MTRCB summons ‘It’s Showtime’ over Vice Ganda’s ‘lugaw’ and ‘putik’ jokes

MANILA, Philippines – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has summoned the producers of the noontime program It’s Showtime after receiving multiple complaints alleging that its July 24, 2026 episode contained inappropriate scenes as well as racially insensitive and colorist remarks.

Photo courtesy: It's Showtime / Johaira Moris

In a two-page Notice to Appear, the agency said concerned citizens raised objections to the episode, particularly over the actions and remarks of host and comedian Vice Ganda during the broadcast.

The notice, signed by MTRCB Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Lala Sotto by authority of the Board, directed GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation, through their authorized representatives or legal counsel, to appear before the MTRCB Hearing and Adjudication Committee on July 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the agency’s headquarters.

The complaints stemmed from the "Memerimar" skit featured in the "Laro Laro Pick" segment, which the MTRCB said became the subject of numerous letters from viewers and a report submitted by the agency’s Monitoring and Inspection Unit.

According to the complaints, Vice Ganda allegedly made racist and colorist remarks during the "Memerimar" skit, while a separate "lugaw" scene with Ion Perez also drew criticism from viewers.

In one portion of the skit, Vice Ganda spat water onto Baby Doll Johaira's face before saying, "Anong nangyari sa 'yo? Bakit nagputik ka?", a remark that prompted accusations of racism and colorism from some viewers.

Before the conclusion of the July 25 episode of It’s Showtime, Vice Ganda publicly apologized for the jokes delivered during the previous day's broadcast.

The MTRCB said the allegations raised questions on whether the program complied with Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, which prohibits the exhibition of television programs that are contrary to law, good customs, public order, public morals, or are otherwise considered objectionable.

The agency also instructed the respondents to submit proof of authority for their representatives before the scheduled hearing and warned that failure to appear would be treated as a waiver of their right to present evidence, allowing the case to be resolved based on the records available to the Board.

— The Summit Express