MOVIE and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) and ABS-CBN Network had its first hearing Thursday afternoon on the suspension order given by the board to "Showtime".
The meeting was set after the talent-reality show was given a 20-day preventive suspension order on the statement made by sexy star then judge Rosanna Roces pertaining to teachers.
On the January 7 episode of the show, Roces made a comment about teachers as "repeaters," which earn a lot of buzz not only from the studio audience but also from the viewing public as well.
Evening the same day, "Showtime" made a public announcement that was broadcasted by Boy Abunda in his late night show "Showbiz News Ngayon" (SNN), saying the management of the show is suspending Roces.
On its January 8 live show, hosts Vhong Navarro and Anne Curtis explained the move by the management and said that they are practicing self-regulation in the program.
Even though self-imposed regulation was made the show still received the suspension from MTRCB board.
The airtime of "Showtime" was then replaced by "Magpasikat," but still hosted by Vhong, Anne, Kim Atienza, Teddy of Rocksteady and Jugs of Itchyworms.
During the preliminary hearing, Thursday, a new motion was submitted by the legal counsels of MTRCB to include "Magpasikat" in the preventive suspension order.
"We also filed a motion to include yung "Magpasikat" in the preventive suspension of "Showtime" because based on our appreciation of the tapes, it appears that they are similar but they just changed the title," said Atty. Jonathan Presquito, chief legal counsel of MTRCB.
Attorney Miguel Silos, Legal Counsel of ABS-CBN then said that they were surprised with the latest motion filed.
"The MTRCB says that the hearing is only for a certain subject and suddenly we are surprise that the prosecution brings up an all together different subject," he said.
But according to MTRCB a suspension will not be made until proper investigation was made.
"Aalamin pa ng committe kung totoo nga (The committee will study if its true)," said Atty. Paulino Cases, MTRCB Committe Chairman of Adjudication.
The respondents are also given time to file comments and oppositions on the new motion submitted by the board.
In the preliminary hearing, MTRCB and ABS-CBN was not able to discuss the temporary restraining order filed by ABS-CBN in Court of Appeals (CA) on the suspension of "Showtime."
"Hindi na namin pwedeng pag-usapan yan sa committe na ito dahil nasa Court of Appeals (CA) na (We can't talk about it in this committee because it was already in the Court of Appeals)," Atty. Cases said.
MTRCB and ABS-CBN is set to meet again on January 26, 2010. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)