ABS-CBN's Showtime
ABS-CBN top-rating morning show, “Showtime” has been placed on a 20-day preventive suspension after one of the show’s judges made derogatory remarks against teachers on-air, the Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB) ordered on Monday.
In the January 7, 2010 episode of “Showtime,” actress Rosanna Roces, one of the guest judges, encouraged students who joined the talent search to ask questions from their teachers. She also described teachers as mere “repeaters.”
“Huwag kayo makukuntento sa mga itinuturo ng libro at ng teacher. Kung magtatanong kayo, hindi masama iyon. Dahil ang mga teacher, they were just repeaters. Tinuturo lang nila kung ano ang itinuro sa kanila. Hindi na nila itinuturo kung ano ang gusto malaman ng mga bata,” she said on air.
The network removed Roces from the panel of judges the day after the incident as an act of “self-regulation.” However, the MTRCB has been firm about their decision to place the show on a 20-day preventive suspension.
The network, however, is questioning the need for a preventive suspension even after Ms. Roces has been removed from the show.
“A preventive suspension is issued to stop further violations, if there were any committed, or for the interest or welfare of the public. Thus, the network questions the need for said preventive suspension when Rosanna Roces has already been removed from the program,” a statement released by the ABS-CBN Corporate Communications department said.
“Magpasikat,” a new show, will temporarily replace “Showtime.” ABS-CBN will file an appeal in court on Tuesday, while a hearing is scheduled on January 14 to let the show and its producers air their side of the story on the MTRCB decision.
