MTRCB summons Vice Ganda, ‘It’s Showtime’ producers over alleged racist remark

Vice Ganda and the producers of “It’s Showtime” have been summoned by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) following complaints over allegedly racist and inappropriate scenes aired during the noontime show’s July 24 episode.

In a press release dated July 28, the MTRCB said it received multiple complaints from viewers regarding a “Memerimar” skit in the “Laro Laro Pick” segment, as well as a separate “lugaw” scene involving Vice Ganda and real-life partner and fellow host Ion Perez.

“Based on countless letter complaints received and a report from the Agency’s Monitoring and Inspection Unit (MIU), the incident in question was a “Memerimar” skit in the noontime TV show’s “Laro Laro Pick” segment. Concerned citizens called out Vice Ganda’s alleged racist, colorist remarks and a “lugaw” scene featuring Vice Ganda and Ion Perez,” read the notice.

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The two-page notice, signed by MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto by authority of the board, directs representatives of GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation to appear before the agency’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee on July 29 at 10:30 a.m.

The MTRCB said the episode raised concerns whether the program violated Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, which prohibits the exhibition of television programs that are “contrary to law, good customs, public order, public morals, or are otherwise objectionable.”

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The MTRCB also instructed the respondents to submit proof of authority to represent the producers before the scheduled hearing.

“Failure to appear shall be considered a waiver of their right to present evidence and the matter shall be resolved based on records available to the Board,” concluded the notice.

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The complaints stemmed from a “Memerimar” skit featuring Baby Dolls member Johaira, in which Vice Ganda spat water on her face before saying, “Anong nangyari sa ’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?” (“What happened to you? Why did you get covered in mud?”).

Some social media users criticized the remark for allegedly likening Johaira’s darker complexion to mud and described it as racist and colorist.

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Vice Ganda addressed the controversy during the July 25 episode of “It’s Showtime,” by apologizing and acknowledging that some viewers found the previous day’s jokes offensive.

The comedian stressed that the show had no intention of offending viewers and assured that they would be more mindful of their jokes moving forward.