“It’s Showtime” is entitled to one more MR to be submitted to the Office of the President
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has declined “It’s Showtime”’s appeal against their decision to suspend the noontime show for 12 days.
The regulatory body released its final verdict on Thursday, September 28, according to the statement obtained by ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe.
The statement reads, “The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) released a resolution dated 28 September 2023, denying the Motions for Reconsideration (MR) filed by GMA Network, Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation.
“Said MRs sought relief from the Board’s ruling dated August 17, 2023, regarding the July 25, 2023 episode of the live noontime television program ‘It’s Showtime!’
“Specifically, during the show’s “Isip Bata” segment, in which hosts Ryan Bang, Vice Ganda, and Ion Perez allegedly acted indecently in the presence of children, which is alleged to have violated Section 3 (c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
“In view of which, the Board’s Decision dated 17 August 2023 is affirmed.”
IMAGE: MJ Felipe on Twitter
According to the order released by the agency on September 04, “It’s Showtime” is entitled to one Motion for Reconsideration. Should the ruling be “adverse,”which is true as per the result, the noontime program may escalate it to the Office of the President within a 15-day period.
The ongoing legal battle of “It’s Showtime” bred out of alleged the “indecent acts” displayed by “It’s Showtime” hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez, wherein they were seen sharing cake icing.
READ ALSO: MTRCB Sanctions “It’s Showtime” With 12-Day Suspension
ABS-CBN issues statement
Hours following the verdict, the Kapamilya network has released its official statement regarding the issue. It reads, (published as is):
“We have received the decision of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board denying our Motion for Reconsideration regarding “It’s Showtime” and are currently exploring all our remedies and options.
“In the meantime, since the imposed suspension is not yet final and executory, we would like to reassure the audiences that “It’s Showtime” will continue to be seen on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and GTV. It is also available on Kapamilya Online Live, IWantTFC, and TFC.
“We are truly grateful for the unwavering love and support that we have received from our viewers. We remain committed to bringing joy and inspiration to our beloved Madlang People.”
MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto addresses the issue anew
During MTRCB’s budget hearing on Wednesday, September 27, Chairman Lala Sotto said that just as much as there are detractors over their decision, there are still parties who support their judgment.
IMAGE: itsshowtimena on Instagram
In an exchange with the session chairperson Senator Jinggoy Ejercito, Lala says, “There are also people suggesting to cancel the show. We consider other people’s comments too.
“That is not the only comment that we receive, saying that a 12-day suspension is too much. There are also a lot saying that the show should be canceled or that the number of days should be extended.”
Lala is the daughter of former Senator Tito Sotto— one of the mainstays of “E.A.T.,” which happens to be “It’s Showtime”’s noontime rival.
MTRCB’s decision followed a relatively historic moment in “It’s Showtime” wherein the Kapuso and Kapamilya executives had their appearance in the program in a seeming protest and solidarity.
Seen during the opening number of the program were GMA-7’s big bosses, including Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdez and Sparkle GMA Artist Center Vice President Joy Marcelo.
ABS-CBN’s COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes and Head of Non-Scripted Format Lui Andrada were also present on the September 28 episode of “It’s Showtime.”
READ ALSO: MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto Speaks Up On “It’s Showtime” Suspension
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