DURING a public service program on SMNI aired on Saturday, Pinoy Legal Minds Anchor, Atty. Mark Tolentino clarified the involvement of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy in the recent controversy involving TV Host and Comedian Vice Ganda and his real-life partner Ion Perez.
This comes after several showbiz-oriented programs talked about rumors suggesting the Good Pastor’s involvement in the said case.
But Atty. Tolentino refuted the rumors.
“Pastor Apollo has absolutely no connection to this. In fact, SMNI has no involvement either,” according to Atty. Mark Tolentino, Legal Counsel, Kapisan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc.
Tolentino serves as the legal counsel for the Kapisan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc., (KSMBPI) the group that filed cases against the comedian.
Prominent legal figures who have had programs on SMNI, such as Attorney Salvador Panelo and Chief Presidential Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile (JPE), have expressed their opinions against Vice Ganda, also known as Jose Marie Viceral and Benigno Perez.
“Secretary JPE’s statements are his personal opinion. Secretary Sal Panelo’s comments are also his personal opinion as a journalist and part of their show. And for me, as a private lawyer,” added Atty. Tolentino.
Tolentino stated that his clients deemed the “obscene act” in question to be Vice Ganda’s supposed imitation of a “sexual activity” when he licked icing off his finger during the July 25, 2023, episode of the noontime show.
He added that this scene violated Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
“They are creating a scene that is obscene, showing obscenity and indecency. So, what constitutes obscenity and indecency? That depends on the court,” he added.
The complaint aligns with the MTCRB’s suspension of Vice Ganda’s show, “It’s Showtime,” for 12 days.
“The freedom of the press and freedom of expression are not absolute. There are limitations regardless of what you do. Yes, we are a democratic and republican country, but freedom of the press has its limitations” he said.
Revised Penal Code Article 201 penalizes “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows.”
The accused’s camp has yet to comment on the case.
