“Nagkamali po ako dun,” an apologetic Wally says
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) summoned the producers of the noontime show “E.A.T.” following host Wally Bayola’s cursing during the program’s “Sugod Bahay Mga Kapatid” segment.
IMAGE: Walter James Bayola on Facebook
Led by chairman Lala Sotto, the regulatory board has made the decision to issue a “Notice to Appear and Testify” over Wally’s use of “profane words” during the program’s live telecast.
The incident happened on Thursday, August 10, wherein the host in question suddenly shouted “P*tang*na,” while doing a skit with co-host Jose Manalo.
The gesture immediately called the attention of concerned netizens, with some even escalating it to the agency through social media.
MTRCB released a statement the following day, Friday, August 11, regarding the issue.
IMAGE: Walter James Bayola on Facebook
According to MTRCB, such a decision was derived from the violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree No. 1989—which prohibits the use of any “obscene, profane, blasphemous and sexually suggestive language.“
The statement released by the agency also emphasized that violating the provisions of this particular law calls for either “suspension or cancellation of permits and/or licenses issued by the Board and/or with the imposition of fines and other administrative penalty.”
The producers of the noontime show were called to report to MTRCB’s office on Monday, August 14 for the hearing.
MTRCB chair Lala Sotto is the daughter of veteran actress Helen Gamboa and “E.A.T” mainstay Tito Sotto.
Wally Bayola issued an apology
A day after the incident, Wally has publicly issued an apology while owning up to his mistake and regretting that he could have just opted out saying such.
Wally admits, “Ako po ay may nabitawang salita na hindi ko dapat sinasabi. Nagkamali po ako dun.
“At ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin at pang-unawa ninyong lahat. Pasensya na po. Pasensya na po sa lahat.”
Also addressing the issue was Jose Manalo, who initially expressed a separate sentiment in an attempt to alleviate the ongoing tension.
Jose begins, “Marami po akong narinig o marami akong nabasa online, at marami rin pong tumawag sa akin tungkol dito.
“Meron pa tayong ganitong bagay, bagama’t hindi naman po namin ito sinasadya, pero kinakailangan po natin itong ayusin.
“Kaya naman po nandito kami ngayon para ituwid po natin yung nagawang hindi nagustuhan o narinig ng bawat isa sa atin, kaya dapat po tayong nakikinig,” he finishes, as he expresses that humility is also important during uncontrolled circumstances.
Wally and Jose’s apologies were reinforced by co-host Vic Sotto, who says: “Ang mahalaga, kapag alam nating nagkakamali ay itinatama natin agad.”
Jose has also caught himself recently in hot water after a racist remark he hurled at co-host, Nigerian internet celebrity Tugue Zombie.
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