MANILA, Philippines – Controversial actress Rosanna Roces was saddened that her remarks on “Showtime” resulted in the 20-day preventive suspension of the ABS-CBN talent show.
The actress pointed out that the Kapamilya network took it upon itself to immediately address the issue even before the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) could call its attention.
Roces has been axed as one of "Showtime's" judges after taking potshots at school teachers during the program's January 7 episode.
Roces, however, maintained that she is not criticizing all teachers. She also argued that she has the liberty “to say whatever I want to say.”
"Nagpapasalamat ako sa ABS-CBN dahil binigyan nila ako ng pagkakataong humingi ng paumanhin sa aking naging pahayag sa ‘Showtime.’ Naramdaman kong nakahanap ako ng tunay na kapamilya sa ABS-CBN dahil hindi nila ako iniwan sa ere. Kung sa ibang network, gaya ng naranasan ko noon, ay iniwan ako at pinabayaang magpaliwanag ng mag-isa," she said.
Like Roces, the show’s hosts - Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro and Kim Atienza - and judge Vice Ganda were disappointed by the MTRCB’s decision.
The Kapamilya network has already taken action to make sure that the popular show will come back on air soon.
According to lawyer Mona Manalo of ABS-CBN legal department, the network filed on Tuesday an appeal before the Court of Appeals.
In its petition, Manalo said the network has asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a writ of preliminary injunction to restrain the MTRCB from enforcing its January 11 suspension order.
The network also asked the appellate court to issue a writ of certiorari to set aside the order and to make permanent preliminary injunction.
Standing by its decision
Amid criticisms, the MTRCB, meanwhile, said it is standing by its decision. MTRCB chairwoman Consoliza Laguardia also belied reports that the board did not follow procedures when it issued its suspension order.
According to Laguardia, even before Roces' controversial remarks on teachers, the board already received a complaint regarding the actress' comments directed at fellow judge Vice Ganda.
In a letter dated January 5, Laguardia said she instructed the management of the show to explain why a preventive suspension order should not be slapped on the program.
She said the board finally issued the order after Roces’ 2nd offense.
Laguardia insisted that the board acted within its mandate, adding that the MTRCB can suspend television shows even if the hearings are still ongoing.
The hearing on "Showtime" controversy will begin on January 14. She said the board will take into consideration the network’s action to remove Roces from the show after criticizing the school teachers.
She also assured that the board will comply if the appellate court issues a TRO. -Reports from Marie Lozano and Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News
