MTRCB took action on complaints against Vice Ganda and It’s Showtime
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda and the producers of It’s Showtime following viewer complaints over allegedly racist and inappropriate segments during its July 24 broadcast.
The controversy arose from a “Memerimar” skit in the Laro Laro Pick segment featuring Baby Dolls member Johaira, during which Vice spat water onto her face and joked, “Anong nangyari sa ’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?”
Johaira has a darker complexion, and allegedly Vice likened it to mud, which is thought to be something racist and colorist.
There were complaints also about the “lugaw” scene featuring Vice and his partner and co-host Ion Perez, based on the article in Inquirer
“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,” the MTRCB press release stated.
Signed by Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto, the MTRCB issued a two-page notice ordering representatives from GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation to attend a Hearing and Adjudication Committee meeting on July 29 at 10:30 a.m
The board raised concerns that the episode potentially violated Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, which bans television content that goes against public order, morals, law, or good customs.
Additionally, the MTRCB required the respondents to submit verified authorization to represent the producers ahead of the scheduled hearing.
“Failure to appear shall be considered a waiver of their right to present evidence and the matter shall be resolved based on records available to the Board,” the statement emphasized.
Following the criticism, Vice Ganda immediately issued a public apology and stated that they had no intention of offending viewers and assured that they would be more mindful of their jokes moving forward. He promised the viewers of the Kapamilya noontime show that he would do better.