Social media influencer Rendon Labador has stirred up discussions among netizens with his strong reaction to a segment on the popular noontime show “It’s Showtime.”
The controversy surrounds the actions of hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez during the “Isip-Bata” segment on July 25, 2023.
In the viral post, Labador condemned the suggestive behavior displayed by Vice Ganda and Ion Perez as they playfully interacted with cake icing on the show, which was intended for young children. The social media personality expressed his belief that such behavior was not suitable for a family-oriented show, particularly on their anniversary celebration.
Despite the condemnation, Labador clarified that his criticism is directed at the actions performed by the hosts and is not an attack on the LGBTQ community, as both Vice Ganda and Ion Perez identify as members of the said community.
In a heated online tirade, Labador even took his grievances to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), questioning their role in regulating content on television.
“Meron pa bang MTRCB? Nasaan na kayo? Meron pa ba nun? Kasi kung wala na, tanggalin ninyo yan o kung meron, ang tanong ko, mga tanga ba yung nandiyan? Bakit hindi ninyo masita? Hindi ninyo mabigyan ng warning? Hindi ninyo man lang maitama? Mga tanga ba kayo?
“Ano bang nangyayari sa inyong lahat? Mga palamunin ba kayo ng gobyerno? Kasi kung merong isang organisasyon or departamento na inilagay diyan, kung hindi naman effective, kung walang ginagawa, puro pa-cute lang e tanggalin ninyo na ‘yan! Hinahayaan ninyo, e.
“Pasensya na, ha? Pasensya na Pilipinas kung medyo tingin ng karamihan e lagi akong galit. Galit ako kasi gusto kong maitama yung mga mali. Ayaw ninyo kasing magsalita. Huwag nating hayaan yung mga ganyang klase ng tao na gumawa ng mga bagay-bagay na puwedeng lumason sa mga kabataan.
He challenged MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto and the agency’s members to take action against the controversial segment. “Yan ang gusto kong gawin mo at MTRCB, magsalita ka naman kung nandiyan kayo. Gising-gising!”
Labador’s post received mixed reactions from netizens. Some supported his stance, agreeing that the segment was inappropriate for a noontime show aimed at family audiences. On the other hand, others disagreed, arguing that the social media influencer may have misinterpreted the intention behind the segment and that no harm was meant.
In addition to the controversy over the “Isip-Bata” segment, Labador’s post raised discussions about the importance of content regulation on television. Some netizens echoed Labador’s sentiments and called on MTRCB to take a proactive approach to ensure that content remains appropriate for all viewers, especially children.
The incident also sparked discussions on the responsibilities of television hosts, producers, and the regulatory board in safeguarding the welfare of the viewing public. Supporters of Vice Ganda and Ion Perez defended them against Labador’s accusations, stating that the hosts intended no harm and that the issue was being blown out of proportion.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the MTRCB will respond to Labador’s challenge and whether they will take any actions regarding the “Isip-Bata” segment on “It’s Showtime.”
