MTRCB orders ‘Showtime’ to reply to racism complaints within 7 days

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has ordered the producers and show runners of “It’s Showtime” to submit within 7 days their joint position paper to complaints of racism and other inappropriate scenes from their “Memerimar” skit.

The order came after the MTRCB conducted a hearing with “Showtime” producers on Wednesday, July 29, along with the directive to appoint an on-air compliance officer.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Following the hearing, the Agency’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee—composed of Committee Chair Board Member (BM) Atty. Ricardo “Jojo” M. Salomon Jr., and Committee Members BM Atty. Pedro Cesar Gabriel “Chet” A. Solidum and BM Wilma V. Galvante—issued an Order directing the respondents to file a verified Joint Position Paper within seven (7) calendar days from receipt of the Order, in accordance with the Board’s rules and procedures,” it said.

“The Committee likewise directed the respondents to submit a Joint Undertaking outlining concrete measures to strengthen compliance with MTRCB standards, particularly in relation to live, improvised, and comedy segments. In addition, the respondents were instructed to designate an On-Air Compliance Officer who shall be authorized to monitor live broadcasts and immediately intervene, when necessary, to prevent potential violations of MTRCB rules and regulations,” it added.

Among those present during the hearing were representatives and legal counsels from the TV show, ABS-CBN, GMA, Zoe Broadcasting Network, and ALLTV. They appeared following a notice to appear before the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee.

The MTRCB noted that the case remains pending and will be resolved after the evaluation of the required compliance documents and evidence on record.

“As the matter remains under consideration, the Board shall refrain from making any further statement that may prejudge its final disposition,” the MTRCB concluded.

Article continues after this advertisement

The complaints stemmed from the July 24 episode of “It’s Showtime,” where show host Vice Ganda and Baby Dolls member Johaira—a person of color—were featured in a “Memerimar” skit. In a scene, the comedian spat water on Johaira’s face and said, “Anong nangyari sa ’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?” (“What happened to you? Why did you get covered in mud?”). This remark was described by some netizens as “racist and colorist.” Vice Ganda issued an apology on the matter.

Some viewers also called out a separate scene in which show host Ion Perez poured lugaw “porridge” into his real-life partner Vice Ganda’s mouth. /edv