In a statement released on Tuesday, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) announced that the suspension of "It’s Showtime" had been unanimously approved by the board members, even though Chairperson Lala Sotto refrained from voting.
"On the 29th of August 2023, during its regular board meeting, the Board reached a unanimous decision to suspend the mentioned program. This choice was made after careful consideration of previous warnings and violations associated with the show," stated MTRCB in their official release.
A special board meeting was convened by MTRCB to address adjudicated cases, which included the episode aired on July 25, 2023.
The board clarified that Sotto abstained from voting to ensure impartial judgment by the members. Sotto, the daughter of Tito Sotto, one of the former hosts of the noontime show "Eat Bulaga" and now of "E.A.T.," did not participate in the vote.
On July 31, MTRCB had summoned the producers of the show to provide an explanation for the alleged 'indecent acts' performed by hosts Ion Perez and Vice Ganda, who are real-life partners, in the "Isip Bata" episode that aired on July 25. During this episode, the hosts were observed exchanging and licking icing from a cake.
The MTRCB suspended the noontime variety show for a period of 12 airing days on Monday.
MTRCB stated, "Numerous complaints from viewers had been filed with the MTRCB regarding the episode of July 25, 2023, in which the program’s hosts allegedly engaged in indecent behavior during one of its segments, 'Isip Bata.'"
The decision of the MTRCB to suspend "It’s Showtime" has elicited a range of responses from the public.
The review body has granted the producers of the noontime show the option to file an appeal within 15 days of receiving the decision. Alternatively, they can bring the matter to the Office of the President within 15 days from the receipt of the MTRCB's decision regarding the appeal.
