Despite being at the receiving end of massive online hate from a group of supporters, comedian and host Vice Ganda remains unshaken and unafraid. At the recent Super Divas concert with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, he dropped a sharp political punchline in the form of his now-viral “Jetski Holiday” joke. It was comedy but it was also a very strong form of commentary (as seen in the reactions!). And it proved one thing — there is no stopping Vice when it comes to using his stage to make a stand.
Photo courtesy of Vice Ganda on Instagram @praybeytbenjamin
Even in his stint abroad, performing on ASAP in England, Vice couldn’t resist weaving in his thoughts on the controversial flood control projects making headlines. With his trademark wit, it was seen in a fan video uploaded on TikTok that he slid in a joke that made a subtle reference to the questionable priorities of those in power. Beyond the loud laughter, it was a louder reminder.
Just days before, he was quoted as a frustrated taxpayer (leading Quezon City’s top taxpayers list this year), expressing outrage over how money painstakingly earned and paid for taxes is being misused and corrupted.
This isn’t new. During the height of the pandemic, a clip resurfaced of Vice, face shield on, in a candid It’s Showtime conversation with Karylle. In disbelief over rampant corruption during the time of crisis, he mused aloud: “Ano kayang nararamdaman ng mga anak ng corrupt officials?” He went further, declaring he wouldn’t even date someone tainted by corruption. “Hindi ako jojowa ng corrupt!,” he said.
That moment now feels eerily prophetic. Today, the children of allegedly corrupt officials are being dragged online for flaunting lavish lifestyles while branding them as “aspirational.” Vice’s words from years ago echo louder than ever.
Vice even threw back to a song he recorded in 2014, a piece centered on corruption. He proves that art and comedy can be weapons, and not just escapes. They remind the public of what they deserve, and why silence and normalization are dangerous.
Vice embodies a citizen who refuses to look away, one who insists on making noise in the face of injustice, and even in the face of backlash. Vice is imperfect and can be called out for mistakes but it is heartwarming that he is using both his platform and voice to keep the public awake.
