Industry insider rumors suggest that the popular Philippine variety noontime show ‘It’s Showtime’ might be taken off air following its controversy with the MTRCB. The speculation has gained traction following statements from entertainment commentator Cristy Fermin on her YouTube show ‘Showbiz Now Na!’ which premiered on August 10. Fans are concerned about the show’s future and how it will impact its overall run. Let’s look at the rumors surrounding ‘It’s Showtime’s cancellation and the MTRCB controversy.
It’s Showtime to be taken off air?
The veteran Filipino talk show host addressed the situation surrounding the noontime show, ‘It’s Showtime.’ In her show ‘Showbiz Now Na!,’ she stated It’s Showtime potentially faces more than just a simple penalty from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
The show’s hosts, Ion Perez and Vice Ganda, had taken a three-day break from the program. However, according to Cristy Fermin, it was not due to suspension but rather a scheduled vacation. She hinted that the situation might be more serious than initially thought.
Fermin revealed that discussions were underway within the MTRCB regarding potential consequences for the show. While the hosts had received warnings in the past for their on-air behavior, she said more severe actions could be taken this time.
Only in the Philippines for me there’s nothing wrong what they did. Si accla rendon lang talaga papansin hopefully makahanap yan ng katapat.
— Takumi Tanaka (@takume_wei) July 31, 2023
If other groups might become involved in this fiasco and bring up additional cases against the show, Fermin believes there could be more significant penalties, such as child abuse allegations. This would inevitably lead to ‘It’s Showtime’ being taken off the air.
The Isip Bata-MTRCB controversy explained
It all started during the Isip Bata segment on ‘It’s Showtime.’ In one particular episode of this segment, hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez performed a questionable act on screen. They playfully shared icing off their fingers during a cake-eating scene.
Some believe this was sexually suggestive and found it offensive. While most viewers did not seem to have a problem with it, the MTRCB and its head Lala Sotto believed otherwise. They asked the show’s producers to provide an explanation for this scene.
The MTRCB claimed that the cake-eating scene violated Section 3 (c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986. This allows the board to approve or disapprove content and even prohibit the broadcast of motion pictures, television programs, and related materials.
A brief history of It’s Showtime
The show originally premiered on October 24, 2009, under ABS-CBN Entertainment. Later, ‘It’s Showtime’ moved to other cable and satellite channels such as Kapamilya Channel and Jeepney TV, as well as free-to-air channels A2Z and GMA Network’s GTV.
The Isip Bata segment currently in question, was designed for children and regularly airs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The segment has two parts: the elimination round called “Choose Ko Po!” and the jackpot round known as “ApPair Tayo.”
This is not the first instance that ‘It’s Showtime’ has landed in trouble with the MTRCB. In the past, the show was summoned for gender sensitivity concerns in connection with the Pastillas Girl segment. ABS-CBN has yet to release an official statement.
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