PSP Tournament: Mhot vs. Jblaque, Was Phoebus Clowning?

Rap battle fans uproared after the kick start of Pangil sa Pangil: Matira Mayaman Tournament in Cebu last February 3, 2024. This was caused by a vetoed decision supposedly upholding Jblaque as the winner against Mhot. Phoebus, the league owner, overturned the decision which many see as a direct hit to the league’s credibility. But was it? Let’s look at it from a different perspective. 

Mr. Phoebus at PSP: Matira Mayaman Tournament Cebu kickstart

First, to simplify its meaning, what actually is “veto” in this sense? Hear this! To veto a decision is the right to reject a decision made. 

(c) Pangil sa Pangil Official Facebook Page

In the case of Mhot vs. JBlaque, judges were to write their own perspectives of the battle which will also be the basis of their scoring. Insiders say, both Jblaque and Mhot’s performances are exemplary, causing a neck-to-neck pick. Thus, the 3-2 score in favour of Mhot.

So what exactly went wrong? 

JBlaque, who hails from Cebu, obviously the crowd’s hometown hero, got the crowd uproaring “luto” after hearing the decision. No offence to the Cebu crowd, it is but human nature to react as such especially when the delivery of the former’s battle lines during his LIVE performance was seen and heard in a different perspective compared to what was captured and focused on video (that was taken down after a while it was uploaded). 

Mhot’s feat featuring his superb written content turned to defeat after Phoebus vetoed the 3-2 judges’ decision.

Did Phoebus make the wrong move? 

From this editor’s perspective, NO. He did not. There was NO BETTER DECISION AT THAT TIME than to veto the decision. 

Was he clowning? No, definitely not. This was not even close to “In every rule, there is an exception.” 

At that time, it was a clear demonstration of logical contradiction, the same way that when a very close fight, neck tight, performance is drawn, a judge uses his “personal preference” to make his choice. 

A few days later, the battle’s video was uploaded. A clearer view was seen how Mhot was the judges’ choice. However, a glitch happened and was taken down from YouTube. If that wasn’t enough fiasco, I wonder what is, wew!

Indeed, it was a heavy week, but wait ‘til the next blow. JBlaque conceded. In an official statement, he admitted defeat, making Mhot advance to the next round.

Moral of the story? When it’s close to calling a tie, hold the decision, until finality has been reached. It saves more time. It causes people to go more crazy, though. Lol.