MANILA – ABS-CBN has found itself in hot water with The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) over the alleged use of “vulgar language” in the primetime TV series “Pangako Sa ’Yo.”
The line in question, stated on a statement on the board’s official website, is “Kung pampalipas-libog lang iyan, that’s okay. Go ahead” delivered by actress Pilar Pilapil, who plays as Doña Benita Buenavista during the May 29 episode.
To put in context, the line refers “to the insinuation that it is okay to use a woman for the mere purpose of satisfying one’s fleshly desires even if he is already engaged to marry another woman,” according to the MTRCB.
The board adds that the line is “meant for a mature audience” and that production team might have went beyond its PG (Parental Guidance) rating, which are programs open for young children under thirteen years of age.
“The scene, if left unexplained, also cuts into the dignity of the woman and the integrity of an impending marriage—which is a protected institution under the Constitution.”
The MTRCB has called for a mandatory conference with ABS-CBN executives last June 9, to “revisit and discuss your commitment to exert earnest efforts in exercising self-regulation and restraint so as to avoid violations of P.D. No. 1986, its implementing rules and regulations, and various MTRCB memorandum circular. This shall be without prejudice to such remedial measures that the Board may require or impose to protect the well-being of the young audience.”
Those who have been summoned include TV Production Entertainment Head Laurenti Dyogi, Business Unit Head Malou Santos and Des Tanwangco, Executive Producer Sabrina Prince, Production Manager Mylene Ongkiko and directors Dado Lumibao and Rory Quintos.
ABS-CBN has already responded with an official statement, saying that will be working with the MTRCB to iron out the issue.
“ABS-CBN apologizes for the strong language used in the May 29 episode of Pangako Sa’ Yo. We recognize our responsibility to our viewers and will work closely with the MTRCB to prevent it from happening again,” said Kane Errol Choa, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications.
