MTRCB Chair Eugenio Villareal reported that the hosts of two ABS-CBN programs, “It’s Showtime” and “Gandang Gabi Vice,” have dialogued with the board as to how their shows can serve as good examples to younger viewing audiences.
At a special meeting and “joint mandatory seminar on audience-sensitivity and the ratings system” held by the MRTCB on Tuesday, November 18, the board addressed several issues concerning the use of media to uphold the dignity of an individual.
The meeting was held to deal with the July 28 episode of the popular noontime variety show, “It’s Showtime,” which featured a controversial performance in the segment “Gandang Lalaki.” In the particular segment, Vice Ganda wiped his armpit with a towel, and then used the same towel to wipe a male dancer’s face.
Among those in attendance at the meeting held at the MRTCB office in Quezon City were Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Kim Atienza, Jhong Hilario, Billy Crawford, Coleen Garcia, Jugs Jugueta; directors Bobet Vidanes and Reilly Santiago; and executive producer Lani Gutierrez.
Villareal said that during the meeting, the MRTCB conducted an orientation on the value of safeguarding people’s dignity in media. It also highlighted the importance of family; and sensitivity towards women, children, persons with disability, and senior citizens. The seminar tackled matters dealing with age-appropriate entertainment; and the nuances of the MTRCB law, as mandated in the Constitution.
The film board head added that at the seminar, which lasted three hours, Vice and Anne Curtis asked the most questions.
The day after the seminar, Vice was interviewed by dzIQ Inquirer Radio, over which he said that every participant “was asked to pledge to immediately do something concrete in their individual capacities to set good examples to minors.”