Chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio, has responded to the recent controversy surrounding her parents, Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa. Netizens had called on the MTRCB to take action after the couple shared a kiss on national TV during the show “E.A.T.”
Sotto-Antonio defended her parents, stating that they have been affectionate towards each other on television for the past 44 years and that it has never been an issue before. She made the statement in response to a Notice to Appear and Testify that the MTRCB had sent to the producers of a different show, “It’s Showtime,” regarding alleged indecent acts by the show’s hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.
During the “E.A.T.” episode which aired on July 29, Tito Sotto was joined on stage by Gamboa, where he showered her with kisses on the cheek and neck. When fellow host Allan K reminded him that they were on national TV, Sotto apologized and explained that he got carried away.
Some netizens called on the MTRCB to address the incident in the same manner they did with the complaints against the “It’s Showtime” hosts. However, Sotto-Antonio emphasized that her parents’ affectionate gestures had never been an issue during their time on “Eat Bulaga,” a show they have hosted for the past 44 years.
The MTRCB’s Notice to Appear and Testify was issued to the producers of “It’s Showtime” after an episode aired on July 25, in which Perez offered cake icing to his partner, Vice Ganda, using his finger. Vice Ganda responded by scooping the icing from Perez’s finger with a smile before consuming it.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the MTRCB and the public are watching closely to see how these issues will be addressed and if any action will be taken.
