The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has ordered the producers and production staff of the noontime variety show It’s Showtime to submit a verified joint position paper within seven days following complaints of alleged racism and inappropriate content in its July 24 “Memerimar” skit.
The directive was issued by the agency’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee following a Wednesday hearing attended by legal counsel and representatives from the program, ABS-CBN Corporation, GMA Network Inc., Zoe Broadcasting Network (A2Z), and Advanced Media Broadcasting System (ALLTV).
According to the MTRCB, the hearing forms part of the due process mandated by Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
”The Committee directed the respondents to file a verified Joint Position Paper within seven (7) calendar days from receipt of the Order, in accordance with the Board’s rules and procedures,” the MTRCB stated.
Alongside the position paper, the committee—led by Chairperson Atty. Ricardo “Jojo” M. Salomon Jr., together with Atty. Pedro Cesar Gabriel “Chet” A. Solidum and Wilma V. Galvante—instructed the show’s management to submit a Joint Undertaking outlining concrete steps to enforce broadcast standards during live, improvised, and comedy segments.
The Board also mandated the program to assign a designated official to oversee live tapings.
”The respondents were likewise instructed to designate an On-Air Compliance Officer authorized to monitor live broadcasts and immediately intervene, when necessary, to help prevent potential violations of MTRCB rules and regulations,” the agency noted.
The regulatory body clarified that the case remains pending and that no final ruling has been issued yet.
”As the matter remains under consideration, the Board shall refrain from making any further statement that may prejudge its final disposition,” it added.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding viewers—especially children—while balancing public feedback, the MTRCB will review the respondents’ official submissions before rendering a final decision on the July 24 broadcast.