Monday, September 27, 2010

Showtime V.S MTRCB


The Court of Appeals (CA) has junked the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s (MTRCB) appeal seeking to reverse the appellate court's earlier decision to set aside a 20-day preventive suspension order it issued against “Showtime.”

In dismissing the MTRCB's motion for reconsideration, the CA pointed out that the agency failed to present new arguments that would justify a reversal of its April 28 resolution.

“With the arguments raised in the instant motion being reiteration of issues that have already been previously passed upon, we [see] no cogent reason for the reversal of our decision... the motion for reconsideration is denied,” the resolution stated.

Associate Justice Rosmari Carandang penned the 2-page resolution. Associate Justices Ramon Garcia and Manuel Barrios concurred with the ruling.

The case stemmed from the controversial statements made by then guest judge Rosanna Roces on the ABS-CBN noontime show last January 7.

In the said episode, Roces uttered remarks that allegedly targeted teachers. Her remarks, which drew criticisms, prompted the network to remove her as a judge of the show.

The MTRCB then slapped “Showtime” with a 20-day preventive suspension, prompting the network to bring the case to the court.

ABS-CBN questioned the need for the MTRCB order, given its prompt action to remove Roces from the