MTRCB suspends noontime TV Show 'It's Showtime!'

Markus Castro

Sep 5

It's Showtime Suspended: Reason for the Suspension and Possible Return Date

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has suspended the popular ABS-CBN noontime show "It's Showtime!" for 12 days starting from the finality of the decision. The suspension came as a result of multiple complaints filed by viewers over the show's July 25, 2023 episode, particularly a segment titled "Isip Bata," during which some of the program's hosts were accused of acting indecently. The MTRCB, chaired by Diorella "Lala" Sotto-Antonio, cited the alleged "indecent acts" of hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez, while also noting "additional warnings" on the use of "inappropriate language" in previous episodes.

It's Showtime photo via ABS-CBN Entertainment.

ABS-CBN has stood firm that "It's Showtime!" has no violation amid the MTRCB suspension. The network has announced that it will file a motion for reconsideration. The show, which has been on air since 2009, has a huge following and is known for its fun and entertaining segments, including singing and dancing contests, celebrity interviews, and comedic skits. The suspension has caused disappointment and frustration among fans, who have taken to social media to express their support for the show and its hosts.

It's Showtime Suspension

On September 4, 2023, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) suspended ABS-CBN's noontime program, "It's Showtime," for 12 days following multiple complaints filed by viewers concerning the show's July 25, 2023 episode. The suspension resulted from a segment titled "Isip Bata," during which some of the program's hosts were accused of acting indecently.

ABS-CBN stands firm that "It's Showtime" has no violation amid MTRCB suspension. The media company has released an official statement in response to the suspension, stating that they will file a motion for reconsideration. The MTRCB ruling specifies that the suspension will last for a duration of 12 days from the finality of the decision.

"It's Showtime" is a popular noontime program in the Philippines, featuring segments such as singing contests, dance competitions, and comedic skits. The suspension has caused a stir among fans of the show, with many expressing disappointment and frustration over the decision.

Despite the suspension, ABS-CBN remains confident in the show's content and is committed to providing quality entertainment to its viewers. The network has assured fans that they will continue to work closely with the MTRCB to ensure that all of their programs comply with the board's guidelines and regulations.

MTRCB's Role and Regulations

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is a government agency in the Philippines responsible for classifying and reviewing movies and television programs. The MTRCB is tasked with ensuring that all movies and television programs shown in the Philippines are appropriate for the audience and do not contain any harmful or offensive content.

The MTRCB was created under Presidential Decree No. 1986, signed into law by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1985. The law outlines the functions and responsibilities of the MTRCB, including the classification and review of movies and television programs, monitoring compliance with classification ratings, and imposition sanctions for violations of the pertinent law.

Under the MTRCB's regulations, all movies and television programs must be classified before they can be shown to the public. The classification system includes four categories: General Patronage, Parental Guidance, Strong Parental Guidance, and Restricted. The MTRCB also has the power to review and reclassify movies and television programs if it deems necessary.

In the case of "It's Showtime," the MTRCB suspended the program for 12 airing days after receiving multiple complaints of indecent behavior. The board issued its decision to suspend the live noontime program on September 4, 2023. The complaints were concerned about the July 25 episode of the show, during which the program's hosts allegedly engaged in indecent behavior.

The suspension of "It's Showtime" is in accordance with the MTRCB's regulations and the pertinent law. The MTRCB has the power to impose sanctions for violations of the pertinent law, including suspension or cancellation of a movie or television program. The suspension of "It's Showtime" reminds all television programs to adhere to the MTRCB's regulations and ensure that their content is appropriate for their audience.

Indecency Violations

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) suspended the noontime variety show "It's Showtime!" for twelve airing days due to alleged indecent acts and the use of inappropriate language by the hosts. The suspension came after the board received multiple complaints about the show's hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.

According to the MTRCB, the suspension was a result of the show's violation of the board's rules and regulations on indecency. The board noted that the show's hosts were involved in indecent acts, including cake icing, which was deemed inappropriate for public viewing.

The MTRCB also issued additional warnings on the use of inappropriate language in previous episodes of the show. The board emphasized that television programs should promote responsible and wholesome entertainment, especially during daytime programming.

The suspension of "It's Showtime!" is a reminder to all television networks and production companies to adhere to the MTRCB's rules and regulations on decency and responsible programming. It is important to ensure that television programs are appropriate for all viewers, especially for children who may be watching during daytime programming.

Complaints and Responses

It's Showtime has been suspended for 12 days by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) due to multiple complaints about the alleged indecent acts of its hosts during an episode that aired on July 25, 2023. Viewers have lodged complaints before the MTRCB concerning the show's July 25 episode wherein the program's hosts allegedly acted in an indecent manner during one of its segments, 'Isip Bata.'

ABS-CBN, the network that airs the show, released a statement saying that they will submit a Motion for Reconsideration as they maintain that there was no violation of pertinent law. The network also emphasized that they have always been committed to responsible programming and that they will continue to work with the MTRCB to ensure that their programs comply with regulatory standards.

