MTRCB suspends Showtime

MANILA, Philippines - The MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) has slapped a 20-day suspension on the ABS-CBN mid-morning show Showtime because of statements guest-judge Rosanna Roces (photo) made against teachers in last Thursday’s edition of the show.

A contestant from Jose Rizal’s hometown in Calamba, Laguna failed to answer Rosanna’s question on why he is named as such when his father is Francisco Mercado and his mother is Teodora Alonzo.

 Rosanna told the contestant, “Murahin mo yung teacher mo. Ako minura ko yung teacher ko n’ung hindi niya sinagot sa akin yan. Oo, walanghiya `yang mga teacher na `yan, hindi sinasabi yung totoo sa atin, e! Ikaw, taga-roon ka hindi mo alam.”

She added that teachers are “repeaters” and merely teach what others have taught them.

It was the not the first incident that irked the MTRCB. Last Jan. 4, MTRCB agents saw Rosanna reacting to co-judge Vice Ganda’s comment that “pagkatapos mong mahiwalay, hinete agad ang ipinalit mo.”

Rosanna answered by saying that “Oo, kasi ’di ka boses ni Ira Herrera sa race call, pero nag-enjoy ako. Walanghiya ka talaga. Hayop ka, demonyo ka. Huwag kang ganoon, nagbubuko ka ever, ’di ka naman maganda. Vice Ganda lang ang pangalan mo.”

ABS-CBN is appealing the suspension order and has issued this statement:

In the spirit of self-regulation, ABS-CBN removed Rosanna Roces as a judge in Showtime after she made statements against fellow judge Vice Ganda last January 4 and the teachers last January 7 during the live shows. But despite this, MTRCB still imposed a 20-day preventive suspension for the program.

A preventive suspension is issued to stop further violations, if there were any committed, or for the interest or welfare of the public. Thus, the network questions the need for said preventive suspension when Rosanna Roces has already been removed from the program.

Showtime is a highly entertaining show watched by many Filipinos. It helps promote and showcase the creativity and talent of Kapamilyas nationwide, uplifts their spirit and provides opportunities to improve their lives.  

In the meantime, the network has replaced Showtime with another show called Magpasikat.