MTRCB summons ‘It’s Showtime’ producers over complaints about July 24 episode

• The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board summoned the producers of “It’s Showtime” following complaints about its July 24, 2026 episode
• Agency officials said the concerns involved the “Memerimar” skit featured in the show’s “Laro Laro Pick” segment
• Vice Ganda was called out by complainants over alleged racially insensitive and colorist remarks, as well as a scene with Ion Perez
• Before the July 25 episode ended, the host publicly apologized for the jokes made on the previous day

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board has summoned the producers of “It’s Showtime” after receiving complaints about the noontime show’s July 24, 2026 episode.

In a statement released on Tuesday, July 28, the MTRCB said the episode allegedly featured inappropriate scenes and racially insensitive and colorist remarks.

The agency issued a two-page notice to appear after receiving complaints from concerned citizens. Its Monitoring and Inspection Unit also submitted a report about the episode.

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According to the MTRCB, the incident being questioned happened during a “Memerimar” skit in the “Laro Laro Pick” segment. The complaints focused on the actions of hosts and comedians Vice Ganda and Vhong Navarro.

“Based on countless letter complaints received and a report from the Agency’s Monitoring and Inspection Unit,” the statement read, the incident involved the said skit.

Concerned citizens specifically called out Vice over alleged racist and colorist remarks. They also raised concerns about a “lugaw” scene featuring the comedian and Ion Perez.

Before the July 25 episode of “It’s Showtime” ended, Vice issued a public apology for the jokes made during the previous day’s broadcast.

The MTRCB said the complaints prompted a review of whether the program followed Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986.

The provision prohibits the exhibition of television programs considered contrary to law, good customs, public order, public morals, or otherwise objectionable.

The notice was signed by MTRCB chair and CEO Lala Sotto under the authority of the board.

GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation were directed to send their authorized representatives or legal counsel to a hearing. It was scheduled before the MTRCB Hearing and Adjudication Committee on Wednesday, July 29, at 10:30 a.m.

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The hearing will be held at the MTRCB Building. Its purpose is to address the complaints and give the respondents an opportunity to present their side.

Representatives of the show’s producers were also instructed to submit proof that they are authorized to act on behalf of the respondents. The original copy must be provided on or before the scheduled hearing.

The board said that failure to attend the hearing would mean giving up the respondents’ chance to present evidence. The case could then be decided based on the agency’s existing records.

The summons is not a final decision against the program. It is part of the official process to hear the complaints and examine the episode involved.

Vice Ganda, born Jose Marie Borja Viceral, is a phenomenal Filipino comedian, actor, and "Unkabogable" superstar best known as a mainstay host of the long-running variety show It's Showtime. Throughout his decades-long career, he has transitioned from a stand-up comic in comedy bars to a multi-awarded box-office icon celebrated for his sharp wit and record-breaking films like Praybeyt Benjamin and Call Me Mother. The superstar is currently in a relationship with Ion Perez. He and Ion got their Certificate of Commitment in a special ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 19, 2021.

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Fans were amused when It's Showtime briefly replaced its social media profile image with a fan-made logo bearing the name "It's Overtime." ABS-CBN's page later added to the fun by engaging with the post and sharing it on its own page. It is worth noting that the noontime show has frequently trended online due to extended segments, long host spiels, and spontaneous banter led by comedian Vice Ganda.

Recently, Vic Sotto drew laughs during a live Eat Bulaga segment after joking that the show now has its own version of Vice Ganda. The remark came after social media personality Jericho “Baett” suggested the nickname “Ganda” for Ryzza Mae Dizon. Ryzza Mae happily embraced the moniker, setting up a punchline from Vic that amused the studio audience. The moment quickly gained traction online, with many fans referring to the young host as “Ryzza Ganda.”

Source: KAMI.com.gh