MTRCB summons ‘It’s Showtime’ over Vice Ganda jokes amid complaints

Noontime show faces July 29 hearing over alleged offensive skit, remarks spark backlash online.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned the producers of “It’s Showtime” following multiple complaints over allegedly offensive scenes and remarks aired in its July 24 episode.

In a two-page notice to appear, the agency said it received numerous complaints from concerned viewers regarding the actions of host-comedian Vice Ganda, particularly in the “Memerimar” skit under the “Laro Laro Pick” segment.

The notice, signed by MTRCB Chair and CEO Lala Sotto by authority of the Board, directs representatives from GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation to appear before the MTRCB Hearing and Adjudication Committee on July 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Based on letters and a report from its Monitoring and Inspection Unit, the MTRCB flagged scenes that viewers described as “inappropriate,” including a segment where co-host Ion Perez poured lugaw into Vice Ganda’s mouth.

Another moment drew backlash after Vice Ganda sprayed water at guest Baby Doll Johaira Moris and remarked, “Anong nangyari sa ’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?” Some viewers claimed the joke came across as “racist” and colorist.

Online, several netizens called on the MTRCB to take action, saying the noontime show had crossed the line. “Hindi na tama ’yung ganitong klaseng pagbibiro,” one commenter said, echoing sentiments shared across social media.

The MTRCB said the complaints raised concerns on whether the program complied with Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, which prohibits the broadcast of content that is “contrary to law, good customs, public order, public morals, or otherwise objectionable.”

Before the end of the July 25 episode, Vice Ganda issued a public apology for the jokes made the previous day.

The Board also instructed the respondents to submit proof of authority to represent the producers prior to the scheduled hearing, warning that failure to appear would be considered a waiver of their right to present evidence.

The case will be resolved based on available records should the respondents fail to attend.

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