During a segment of ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ on ‘It’s Showtime’ this afternoon, a female contestant shared her personal experience regarding love.
She mentioned that she was not allowed to have a boyfriend until she turns 25, while her male siblings had relationships even when they were still minors. This prompted Vice Ganda to make a statement about “double standards.”
“‘Yang mga ganyan… ‘Yung makaimpose, akala nila hindi nila ginagawa. ‘Di ba?’
“‘Yung kapag iba mali pero kayo, hindi ninyo ginagawa?” Vice Ganda remarked, addressing the issue of double standards.
“Sa iba mali pero sa inyo pwede? Ganon! Double standard,” Vice Ganda added.
https://twitter.com/viceyyglam/status/1700039510074270201?s=20
On September 4, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) suspended the Kapamilya noontime variety show ‘It’s Showtime’ for 12-airing days. The suspension came after complaints were filed about an episode where Vice Ganda and co-host Ion Perez were involved in a scene perceived as indecent, as they playfully licked icing off each other’s fingers.
However, this decision by MTRCB led to comparisons with a recent episode of the rival show ‘E.A.T.’ in which Tito Sotto, father of MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto-Antonio, shared kisses with his wife, Helen Sotto, during the program.
Did Lala Sotto prove netizens right about their claims of double standards and conflicts of interest?https://t.co/6XUuGHC5li#LalaSotto
— LionhearTV.net (@LionhearTVNet) August 7, 2023
Many social media users pointed out this apparent double standard and accused Lala Sotto of prejudice against Vice Ganda and Ion Perez due to their LGBTQIA+ relationship. They argued that there should not be an unjust double standard regarding love and affection and emphasized that Vice and Ion are in a committed romantic relationship, as they are married.
She just admitted, the law doesn’t apply fairly to everyone! Double-standard ka, Lala Sotto! @MTRCBgov! #MTRCB https://t.co/LZUqcEzhYQ
— meldz0811 (@meldz0811) August 2, 2023
https://twitter.com/LV_jinnie/status/1686306038117707776?s=20
https://twitter.com/TotemMagallano/status/1698682173371658436?s=20
That judgement from MTCRB reeks of double standards AND homophobia. Nothing else. Resign na, Lala Sotto.
— jan (@_janvm) September 4, 2023
Lala Sotto defended her parents’ actions on television, stating that such displays of affection have been a regular part of their lives and that her parents have been married for 55 years. She explained that no violations were committed by her parents or the producers of “E.A.T.”
However, social media users challenged Lala Sotto’s position as MTRCB chairperson, citing a potential conflict of interest in commenting on her parents’ actions on television. The controversy has sparked a wider discussion about equality and fairness in how different forms of affection are treated in the media.
Despite the challenges and controversies, Vice Ganda continues to be an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
