THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) will review the complaints against noontime show “EAT” after mainstay host Joey de Leon was criticized for his remarks about the use of “lubid,” in order to “determine” if his remarks would be deemed a “valid” issue.
“Taking cognizance of the complaints from the viewing public in relation to E.A.T. Gimme 5 segment aired last 23 September 2023, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) shall determine if the same are valid and presumably violative of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and/or its Implementing Rules and Regulations,” read part of the MTRCB statement.
Incidentally, the MTRCB chairperson is Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio, daughter of de Leon’s co-host, former senator Tito Sotto.
De Leon has previously faced backlash after mentioning the use of rope as an object that can be put around someone’s neck during a “Gimme 5” segment of the TV5 noontime show, perceived as a reference to suicide.
In a video captured by one @AltStarMagic on X (formerly Twitter), de Leon can be seen interacting with a contestant who was thinking of answers for things that can be put around a person’s neck.
“Lubid, lubid. Nakakalimutan niyo. Lubid,” said de Leon, apparently in reference to the use of the twisted yarn in some suicide cases.
The host-comedian’s remarks drew the ire of netizens and mental health advocates, with many calling him out for being “insensitive” to the topic of suicide, and to the plight of those with mental health struggles.
Neither the comedian-host nor the camp of “EAT” has commented on the matter, as of this writing.
In October 2017, the veteran host-comedian also drew flak for his apparent dismissal of depression as a “made-up illness” in the noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” to which he apologized days later. (Hannah Mallorca © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
