MTRCB meets with ABS-CBN on ‘comedy bar humor’

MANILA, Philippines – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) announced on its Twitter account (@MTRCBgov) a meeting with ABS-CBN producers and comedian Vice Ganda on Wednesday, June 5 regarding regulations on gag and comedy practices on television.

According to the tweets, the meeting reviewed rules and guidelines regarding the “movement of comedy bar humor into television,” focusing on “respect for human dignity” as well as laws on the protection of women, children, PWDs, and senior citizens.

Earlier tweets also suggest that MTRCB will be meeting separately with 3 television networks to address the issue. Inquirer reports MTRCB is also set to meet with television networks TV5 and GMA in June.

In an interview with MTRCB chair Eugenio Villareal on morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda” on May 30, he defined “comedy bar jokes as humor that make use of content that are deemed inappropriate for young audiences such as “green jokes” or “put downs.”

Public outrage recently exploded due to Vice Ganda’s Jessica Soho “rape joke” during his May 17 concert, however, a report by Interaksyon states the MTRCB has been receiving complaints from viewers regarding offensive statements from the comedian even before the said incident. 

“Mahaba na talaga ang mga comment. So it’s fair to say that before the May 17 concert, so to speak, ay may natatanggap na kami. Kinakalap ito at due na talaga,” (The issue created a long string of comments, so it’s fair to say that before the May 17 concert, so to speak, we have already received complaints. A meeting is due), Said Villareal. 

It was for this reason that the MTRCB began the meetings with ABS-CBN and Vice Ganda, who they thanked for their cooperation.

– Rappler.com