A recent video clip from the segment “Sugod Bahay Kapatid” of the popular noontime show “E.A.T.” has sparked heated discussions on social media due to a comment made by one of the TV host-comedians, Jose Manalo.
The segment, which aired on a Saturday, featured a controversial remark that did not sit well with netizens, leading some to label it as potentially racist.
The video clip was shared on various social media platforms, particularly on X (previously known as Twitter), and was quickly reposted by netizens, amplifying the issue.
The caption attached to the video, posted by the account “Anima Cristi Fermin,” read: “RACISM LIVE on TV! When it comes to showing parents, there’s no MTRCB!”
https://twitter.com/altcristyfermin/status/1686516008402763781?s=20
The mention of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) caught attention, as it seemed to question the board’s response to the segment.
In the video, Jose Manalo made a remark about a co-host, Wally Bayola, who was positioned outside the studio. “Kapag napanalunan mo sa Bingo ‘to ‘yan ang tinatawag na ‘Black Out’,” quipped Jose, referring to the act of winning all the numbers in a bingo card.
The comment appeared to be a pun related to their co-host outside the studio.
Vic Sotto, another host on the show, quickly shifted the focus to a different topic by asking about the barangay (community).
However, netizens were quick to notice the facial expressions of other hosts, including Paolo Ballesteros and Miles Ocampo, who were present in the TV5 studio at the time. Their expressions seemed to convey discomfort and concern over Jose’s joke. Miles Ocampo even ran her hand through her hair, appearing to be taken aback by the remark.
Netizens were divided in their responses to the video clip. Some criticized Jose Manalo, branding his comment as potentially racist and inappropriate. They argued that such remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes and should not be tolerated on live television.
How about a “racist” joke against this black man on national tv MTRCB? Since when did we tolerate racism? Even Paolo B and Miles di nagustuhan yung joke e. Ano na Lala Sotto? Lol. Vice Ganda and Ion did nothing wrong. Kayo lang nagbibigay ng malice sa action.
#AgostoKoShowtime pic.twitter.com/f89kd92HtT
— @TheShepherd (@AngManunupa) August 1, 2023
Hey Lala Sotto… this is something not to be tolerated. we expect you to act on this https://t.co/fp6Ryucpk6
— simply_clinton (@Simply_Clinton) August 2, 2023
Grabe naman yung joke ni Jose napaka below the belt 😢😢😢
Pag tinatawag na unggoy ang mga Pilipino galit na galit tayo. Why can’t we show the same consideration and empathy to other races? https://t.co/UJb2A8W4QK
— ᐯ乇乂乇尺 ( 🇭🇰 Hongkong Dec 11-16 🇭🇰 ) (@vexer9099) August 2, 2023
Jose Manalo inireklamo rin sa MTRCB, inakusahan ng pagiging racist dahil sa ‘Black Out’ joke. https://t.co/78dcEY1Cpm
Matagal ng bastos yang si Manalo. Feeling nya entitled sya dahil friend nya ang TVJ.
— jose antonio (@joseant68824532) August 3, 2023
Others, however, defended Jose, suggesting that it might have been an innocent joke taken out of context and that people were overreacting to it.
Amid the controversy surrounding the “Sugod Bahay Kapatid” segment, some netizens also brought up the recent kissing scene between former Senate President Tito Sotto and veteran actress Helen Gamboa on the show. Social media personality Rendon Labador previously called out the scene, leading to discussions about the MTRCB’s response to such content.
The issue reached the attention of MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio, who happens to be the daughter of Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa. In response to netizens’ inquiries about the matter, Lala clarified that no official complaint or issue has been raised to the MTRCB regarding the show’s content. She emphasized that the MTRCB follows a complaint mechanism and due process in handling such matters.
The video clip has since gone viral, prompting further discussions about racism, humor, and the responsibility of content creators and TV networks in ensuring that their shows uphold ethical standards and do not perpetuate harmful stereotypes. As the debate continues, viewers are closely monitoring how the involved parties, including the show’s producers and the MTRCB, will address the concerns raised by netizens.