Metro Manila, Philippines – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned the producers of “It’s Showtime” following multiple complaints that its July 24 episode allegedly contained inappropriate scenes and racially insensitive and colorist remarks.
In a two-page notice to appear, the agency said it received numerous complaints about the episode from concerned citizens regarding the actions of TV host and comedian Vice Ganda.
The notice, signed by MTRCB Chair and CEO Lala Sotto by authority of its board, directed respondents GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation, through their duly authorized representatives and/or counsel, to appear before the MTRCB hearing and adjudication committee at the MTRCB Building on Wednesday, July 29, for a hearing on the said complaints.
Based on countless letter complaints received and a report from the agency’s monitoring and Inspection Unit (MIU), the incident in question was a “Memerimar” skit in the noontime TV show’s “Laro Laro Pick” segment.
Concerned citizens called out Vice Ganda’s alleged racist, colorist remarks and a “lugaw” scene featuring Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.
Before the end of the July 25 episode of “It’s Showtime,” Vice Ganda addressed the controversy on air, apologized to viewers who were offended by the jokes, and said the show’s goal has always been to entertain rather than hurt anyone.
He also assured viewers that the production would “try to do better” moving forward.
The MTRCB directed the respondents to submit proof of authority for their representatives on or before the scheduled hearing.
It also warned that failure to appear would be deemed a waiver of the respondents’ right to present evidence and that the case would be resolved based on the records before the board.
