Vice Ganda in “Memerimar” skit. Image from Facebook/@vicegandaofficialph
Regulator seeks position paper and stronger safeguards after July 24 broadcast; no ruling or suspension has been issued
MANILA. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board has given the producers and broadcast partners of “It’s Showtime” seven calendar days to answer complaints over allegedly racist, colorist and inappropriate material aired during the noontime program’s July 24 episode.
The directive followed a July 29 hearing before the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee. Representatives and lawyers for the program, ABS-CBN Corp., GMA Network Inc., Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc. and ALLTV attended, according to the board.
The respondents were ordered to submit a verified joint position paper within seven days of receiving the order. They must also file a joint undertaking describing concrete measures to improve compliance with MTRCB standards, particularly during live, improvised and comedy segments.
The board further directed the program to designate an on-air compliance officer authorized to monitor live broadcasts and intervene when necessary to help prevent possible violations.
The proceeding arose from complaints concerning the “Memerimar” skit in the “Laro Laro Pick” segment. The MTRCB said complainants and its Monitoring and Inspection Unit raised concerns about statements attributed to host Vice Ganda and a separate “lugaw,” or rice porridge, scene involving Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.
The allegations have not been adjudicated. The MTRCB said the case remains pending and will be resolved after the committee evaluates the parties’ submissions and the evidence on record. It also said it would refrain from further comment that could prejudge the outcome.
Vice Ganda apologized on the program’s July 25 episode after some viewers criticized the previous day’s jokes. The host acknowledged that audience members had found portions of the broadcast offensive or insensitive, said the program had not intended to offend viewers and pledged that its team would try to do better.
The board is examining the episode under Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its implementing rules. The law gives the MTRCB authority to review television programs and determine whether material is objectionable under standards that include law, good customs and contemporary Filipino cultural values.
The case renews scrutiny of how live entertainment programs handle spontaneous comedy while meeting broadcast rules intended to protect audiences, including children. It also places attention on colorism, or discrimination and bias based on skin tone, a concern that can operate within the same racial or ethnic community.
“It’s Showtime” previously faced MTRCB sanctions in 2023 over a separate episode. The board imposed a 12-airing-day suspension after complaints about a July 25 “Isip Bata” segment. ABS-CBN sought reconsideration but later chose not to appeal to the Office of the President, while maintaining that the program had not violated applicable law.
No suspension has been imposed in the current case. Any further action will depend on the committee’s review and its final ruling.
