MTRCB looks into complaints vs. Joey de Leon's comment on suicide

Published Sep 25, 2023, 12:14:47 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) — Following complaints, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is looking into the comments made by "E.A.T." noontime show host Joey de Leon, which netizens said are harmful to those who suffer from mental health issues.

The contestant for the "Gimme 5" segment on Sept. 23 was asked to name five items that are put on the neck.

When the contestant failed to answer, De Leon joked, "Lubid, lubid, nakakalimutan niyo, lubid [Rope, you forgot about the rope]," then shrugged nonchalantly.

Many mental health advocates slammed the insensitive comment that takes the issue of suicide and self-harm lightly. They also asked the MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto to summon De Leon for his triggering remarks and sanction the show which is also hosted by her father Tito Sotto and uncle Vic Sotto.

Hi @MTRCBgov! Reminding you of the media guidelines on suicide reporting that your office has released/signed up to. Hope you can do something about this show that might be triggering for some viewers. https://t.co/pRtnYco8HC
— RJ Naguit 🌹 (@docrjnaguit) September 24, 2023

"The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) shall determine if the same are valid and presumably violative of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and/or its Implementing Rules and Regulations," the board said in a statement. The decree created the MTRCB and empowers it to regulate films and television shows, and to impose penalties on those who violate pertinent laws.

This isn't the first time the veteran TV host and comedian has been called out for his comments against mental health. In 2017, he apologized after drawing flak for his dismissal of depression as "gawa-gawa" or a made-up illness.

Netizens are putting the pressure on MTRCB after it suspended "E.A.T." rival "It's Showtime" over what it deemed indecent acts of romantic partners and hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez during an episode broadcast last July.

If you are in need of mental health support, please call the 24/7 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at (0917) 899-8727, (0908) 639-2672, (0966) 351-4518, or (02) 7-989-8727 or 1553 (landline-to-landline only).

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