A former MTRCB chair reacts to the agency’s decision to suspend ‘It’s Showtime’ for 12 days
ATTY. EUGENIO “TOTO” VILLAREAL – The former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chair expressed his sadness over the agency’s decision to impose a 12-day suspension on It’s Showtime.
In an interview, Villareal, who led the MTRCB during the administration of former President Noynoy Aquino, described the suspension of It’s Showtime as a significant blow to the industry. He mentioned that many people would be affected by this decision, especially since the program would be off the air for almost two weeks.
“Well, ang una kong reaksyon of course is nakakalungkot. Even sa nagdedesisyon…” Villareal said. He highlighted that the law establishing the MTRCB emphasizes support for the movie and television industry, recognizing that it encompasses not only actors but also ordinary crew members. He stressed that the 12-day suspension represents a major setback for the industry.
“Dahil yung law na nag-create ng MTRCB…isa sa whereas clauses niyan ay ang pagtaguyod ng movie and television industry and therefore, part ng industry ay ang ordinaryo nating crew… aside sa mga artista…Malaki ang dagok ng tinatawag nating 12-day suspension…” he added.
It’s worth noting that the issue surrounding It’s Showtime began after the hosts, Vice Ganda and Ion Perez, ate cake in front of children during the segment “Isip Bata.”
Supporters of “It’s Showtime” voiced their frustration over the ruling and appeared to hold the current head of the MTRCB, Lala Sotto, responsible. They argued that the show that stands to gain from the suspension of “It’s Showtime” is Lala Sotto’s father’s program, “E.A.T.”
Meanwhile, It’s Showtime continues to air despite the 12-day suspension imposed by MTRCB. Jhong Hilario explained, “Habang nakabinbin ang motion for reconsideration, ang desisyon ng suspensiyon ng programa ay hindi pa pinal at epektibo. Kaya sa ngayon ay patuloy niyo pong mapapanood ang ‘It’s Showtime.'”
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