MOVIE and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio today assured the public that the MTRCB will continue to uphold due process and fairness in the discharge of its regulatory mandate and quasi-judicial function as provided by law.
She said that in every adjudication proceeding, respondents are assured that they are accorded due process and exercise their right to a fair trial. Respondents are given the opportunity to present their case and submit their position papers and will be given the chance to be heard through the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee.
The Committee will then deliberate on respondents’ case and after considering the merits of the case, it will submit or recommend to the Board its final decision for affirmation.
Last August 17, 2023, a special board meeting was held to address multiple adjudicated cases, including the July 25, 2023 episode of popular noontime show “It’s Showtime.”
Then on August 29, 2023, during its regular board meeting, the Board unanimously voted on the suspension of the said program after careful and thorough consideration of prior warnings and offenses associated with the show.
To assure transparency and eliminate any hint of bias, Chairperson Lala Sotto inhibited herself from voting so that the Board members can freely exercise their independent judgment in determining the appropriate course of action.
Despite the penalty, respondents have the right to file a Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within 15 days after receipt of the decision. Should the respondents find the Board’s decision on the MR unfavorable, they may choose to appeal to the Office of the President, also within 15 days from the receipt of the decision on the MR.
The order suspending the show shall only take effect after the lapse of the aforementioned periods without the respondents having filed their MRs or appeals.