MTRCB to decide Willing Willie case by end of May

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) expects to come up by end-May its decision on the controversial Willing Willie episode where a crying six-year-old boy was made to gyrate macho-dancer style for P10,000 last March. MTRCB Chairwoman Grace Poe-Llamanzares said the period of more than one month will allow the board to properly deliberate on the issue as well as the points raised by various sectors. “In the case of the TV5 program, we expect to come out with a decision by the end of May. Like all of you, we want to resolve this soonest, but we have to follow a legal process," Llamanzares said in a radio interview. She added that TV5 and the producers of “Willing Willie" can avail of their right to seek a reconsideration of whatever the decision will be from the Office of the President if they feel it was unfair. “Meron tayong appeals committee na nasa OP (Office of the President). Pwede nilang itaas pa rito. Pero 'di natin minamadali at pinag-aaralang mabuti para lahat na punto na ating madesisyunan masasabi nating nadesisyunan ayon sa batas," she said. Llamanzares also maintained the MTRCB will be fair, as it has members affiliated with all major TV networks. No power to zero in on Revillame Llamanzares said the MTRCB will not single out game show host Willie Revillame, saying its mandate covers only the television network or the show being questioned. She hinted the penalty may involve a fine or a suspension, the length of which will depend on the MTRCB board members’ deliberations. “The MTRCB has no power to sanction an individual, only the network or the show. The MTRCB can impose a suspension if merited," she said. “Pwede ring may multa, pwede ring suspension of the network itself. Hindi ko sinasabi na ito ang magiging hatol sa kanila," she added. MTRCB eyes meet with TV networks Meanwhile, Llamanzares said she is planning to call a conference with all television networks and industry players to have them commit to an agreement on how to treat children on TV shows. She said that while there are laws on child labor, a solid agreement will be more binding to the networks. “Kahit may batas diyan, kailangan ng solid agreement with industry players kung ano ang magiging alituntunin sa pagganap ng bata sa TV ... Pag may batas sabi kailangan sundin yan ... Pero pag may agreement parang usapang seryoso, nagkaroon ng handshake ang member, sila mismo voluntarily pinapasok ito at alam ang pinapasok," she said. Llamanzares confirmed meeting with Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad, a co-host on the Willing Willie game show. “We had a good meeting. Of course, there was concern on her part because she is part of the show. But I can give a reassurance that we will be fair. The MTRCB has many checks and balances, and cannot rely on the opinion of just the chairwoman or just a few. We will not risk our reputation by favoring just one group," she said. — LBG/HS, GMA News