The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition said that suspension of the show “Showtime” is too much for a penalty even though they were the first group to denounce Rosanna Roces’ insulting words.

“With the show management’s action ahead of the censors’ board, the network and Ms. Roces herself, indeed, admitted that there were excesses. The removal of Ms. Roces in the hurados and her apology are proofs that the show management is responsible enough to regulate and penalize itself,” the group said in a statement, adding:

“We are in sympathy with the show’s production staff, hosts, other judges, contestants and the viewing public who, in one way or another, have been affected by this controversy.”

ABS-CBN network removed Roces as one of the program’s judges after taking potshots at school teachers in its January 7 live show. She described the teachers as “repeaters”.

The teachers’ group called for the immediate lifting of the preventive suspension as they argued that Roces’ statements did not “reflect the views of the program, the hosts and the station.”

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition are asking all television personalities to be more sensitive in making comments in front of a camera.

“If we are sensitive enough to rage against racist comments and scenes from papers and shows abroad, all the more that we have to be vigilant here in our very home,” it said.

ABS-CBN is expected to appeal the suspension today while the MTRCB has set a hearing on the issue on January 14, 2010. “Showtime” is a populart ABS-CBN talent show.

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