The agency issued a statement on Tuesday.
In a statement released by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on September 5, 2023, it clarified some matters with regards to its processes and the case of ‘It’s Showtime,’ in particular.
Foremost, they assure the public that as a quasi-judicial body, they will “uphold due process and fairness in the discharge of its regulatory mandate.”
Next, they explained how the adjudication process works. According to them, “respondents are given the opportunity to present their case and submit position papers.”
These papers are then deliberated upon by the Hearing and Adjudication Committee of the MTRCB.
Once the merits of the case had been considered, the said committee will then forward to the Board “its final decsion and affirmation,” they added.
Specific to the case of ABS-CBN’s noontime variety program ‘It’s Showtime,’ the MTRCB detailed how the process went.
According to their account of events, a special board meeting was called on August 17 to discuss the cases involving the Kapamilya program, including the July 25 episode.
Voting on the program’s suspension was then held on August 29, where the Board “unanimously voted” in favor of suspending ‘It’s Showtime.’ “The decision was made with careful consideration of prior warnings and offenses associated with the show,” the agency also said.
Chairperson Lala Sotto inhibited from voting, ensuring that members of the Board exercised their independent judgment in determining the appropriate course of action.
MTRCB Official Statement (September 5, 2023)
MTRCB also clarified that the chairman of the board, Lala Sotto, “inhibited from voting.” Now, this note is important as Sotto also happens to be the daughter of former Senator Tito Sotto, who hosts ‘It’s Showtime’ rival show ‘E.A.T.’ on TV5.
The Board also explained the course of action for ABS-CBN. According to them, “respondents have the right to file a Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within 15 days of receipt.”
Should the board decide on the MR and the network finds it “unfavorable,” ABS-CBN has another 15 days to appeal the decision to the Office of the President.
After which, when the time period has lapsed without the respondent filing their appeal, then the supension, which is one that would last for 12 airing days, will take into effect.
ABS-CBN, for their part, had already said that they will file a Motion for Reconsideration.
Meanwhile, as the case is still basically ongoing at the moment, “It’s Showtime” continues to air at its usual time slot at noontime from Monday to Saturday.