MTRCB summons producers of 'It's Showtime' over complaints vs. July 24 episode

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned the producers of “It’s Showtime” after receiving multiple complaints over the program’s July 24, 2026 episode, which contained allegedly inappropriate scenes and racially insensitive and colorist remarks.

In a two-page Notice to Appear, the MTRCB said concerned citizens filed numerous complaints regarding the actions and statements made by host Vice Ganda during the episode.

Signed by MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto by authority of the Board, the notice directed GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation, through their authorized representatives or legal counsel, to appear before the MTRCB Hearing and Adjudication Committee on July 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the agency's office.

According to the MTRCB, the complaints stemmed from a "Memerimar" skit featured in the "Laro Laro Pick" segment of the noontime program.

The agency said the complaints, along with a report from its Monitoring and Inspection Unit (MIU), cited Vice's alleged racist and colorist remarks, as well as a "lugaw" scene involving Vice and Ion Perez.

The notice stated that the allegations raised questions on whether the episode complied with Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, which prohibits television programs that are contrary to law, good customs, public order, public morals, or are otherwise considered objectionable.

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

The agency added that failure to appear at the hearing would be deemed a waiver of the respondents' right to present evidence, and the case would be resolved based on the records available to the Board.

On Saturday, July 25, Vice publicly apologized for the jokes made during the previous day's broadcast.

"Nakarating po sa aming kaalaman na may mga Madlang People po na hindi nagustuhan o na-offend sa ilan sa aming jokes o biruan dito sa Showtime pati na rin sa ginagawa namin sa 'Memerimar.'"

According to Vice, the show's intention was never to offend its audience and assured viewers that the hosts had listened to the feedback.

"They found the jokes offensive or insensitive... the last thing we want is to displease you o hindi mapasaya ang aming Madlang People. Kaya naman ina-acknowledge namin ang inyong saloobin at humihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa inyo and we will try to do better." — LA, GMA News