# Philippines TV show racist joke controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-tv-show-racist-joke-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-01T08:36:31.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026 the noontime program ‘It’s Showtime’ aired a segment that was widely condemned as colorist and racist. Host Vice Ganda apologized on the following broadcast and later took a brief week‑long leave from the show.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) convened a hearing on 29 July, after receiving public complaints about the July 24 episode’s “Memerimar” skit. The board ordered the producers and the four broadcast partners—ABS‑CBN, GMA Network, Zoe Broadcasting and ALLTV—to file a verified joint position paper and a concrete compliance plan within seven days. It also mandated the appointment of an on‑air compliance officer to monitor live segments and intervene when necessary. The complaint remains pending while the board reviews the submissions and evidence.

No formal suspension has been issued, but the case continues to attract social‑media scrutiny and regulatory attention.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-01: Philippines' MTRCB Gives 'It's Showtime' Week to Address Vice Ganda Joke Complaint

The Philippine MTRCB gave ‘It’s Showtime’ seven days to file a compliance plan after complaints about Vice Ganda’s July 24 “Memerimar” skit, prompting an apology and a brief vacation for the host.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-mtrcb-gives-its-showtime-week-to-address-vice-ganda-joke-complaint

### 2026-07-30: MTRCB orders 'It's Showtime' to tighten compliance after Vice Ganda racist joke controversy

MTRCB ordered ‘It’s Showtime’ to submit compliance plans and appoint an on‑air officer after Vice Ganda faced backlash for a racist joke in a July 24 segment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mtrcb-orders-its-showtime-to-tighten-compliance-after-vice-ganda-racist-joke-controversy

### 2026-07-25: Vice Ganda apologizes for insensitive jokes on Philippine show ‘It’s Showtime’

Philippine TV host Vice Ganda apologized after a July 2026 ‘It’s Showtime’ skit was condemned as colorist and racist, promising more careful content.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vice-ganda-apologizes-for-insensitive-jokes-on-philippine-show-its-showtime

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Cite as: Philippines TV show racist joke controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-tv-show-racist-joke-controversy