MTRCB suspends ‘It’s Showtime’ live airing for 12 days

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has suspended the live noontime program “It’s Showtime!” for a period of twelve (12) airing days, effective from September 4, 2023.

This decision comes in response to multiple complaints lodged by viewers regarding the July 25, 2023 episode of the show, specifically concerning the alleged indecent behavior of the program’s hosts during the “Isip Bata” segment.

The case was reviewed by the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee, which initiated a procedural process, requiring the respondents to submit their position papers.

According to the MTRCB Charter, as per Presidential Decree No. 1986, the respondents have the option to file one Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within fifteen (15) days after receiving the decision. If the Board’s decision remains unfavorable after the MR, they may then appeal to the Office of the President within fifteen (15) days from receiving the MR decision.

It’s worth noting that this is not the first time “It’s Showtime!” has faced a preventive suspension order. In 2010, the MTRCB imposed a 20-day preventive suspension on the show when it was known as ‘Showtime.’

In the year 2023 alone, the MTRCB has received numerous complaints related to the show. The Board has issued two prior warnings for inappropriate utterances by the hosts, specifically the use of the words “G Spot” and “Tinggil” during episodes, both in violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree No. 1986. The Board admonished the respondents involved and cautioned against similar utterances.

Currently, the noontime show has submitted Motion for Reconsiderations (MRs) for these cases, which are pending review with the MTRCB’s Adjudication Committee.

The program had previously received warnings from the Board regarding the use of the term “Pek Pek Shorts” in a January 9, 2023 episode and the indecent attire and performance of Kim Duenas in the “Girl on Fire” segment aired on February 14, 2023. Respondents were cautioned that further violations would be dealt with more severely.

Additionally, the MTRCB dismissed several complaints due to a lack of merit, emphasizing the importance of fairness and equity. These dismissed complaints included issues related to the “Rampanalo” segment money game, suggestive “macho” dancing, wardrobe malfunctions, and alleged inappropriate attire, such as the Barong Tagalog of one of the hosts. The MTRCB only takes action on cases that it deems to have a legal basis within its mandate as outlined in Presidential Decree No. 1986. (ai/mnm)