Calls for the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to review a recent ‘It’s Showtime’ episode have intensified after some viewers claimed they had formally filed complaints over a comedy skit involving host Vice Ganda and Baby Doll Johaira Moris.
The controversy stemmed from a segment of ‘Laro Laro Pick’ featuring the show’s ‘Memerimar’ skit, where Vice sprayed water toward Johaira before joking, “Anong nangyari sa’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?” Some viewers criticized the remark, arguing that it could be interpreted as colorist or racist because it referenced Johaira’s skin tone. Others also questioned another portion of the skit involving Vice and co-host Ion Perez, which drew separate criticism online.
Following the backlash, Vice addressed the issue during the closing moments of ‘It’s Showtime’, acknowledging that some viewers found the jokes offensive or insensitive.
“Nakarating po sa aming kaalaman na may mga madlang pipol na hindi nagustuhan o na-offend sa ilan sa aming jokes o biruan dito sa ‘It’s Showtime,’ pati na rin sa mga ginagawa namin sa ‘Memerimar.’ They found the jokes offensive or insensitive.”
The comedian emphasized that the program’s intention has always been to entertain its audience and never to offend anyone.
“The last thing we want is to displease you o hindi mapasaya ang aming Madlang Pipol. Kaya naman, ina-acknowledge namin ang inyong sentimyento at humihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa inyo, and we will try to do better.”
Despite the public apology, discussions continued on social media, with some netizens urging the MTRCB to look into the incident. Several users claimed to have filed formal complaints with the regulatory body, while others compared the controversy to the 2023 suspension of ‘It’s Showtime’, when the program was ordered off the air for 12 broadcast days following a separate case involving Vice and Perez.
The issue also sparked broader conversations online about the limits of comedy on free television. Some viewers argued that jokes involving physical appearance, skin color, or actions perceived as degrading should no longer be normalized, while others said the segment should be viewed within the context of a scripted comedy performance and noted that Vice had already apologized.
As of writing, the MTRCB has not issued any official statement or announced whether it has received complaints or initiated a review of the episode. Likewise, no regulatory action has been announced against Vice Ganda or It’s Showtime.
