The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Tuesday reassured the public that the decision to suspend the live noontime program “It’s Showtime!” for 12 airing days was fair and underwent due process.
In a statement, MTRCB said it exhibited the spirit of fairness by inhibiting its chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio from voting for the imposition of the suspension.
The board also said that in every adjudication proceeding, respondent like “It’s Showtime!” is accorded with due process and allowed to exercise right to a fair trial.
"Through the Agency’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee, respondents are given the opportunity to present their case and submit position papers, which are deliberated upon by the said Committee," it explained.
"After considering the merits of the case, the Committee recommends to the Board its final decision for affirmation," MTRCB added.
Moreover, the board said its members had carefully considered the prior warnings and offenses associated with “It’s Showtime!” before unanimously voting its suspension.
The MTRCB stated the live noontime show has the right to file a Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within 15 days after receipt of the decision, and that it can appeal to the Office of the President (OP) within 15 days once they find the decision on MR unfavorable.
It clarified that suspension will only take effect after the lapse of the aforementioned periods of filing.
On Monday, the board suspended "It’s Showtime!” for 12 airing days following multiple complaints from viewers over the July 25 episode of the show's segment "Isip Bata" where the program's hosts allegedly acted in an indecent manner.
