MTRCB kinampihan ng Christian Coalition Movement

SHOWBIZ KONEK
ni Maricris Valdez Nicasio

NAKAHANAP ng kakampi ang Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), ang Christian Coalition Movement (CCM) sa desisyon nilang patawan ng 12-day suspension ang It’s Showtime.

Ayon sa CCM naniniwala silang may violations na ginawa ang programa sa subuan ng icing nina Vice Ganda at Ion Perez noong July 25, 2023 sa “Isip Bata” segment.

Narito ang mahabang pahayag ng religious group, “The language and behavior displayed by host Vice Ganda licking icing off his cohost and partner Ion Perez’s fingers at the July 25, 2023 segment created images or impressions which were sensual, obscene and morally offensive that should be restricted to private, adult and regulated viewing.

“It goes against the rules on general patronage where young children would be exposed and persuaded that it’s an acceptable Filipino values and norms.

“The Nation is now reeling from huge economic problems and public issues, such as rising food prices, daily traffic congestion, drug addiction, street violence, child abuse, teenage crimes and even real threats to the security of our islands and seas, among others.

“To see indecent, immoral and unwholesome shows on live television add up to the woes and concerns of our Filipino families.

“The producer and hosts of It’s Showtime cannot shield their infractions under the guise of freedom of speech.

“In this jurisdiction, it is settled that the freedom of speech is not absolute and the burden of overthrowing the presumption of invalidity rests on the one restraining or censoring the same in accordance with applicable law.

“We submit that MTRCB has exercised sound discretion and has observed the law, jurisprudence and rules on due process in issuing the assailed resolution…

“As an instrument of the State, the MTRCB is mandated to promote and uphold the high standards and Filipino good values, customs and principles and regulate television programs and movies shows in order to promote the general welfare and best interest of the Filipino people.

“No doubt, the MTRCB acted on its mandate in issuing the assailed board resolution.”

Sinabi pa ng Chief Executive Officer ng CCM na si Bishop Vincent Vicencio, “We also take this time to laud the decision of MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto, who acted wisely, bravely and independently in respect to the assailed the deliberations of the MTRCB Board and issuance of the said resolution.

“Contrary to the public opinion and bashing of netizens, Chairperson Sotto had no hand or indirect influence in the discussion and outcome of the Board meeting.

“Out of delikadeza, prudence and knowing her family and political limitations, she voluntarily took that inhibition to avoid conflict of interest. The good public servant she is, she recused herself from the Board deliberations.

“There is no factual or legal basis for the public to defame, malign or call for her resignation since it was the MTRCB Board, on a consensus, acted collegially to adopt and implement the said suspension order.

“The said resolution of a government agency enjoys the presumption of regularity and validity under Philippine laws and jurisprudence. Besides, if the Producer and hosts of It’s Showtime have any grounds to assail the MTRCB resolution, then they can do so at the proper forum under the regular administrative procedures.

“They can file an appeal to the Office of the President and, if still dissatisfied, they can raise the matter to the Supreme Court.

“In this time and age, we need more public officials like Chairperson Lala Sotto to be a model of probity, independence and prudence and to head our government agencies in the discharge of its Constitutional and lawful mandates.

“This is the hour and opportunity for the Filipino people to have sterling leaders who, without fear or favor, can decide and stand for the truth, justice, goodness and uphold Filipino values, customs and public policies that will contribute to genuine progress and national building that we all deserve.”