“It’s Showtime” won’t be halted easily as ABS-CBN gears to issue a Motion For Reconsideration
ABS-CBN is set to file a Motion for Reconsideration (MR) following the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s (MTRCB) decision to suspend its noontime program “It’s Showtime” for 12 consecutive days.
Hours after MTRCB’s verdict of suspending the show for “indecent acts,” ABS-CBN has released an official statement, saying that it will appeal against the ruling.
The statement reads (published as is): “We have received the ruling from the MTRCB, indicating that “It’s Showtime” will be suspended for a duration of 12 days from finality of the decision.
“We will submit a Motion for Reconsideration as we humbly maintain that there was no violation of pertinent law.
“We are also committed to working with the MTRCB to ensure that “It’s Showtime” can continue to bring joy and entertainment to our noontime viewers.
“We are truly grateful to the Madlang People for their unwavering love and support for “It’s Showtime.”
During the latest airing of the program on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the hosts have echoed the sentiment of ABS-CBN.
Taking the lead as the spokesperson, Jhong Hilario says: “Natanggap namin ang ruling ng MTRCB na nag-uutos na isuspinde ang “It’s Showtime” sa loob ng labing-dalawang araw mula sa pinalidad ng desisyong ito.
“Kami ay maghahain ng Motion for Reconsideration dahil naniniwala kami na walang nangyaring paglabag sa anumang batas.
“At habang nakabinbin ang Motion for Reconsideration, ang desisyon ng suspensyon ng programa ay hindi pa pinal at epektibo. Kaya sa ngayon ay patuloy niyo pong mapapanood ang “It’s Showtime.”
Jhong also emphasizes the network and the program’s utmost willingness to work with MTRCB in hopes of continuing the joy and entertainment that the show brings regularly.
Lastly, he extends his gratitude to everyone who supports the show.
The respondent, which in this case is ABS-CBN, is entitled to one appeal within 15 days after the verdict’s receipt. Should the regulatory board’s decision be “adverse” against ABS-CBN’s MR, it may escalate the appeal to the Office of the President within 15 days after the issuance of receipt.
MTRCB’s decision is on the heels of an earlier hearing about the “indecent acts” that “It’s Showtime” hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez allegedly displayed during the July 25, 2023 airing of the “Isip Bata” segment.
The regulatory body is currently led by Chairman Lala Sotto, daughter of veteran actress Helen Gamboa and “E.A.T.” host Tito Sotto.
“It’s Showtime” hosts, netizens react
The noontime show’s hosts have taken to social media some of the fond words for the program they consider as home and family.
Vice has uploaded a photo of him with other program hosts; it comes with a caption, ”In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”
Seen in the comment section were words from co-hosts and other celebrities who offer their solidarity and comfort to each other.
MTRCB also seems to have ruffled the feathers of the netizens, as #AbolishMTRCB trended on X (formerly Twitter) just hours after the decision.
As of writing, “It’s Showtime” will continue airing on its regular slot and will only be halted once the due process ran its course.
READ ALSO: MTRCB Sanctions “It’s Showtime” With 12-Day Suspension
Banner Art Dani Sison
