Michael V on MTRCB’s role as ‘mediator,’ artists’ self-censorship

(From left) Michael V, Vice Ganda. Image: Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin

Michael V. underscored the need for the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)to police the ranks of artists in the wake of the suspension order on “It’s Showtime,” and subsequent dismissal of its appeal.

Speaking to reporters during an interview on the sidelines of his awarding as honoree of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for being one of the country’s iconic Filipino comedians, Michael V said the MTRCB has the responsibility of being the “mediator” between the artists and the audiences who consume their content.

“I believe na ang MTRCB, sila ‘yung mediator. Kahit naman sabihin nila na, ‘Huwag mong gawin ito,’ pwede mo pa rin namang ipilit kung gusto mo talaga. Kaya lang, magkaka-problema ka (I believe the MTRCB is the mediator. Even if they say that ‘You can’t do it,’ you can still insist you want to do certain things. But you’re going to run into problems),” he said.

Michael V also lamented that comedians seemed to be getting the short end of the stick as the MTRCB seemed to be watching their moves more intently. Thus, he said, it is the responsibility of comedians to find ways to emphasize that their form of comedy conforms to the standards of viewers and of the regulatory body.

“Ngayon, kung ikaw ay persistent talaga na komedyante, and you want to prove a point, you will find a way para maipaalam sa mga tao, sa netizens at sa MTRCB na, ‘Itong ginagawa ko, hindi mali.’ There are ways,” he said. “Du’n pumapasok yung image mo, yung good character mo.”

(Now, if you’re a persistent comedian and you want to prove a point, you will find a way to inform your audience, netizens, and MTRCB that what you’re doing is not wrong. There are ways… This is where your image and good character comes in.)

“Ang restrictions ay nanggagaling nga raw sa society at hindi ka rin naman papayagan ng network mo na maglabas ng bawal, o makaka-offend o will put them in trouble. So, we take it on ourselves, kami na ‘yung may self-censorship,” he continued.

(Restrictions come from society and your network won’t allow you to say offensive content that would also put them in trouble. So we as comedians should take it upon ourselves to self-censor.)

The “Pepito Manaloto” lead star said it’s the comedian’s job to practice “self-censorship,” citing an instance in the past where he too had been summoned by the MTRCB. He, however, didn’t disclose any details about the agency’s summoning in particular.

“Actually na-summon na kami ng MTRCB, recently nga nakuha ko ‘yung letter. Ise-share ko sa social media para lang mapaalala sa mga tao na talagang nangyayari ito kahit noon pa,” he said.

(We’ve actually been summoned before by the MTRCB, and I have just received the letter. I will soon share it on social media, just to remind the public that these things happen even before.)

“Network supported kami before, wala naman kaming mga lawyers kapag nagte-taping kami, ngayon meron na para immediately masabi kaagad kung pwede o hindi, natututo naman kami at naga-abide kami,” he further added.

(Even if we’re supported by our network, we have lawyers on set — unlike before — to double-check if we’re abiding by the rules.)

Michael V then reminded fellow comedians that while comedy aims to make people laugh, it’s important to ensure that “meeting halfway” with concerned parties should be observed.

“Ang objective mo lang naman is magpatawa ng tao, minsan nakakalimot ako at kapag kinausap naman ako, nakikinig naman ako at meet halfway naman at natutuloy naman ang project,” he said.

(The objective is to make people laugh. I sometimes forget that. And when I’m reminded about the rules, I make sure to listen and meet halfway so the project will continue.)

Meanwhile, Michael V reiterated his wish for “It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda, a fellow FDCP awardee, to make an appearance on “Bubble Gang,” as he noted that the latter had always been open to a collaboration in the future.

The Kapuso star then guested on the noontime show a month later, where he showed interest towards the “possibilities” of working with the “Praybeyt Benjamin” star. EDV