindi siya lusot! #ShowtimeBangBangBang
— Faney Akez 🏳️🌈🌸 (@faneyakez) June 16, 2025
The criticism reflects a growing intolerance for relationships that exploit age differences, especially in a context where the age of consent in the Philippines is 16, but moral and ethical concerns remain.
The episode’s timing is particularly sensitive, given recent legal changes raising the age of consent and ongoing discussions about protecting minors from exploitation. As @mcdee2418 noted, “So, hindi sinasala ang mga kwentong-buhay ng searchers/searchees?” questioning the lack of scrutiny over such stories.
So, hindi sinasala ang mga kwentong-buhay ng searchers/searchees?
— Irene (@SwissMissDaw) June 16, 2025
The backlash serves as a reminder of the power of media to shape societal norms and the responsibility to handle sensitive topics with care.
Vice Ganda was notably not around when the said episode was aired, June 16.
