Senator Erwin Tulfo urged the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Friday, September 11, to advise hosts of live television programs against poking fun at the appearance or physical conditions of guests and studio audience members, warning that such humor can distress viewers at home.
During discussions on the MTRCB’s proposed 2027 budget, Tulfo highlighted that even if targeted individuals seem to accept the teasing, home viewers with family members facing similar conditions may find the remarks hurtful.
“But as a chairperson, maybe it’s okay with that person na tinutukso. But for others, na viewer, na baka may anak siyang gano’n, asawa sya, kapamilya siya, na-oofend, how do you balance that?” Tulfo asked.
He cited instances where individuals were mocked for being short, dark-complexioned, toothless, or cross-eyed, noting that receiving a prize or taking the joke lightheartedly does not negate the issue.
Tulfo emphasized that live broadcasts pose a greater concern because they are easily accessible to children, unlike stand-up comedy venues with explicit content ratings.
“So, it’s really different…Pag may mga stand-up comedy shows tayo, may mga rating po yan. Unlike sa mga live shows na ito, wala po yata. Kaya nga, dapat yung mga hosts will be reminded to watch out na may mga children po nanonood during the live show,” Tulfo said.
MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto assured the panel that the agency disapproves of such behavior and actively reinforces guidelines through compliance workshops.
“The MTRCB disapproves of such behavior, and they are consistently reminded. We have compliance seminars for the shows and the hosts as well,” Sotto said.
Sotto acknowledged that while certain forms of teasing have become embedded in daily formats, the board remains focused on enforcement.
“We do not tolerate. The MTRCB does not tolerate. We are trying very hard, Mr. Chairman, to preserve our Filipino cultural family values,” Sotto added.
The discussion follows recent scrutiny over the “MemeRimar” segment on “It’s Showtime.”
MTRCB Board Member Atty. Ricardo Salomon Jr. stated that the program’s production team was summoned to an adjudicatory meeting and directed to appoint a designated compliance officer to oversee live broadcasts.
He added that repeat violators are required to complete compliance seminars focused on protecting audiences from inappropriate material.
Addressing an earlier idea to mandate a “taped as live” format for pre-broadcast review, Sotto clarified that the MTRCB lacks the authority to dictate production formats to networks.