Contestant’s Slip Prompts Vice Ganda to Apologize on Air
VICE GANDA — The comedian and host publicly apologized to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) after a contestant on It’s Showtime accidentally mentioned a sensitive word during the show’s October 4 episode.
The incident occurred during the “Laro Laro Pick” segment, where several teachers were invited to play as part of the celebration for World Teachers’ Day. While chatting with a contestant who made it to the final round, the teacher casually mentioned the word “pekp*k” — a slang term referring to a woman’s private part — while describing what she usually wears to school, especially during floods.
The teacher said, “Malalim din po ang baha doon, to the extent na pumapasok ako, nakapkpk shorts.” However, before finishing her sentence, she used the slang term on live television.
Vice Ganda immediately intervened, apologizing on air and reminding everyone that such words cannot be mentioned on national TV. He said, “Ay, Ma’am sorry po, hindi po natin puwede banggitin ‘yon sorry po!” The teacher quickly apologized, clarifying that she only meant to say she wears short shorts. Vice jokingly added, “Sa teacher pa talaga nanggaling ‘yong term na ‘yon! before turning serious again to issue another apology.
Along with co-hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario, Vice repeatedly apologized to the audience, the MTRCB, and particularly to Chairperson Lala Sotto. “Miss Lala, sorry po. Sorry sa MTRCB. Sa lahat po ng mga kumakain, sa lahat ng mga nanonood, sorry po, nabigla lang. Masyado lang po kami naging komportable sa isa’t isa. Very sorry,” Vice said. The teacher once again apologized, saying, “Sorry po, naka-shorts lang po talaga,” to which Vice responded lightheartedly, “Maiksing-maiksing shorts.”
Lala Sotto, mentioned by Vice, serves as the chairperson of the MTRCB, which regulates and reviews TV and film content in the Philippines.
This is not the first time It’s Showtime has faced controversy. The program was suspended in 2023 following a complaint involving Vice Ganda and Ion Perez during the “Isip Bata” segment.
As of now, the MTRCB has not released an official statement regarding the recent incident.