By Perseus Echeminada (The Philippine Star) Updated May 04, 2011 12:00 AMComments (6)
MANILA, Philippines - The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) yesterday ordered the one-month suspension of the controversial game show "Willing Willie" of TV-5.
MTRCB chair Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares suspended the game show for a month for probable violation of the Child Abuse Law.
Lamanzares said the one-month suspension was on the recommendation of the MTRCB committee that found the show committed several violations.
The game show became the subject of several complaints after a six-year-old boy was prodded to dance lewdly in exchange for a cash gift during an episode last March.
Lamanzares said the MTRCB also took into consideration the measures made by TV-5 in addressing the alleged violation by imposing a suspension of the game show and issuing a public apology.
She said the MTRCB considered the self-imposed suspension of TV-5 as part of the administrative penalty.
TV-5 yanked the show off the air on April 11 following the complaints. This means Willing Willie will resume airing on May 9, counting the period of the one-month suspension and taking into consideration the self-regulation measures made by the television network.
The MTRCB committee led by Jonathan Presquito commended TV-5 for immediately pulling the game show off the air and issuing a public apology and admission over lapses committed in the implementation and supervision of the audition process for Willing Willie.
"These are commendable steps showing maturity, at the very least, worthy of emulation by other industry stakeholders. Regulation as performed by the board, we believe, is not so much to penalize but to educate the industry players on what is acceptable and appropriate for public consumption," the board said.
At the same time, Lamanzares also announced all television game shows with the same programming format as Willing Willie would be subject to probation.
Lamanzares explained the MTRCB wanted to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of children under the law.
Lamanzares also clarified they cannot impose a suspension on game show host Revillame since the mandate of the MTRCB does not cover television and movie personalities.
Revillame's legal counsel Leonard de Vera said they are reserving their option to file an appeal before the Office of the President or the Court of Appeals over the decision of the MTRCB.
De Vera though welcomed the decision of the MTRCB sparing Revillame from sanctions.
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