The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) released a statement on Sunday addressing the suspension of the Kapamilya noontime show “It’s Showtime” and emphasized the broader concerns surrounding contractualization in the entertainment industry.
The MTRCB made it clear that the suspension of “It’s Showtime” and the ongoing “no work, no pay” issue are distinct matters. The suspension, they noted, serves as a stark reminder of the deeper issue of contractualization that plagues the entertainment sector and deserves serious attention from producers.
One of the key points highlighted by the MTRCB is the practice by producers and management of not regularizing their employees, even when a show like “It’s Showtime” has been airing live six days a week for over a decade. The board said the practice is a much more significant problem within the industry, affecting job security and workers’ rights.
“We sincerely empathize with the hardworking individuals who will be affected once the suspension takes effect,” the MTRCB expressed, acknowledging the challenging situation faced by those who depend on the show for their livelihood.
However, the board firmly believes the management’s inability to provide regular employment should not compromise its duty to ensure the ethical compliance of broadcasting content, as mandated by Presidential Decree No. 1986. This highlights the importance of maintaining the standards of broadcasting content while addressing labor-related concerns.
The statement also clarified the suspension of the show does not extend to the hosts. It remains the prerogative of the producer and management to suspend or sanction erring hosts as they see fit, a practice consistent with other noontime shows where hosts fall outside the jurisdiction of the MTRCB.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Senator Bong Revilla made an appeal to the Office of the President on Friday to take into account the employees affected by the “no work, no pay” policy resulting from the suspension imposed by the MTRCB against “It’s Showtime.”
The MTRCB issued a statement last September 4 imposing a 12-day suspension on “It’s Showtime” following multiple complaints about the show. The decision was upheld by the board in its statement released September 28 denying “It’s Showtime’s” appeal for reconsideration.
In response, ABS-CBN issued a statement saying it will consider all available remedies and options and reassured viewers the noontime show, which airs from Monday to Saturday, will continue to be available on its platforms until the suspension becomes officially final and enforceable.
