The Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has issued a statement relating to Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr's appeal to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to junk its decision to suspend “It’s Showtime” in deference to show workers who are under the so-called 'no work, no pay' scheme. 

In a missive sent to media over the weekend, the agency maintained their decision to suspend “It’s Showtime” and the “no work, no pay” issue mentioned by the lawmaker are “two separate and distinct matters.” 

The MTRCB believes the suspension “underscores the broader and more pressing matter of contractualization within the entertainment industry.” 

“The practice by the Producer, or Management to not regularize their employees, even when a show has been airing live for six days a week, for over a decade, highlights a much bigger problem than the show’s 12-airing-day suspension,” it said.

“We sincerely empathize with the hardworking individuals who will be affected once the suspension takes effect. However, we believe that the inability of the management to provide regular employment should not impinge on the duty of the MTRCB to uphold its mandate in ensuring the ethical compliance of broadcasting content by any production company or television network pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1986.”

Note that in his appeal to the president, Revilla insisted the MTRCB should "consider the welfare of all the staff and crew who had nothing to do with the cited reason why the show was suspended.” 

“These are the workers who are under a 'no work, no pay' scheme. If the suspension pushes through, they won’t have the means to earn a living and put food on the table,” he added.

Revilla reiterated, “If a mistake was made, one person’s sin is not the sin of another. I hope we don't punish those working hard day-in, day-out just to eke out a living."