In a surprising twist, GMA 7 (GTV) has announced a compassionate act of solidarity with suspended SMNI News Network by preempting one hour of its popular noontime show, “It’s Showtime,” to make room for Jeffrey Celis (Ka Eric) and Lorraine Badoy’s SMNI News program. 

This decision comes after the National Telecommunications Commission suspended SMNI News for 30 days due to alleged violations of its franchise.

GMA’s benevolent move is seen as a gesture of support for media outlets facing tough times, reminiscent of a sitcom storyline where rivals become allies. 

The network emphasized its empathy with SMNI, also citing the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s 24-day preemptive suspension of Celis and Badoy for purportedly spreading fake news on their TV program.

This comes on the heels of the MTRCB’s 12-day suspension of “It’s Showtime” over lewd episodes courtesy of hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.

GTV’s move all but proves that in the world of Philippine television, solidarity knows no bounds—even if it means sacrificing a dancing Vice Ganda an hour each day for a month.