The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has formally ordered the producers of "It's Showtime" to appear before its Hearing and Adjudication Committee following a wave of complaints over the program's July 24 episode, placing the long-running noontime show under official review.

In a Notice to Appear issued by the agency, the MTRCB directed representatives of GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation to attend a hearing on July 29 after receiving numerous complaints from viewers regarding allegedly offensive content aired during the episode.

The complaints primarily centered on the show's "Memerimar" skit featured in the "Laro Laro Pick" segment, where host Vice Ganda was accused by complainants of making racially insensitive and colorist remarks.

According to the MTRCB, the complaints, together with findings from its Monitoring and Inspection Unit, prompted the agency to determine whether the broadcast may have violated Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, which prohibits television programs containing material deemed contrary to law, public morals, good customs, or public order.

The producers were likewise instructed to submit documents authorizing their representatives to appear before the committee. The agency warned that failure to attend the hearing could result in the case being decided based solely on the evidence already on record.

The development comes just days after Vice Ganda publicly apologized on-air following the online backlash generated by the controversial skit.

During the July 25 episode of "It's Showtime," the comedian acknowledged that some viewers found portions of the program offensive and insensitive.

"Nakarating po sa aming kaalaman na may mga Madlang People po na hindi nagustuhan o na-offend sa ilan sa aming jokes o biruan dito sa Showtime pati na rin sa ginagawa namin sa 'Memerimar,'" Vice said.

Vice stressed that offending viewers was never the intention of the show's hosts and assured the public that they had taken the criticism seriously.

"They found the jokes offensive or insensitive... the last thing we want is to displease you o hindi mapasaya ang aming Madlang People. Kaya naman ina-acknowledge namin ang inyong saloobin at humihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa inyo and we will try to do better," the host added.

The MTRCB has yet to announce whether sanctions will be imposed, with the outcome expected to depend on the findings of the hearing and subsequent deliberations by the Board.