The MTRCB, on the other hand, has released a position paper detailing the violations and warnings that led to the suspension of It's Showtime. The position paper contains a table of the violations committed, additional warnings, and dismissed complaints of the show. The violations include indecent gestures, language, and attire, as well as the failure to observe proper gender sensitivity.

Despite the suspension, It's Showtime's hosts have remained positive and grateful for the support of their fans. They have also apologized for any offense they may have caused and promised to be more mindful of their actions in the future. The show's fans have also expressed their support for the hosts and their hope that the show will return soon.

In summary, It's Showtime has been suspended for 12 days due to multiple complaints about the alleged indecent acts of its hosts during an episode that aired on July 25, 2023. ABS-CBN has submitted a Motion for Reconsideration, while the MTRCB has released a position paper detailing the violations and warnings that led to the suspension. Despite the suspension, the hosts and fans of the show remain positive and hopeful for its return.

Showtime Hosts and Producers

The suspension of "It's Showtime" has caused a lot of buzz in the entertainment industry. The show's hosts, including Vice Ganda, Ion Perez, Jhong Hilario, and Vhong Navarro, have been at the center of the controversy. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) suspended the show for 12 airing days after receiving multiple complaints about the alleged "indecent acts" of the hosts.

The producers of "It's Showtime" have announced that they will appeal the decision of the MTRCB. They are confident that they can prove that the show did not violate any rules or regulations. The producers are also committed to ensuring that the show continues to provide quality entertainment to its viewers.

Vice Ganda, one of the show's hosts, has been vocal about the suspension on social media. He has expressed his disappointment and frustration with the decision of the MTRCB. Vice Ganda has also received support from his fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

Ion Perez, another host of the show, has also been affected by the suspension. He has been relatively quiet on social media but has expressed his support for the show and his co-hosts. Jhong Hilario and Vhong Navarro have not yet commented on the suspension.

Impact on Viewers and Fans

The suspension of "It's Showtime" has significantly impacted its viewers and fans, especially those who have made it a part of their daily routine. The show, which has been airing for more than a decade, has gained a massive following and has become a staple for noontime viewers.

The suspension of the show has left a void in the daily lives of its viewers, who have been used to tuning in to the show for their daily dose of joy and entertainment. The show's absence has caused disappointment and frustration among its loyal viewers, who have expressed their sentiments on social media.

The suspension has also affected the "madlang people," the show's term for its audience. The show's interactive segments and games have become a source of joy and entertainment for the madlang people, who have been deprived of their daily dose of fun and laughter.

The suspension has also affected the Kapamilya network online platforms, which has been airing the show for years. The show's absence has caused a significant drop in ratings, which could affect the network's revenue.

Social Media Reactions

The suspension of It's Showtime has sparked a lot of reactions on social media. Fans of the show have taken to Facebook and other platforms to express their disappointment and frustration with the decision. Many have also shown their support for the hosts and the show, with the hashtag #BringBackShowtime trending on Twitter.

Some fans have criticized the MTRCB's decision, arguing that the violations were minor and that the suspension was too harsh. Others have defended the board, saying that they are just doing their job and enforcing the rules.

Vice Ganda, one of the hosts of It's Showtime, also took to social media to share his thoughts on the matter. In an art card posted on Facebook, he wrote: "In the middle of difficulty lies every opportunity." This message was met with support from many fans, who praised Vice for his positive attitude.

Despite the mixed reactions, it's clear that It's Showtime has a dedicated following who are passionate about the show and its hosts. Whether or not the suspension will have a lasting impact on the show's popularity remains to be seen, but for now, fans are rallying together to show their support.

Future Implications

The suspension of It's Showtime for 12 days by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is likely to have future implications for the show and the network that airs it. The suspension is a warning to the show's producers that they need to be more careful about the content they air, especially during daytime hours when children are likely to be watching.

The MTRCB's decision was made after receiving multiple complaints about the show's hosts allegedly "acting in an indecent manner" during a July 25 episode. The segment in question was the "Isip Bata" segment, where Vice Ganda and Ion Perez engaged in a cake-icing escapade that left some viewers uncomfortable.

The MTRCB's decision to suspend the show is not the end of the matter. The show's producers will have to face the MTRCB's hearing and adjudication committee to explain their side of the story. The committee will then decide whether to impose further sanctions on the show or not.

The MTRCB's decision to suspend It's Showtime could also have implications for other shows that air on the same network. The network will need to be more careful about the content it airs, especially during daytime hours. If the network fails to comply with MTRCB regulations, it could face further sanctions from the MTRCB, which could include fines or even the revocation of its license.

In the future, the MTRCB is likely to be more vigilant about monitoring daytime shows for indecent content. The MTRCB's decision to suspend It's Showtime sends a clear message to other networks and show producers that they need to be more careful about the content they air.

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