MTRCB lectures Vice Ganda, network on respectful humor

MANILA, Philippines - The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board's (MTRCB) meeting with ABS-CBN top comedian Vice Ganda was likened to a classroom discussion on the principles of holding a comedy show, MTRCB chair Eugenio "Toto" VIllareal said.

In a meeting with ABS-CBN producers and the comedian late Wednesday, Villareal reportedly briefed Vice Ganda on provisions of the Magna Carta of Women preventing discriminatory remarks against women.

Villareal also said that shows must not subject to laughter or ridicule the disabled, children and elderly as well as religion.

"The meeting was largely instructive, with respect for human dignity at all times reiterated," Villareal said on Thursday.

Mtg w/ ABS largely instructive; respect for human dignity at all times reiterated by MTRCB.

— MTRCB (@MTRCBgov) June 5, 2013

Both the network and Vice Ganda vowed to review writing and gag practices to conform with the board's laws and rules, MTRCB added.

The board earlier questioned the presence of "comedy bar humor" in mainstream television after Vice Ganda, whose real name is Jose Marie Viceral, was caught in a controversy for making fun of news anchor Jessica Soho.

Related story: Vice Ganda apologizes for rape joke

MTRCB separately calls three major TV networks to address migration of comedy bar humor to television.," the board said in a statement.