The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) summoned “It’s Showtime” producers concerning an inappropriate and racially insensitive and colorist remark during an episode aired on July 24.

In a press release, the MTRCB revealed that it had received numerous complaints from concerned citizens against TV host and comedian Vice Ganda’s remarks during the said episode. As respondents, GMA Network and ABS-CBN Corporation are asked to attend the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee on Wednesday, July 29, at 10:30 AM.

Each network is required to have a representative or lawyer present during the hearing.

“Ayon sa mga natanggap na ulat at reklamo at sa isang ulat ng Monitoring and Inspection Unit (MIU) ng Ahensya, ang tinutukoy na insidente ay ang “Memerimar” skit sa “Laro Laro Pick” segment ng nasabing noontime show,” the MTRCB’s statement read.

Concerned citizens submitted complaints regarding Vice Ganda’s racist and colorist statement and the former and Ion Perez’s “lugaw” scene.

Last Saturday, the TV host apologized to viewers, acknowledging that some members of the program’s “Madlang People” were offended by certain jokes made during the segment.

"The last thing we want is to displease you or fail to make our Madlang People happy. We acknowledge your sentiments, and we sincerely apologize. We will try to do better,” Vice Ganda said.

During the July 24 episode, Vice Ganda spat water onto Baby Dolls member Johaira’s face, as part of a slapstick routine. During that scene, the comedian asked, “Anong nangyari sayo? Ba’t nagputik ka?”

According to the MTRCB, the hearing will tackle whether the noontime show episode abided by the provisions of Section 3(c) of the Presidential Decree No. 1986, which prohibits the airing of TV programs “contrary to law, good customs, public order, public morals, or are otherwise objectionable.”

“Dagdag ng MTRCB, ituturing nilang waiver ng karapatan na maghain ng ebidensiya kung hindi dadalo ang mga respondents at ireresolba ng Ahensiya ang isyu base sa mga records na kanilang hawak,” the MTRCB concluded.