The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio has firmly addressed the recent warning issued to the noontime show “It’s Showtime,” clarifying that the decision was not biased and reiterating the importance of enforcing the board’s guidelines.
The controversy arose after Vice Ganda and Ion Perez were seen engaging in an act during the “Isip Bata” segment of “It’s Showtime,” drawing criticism from some viewers and leading to the summoning of the show’s producers by the MTRCB.
In an interview with “Cristy Ferminute” on Radyo5 92.3 TRUE FM, Chair Lala emphasized that the warning was not based on any personal bias, as some netizens alleged due to her familial connections with former Senate President Tito Sotto and actress Helen Gamboa. She clarified that “It’s Showtime” was the program that received the warning, not the long-running variety show “Eat Bulaga,” which her parents used to co-host.
Addressing concerns over her parents’ public display of affection on television, Chair Lala explained that she grew up in an environment where such affectionate interactions were normal. She cited her parents’ loving 55-year marriage as an example of a strong marital relationship.
“Alam n’yo po lumaki kasi akong ganu’n na halos araw-araw ng buhay naming magkakapatid ganu’n po talaga ang aming mga magulang maski sa telebisyon, maski saan. Mula pa po noong bata kami. They have been married for 55 years now at tulad po ng sinasabi ko ‘yung mga lambingan nila na ganyan ay simula pa nu’ng may show sila (binanggit isa-isa). All through the years ginagawa po talaga nila ‘yan at wala namang naging problema kasi in fact ito po ay isa pa ring ehemplo ng mag-asawa,” she answered.
Regarding the summoning of “It’s Showtime,” Chair Lala underscored that the MTRCB acts on complaints and diligently follows a due process. The decision to summon the show was based on observations by the board’s monitoring inspection unit regarding alleged violations related to the presence of children during the controversial segment.
“Pero para po kasi sa akin nagsimula po ang problemang ito dahil po mula rin ito sa monitoring inspection unit namin which is ‘yung naging paglabag sa Presidential Decree No. 1986 ng programang Showtime.”
The MTRCB, as a quasi-judicial body, adheres to a fair and thorough assessment of complaints before taking any action. Chair Lala acknowledged that they have been patient with “It’s Showtime” in the past, issuing warnings for language-related violations, but the recent incident involving children was a matter that could not be overlooked.
Chair Lala empathized with the supporters of “It’s Showtime” and their passion for defending the program. She asked them not to feel disheartened, as she, too, understands their sentiments, having grown up in a similar noontime show environment with “Eat Bulaga.”
The MTRCB’s warning to “It’s Showtime” has sparked discussions about the board’s role in regulating television content and the fine line between entertainment and responsible programming. Chair Lala’s firm stance on enforcing guidelines aims to uphold the integrity of the board’s mandate.
“Kung alam n’yo lang, ilang notices na po ang aming ipinadala sa kanila (It’s Showtime), nakailang warning na rin sila dahil sa mga violations nila sa lengguwahe na paulit-ulit po ‘yun.
“Hindi naman namin sila binigyan ng notice to appear para diyan because like I’ve said, I’ve been very tolerant, I’ve been very understanding and patient ngunit binibigyan sila ng warning and turn warning, ito po (recent indescent act) hindi na puwedeng palampasin. Magalit na kung sino ang magagalit,” she added.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the producers of “It’s Showtime” are expected to address the issue and share their perspective on the matter. The public remains keen on how the situation will be resolved and what steps will be taken to ensure responsible television programming.
