MTRCB Chairman Consoliza Laguardia

MANILA, Philippines - The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is keen to elevate to the Supreme Court their case against ABS-CBN noontime show, “Showtime.”

The announcement was made by MTRCB chairman Consoliza Laguardia herself in a live interview on “Paparazzi,” Oct. 3.

Laguardia, together with MTRCB counsel, Jonathan Presquito, said they are not yet ready to give up on the case; this, even as the court of appeals recently decided to dismiss the MTRCB's motion for reconsideration concerning the reversal of the 20-month suspension order they issued against “Showtime.”

“Syempre nirerespeto natin ang decision [of the Court of Appeals] pero due process pa rin na umapela kami sa Supreme Court,” said Laguardia.

She warned the hosts of the show to not be too happy about the decision as it isn’t final yet.

“Mag-ingat kayo,” she said, “We’re keeping a watchful eye.”

Laguardia zeroed in on “Showtime” main judge, Vice Ganda, citing the latter’s alleged constant use of double entendre in his jokes.

“Nadadalas na eh, so, tignan natin…magingat [siya],” said she.

Not that she is making the fight personal. According to Laguardia, she is merely doing her job.

“Kaibigan naman natin lahat yan [“Showtime” hosts] eh. Pero parte lang yan [to be vigilant] ng aming trabaho,” she insisted.

La Guardia said she is only eager to pursue the case to seek out a resolution that would allow for proper guidelines as reference of their department and to the industry as a whole.

“Para kapag may mga kaso uli na ganito eh, alam na natin kung ano ang gagawin…para ito sa future reference of everybody concerned, so we all would know where to draw the line.”

The case stemmed from the controversial statements made by then guest judge Rosanna Roces in an episode of the noontime show, Jan. 7.

Apparently, Roces articulated an opinion that allegedly debased local teachers. Her remarks drew criticisms, which prompted the ire of the MTRCB.

ABS-CBN subsequently removed her from the show, even as Roces herself explained and apologized for the incident.

But the MTRCB went on to file the case.

Laguardia who is set to finsh her term as chairman is not too enthusiastic in naming a possible replacement. That said, she is all set on leaving her post.

“Gladly and willingly,” she quipped.