Vice Ganda jetski joke draws mixed reactions
Metro Manila, Philippines - Comedian Vice Ganda’s satirical “jetski holiday” performance at the “Superdivas” concert on Aug. 8 has stirred a storm of praise and condemnation in a discourse that has shown a deep political divide.
The skit - performed with Regine Velasquez at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City - spoofed a viral British airline ad referenced to the West Philippine Sea dispute, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s unfulfilled campaign promise to take a jetski to the Spratlys, and his detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
"Nothing beats a jetski holiday, now from Manila to the West Philippine Sea riding a jetski. Enjoy unlimited water bombing from Chinese vessels and a free trip to The Hague courtesy of the ICC. Promo is exclusive for DDS only. Pinklawans and BBMs are prohibited.," Vice said.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña came to Vice Ganda’s defense, saying humor can be a powerful political tool.
"Speaking truth to power is most potent when it makes people laugh. Ibig sabihin tagos na tagos at tusok na tusok," he said.
[Translation: It means the message struck deep.]
"At kung sakaling ma-persona non grata ka, keri lang yan. Dahil sa aming puso, Meme, ikaw ay persona bonggang-bongga,” the lawmaker added.
[Translation: And if you are ever declared a persona non grata, that’s totally fine. Because in our hearts, Meme, you are a fabulous persona.]
He also thanked Vice for using comedy to raise awareness.
"Mabuhay ka Meme Vice! Maraming salamat sa pagpapatawa nang may pagmumulat at paninindigan," the lawmaker said.
[Translation: Long live, Meme Vice! Thank you for making people laugh while raising awareness and standing by your principles.]
Even Palace press officer Claire Castro, speaking in her personal vlog, blasted calls from pro-Duterte supporters to declare Vice persona non grata.
"So we're talking about kabastusan and decency tapos gusto niyo ngayon ma-persona non grata si Vice? Wow, what a word - decency. DDS nagtanong niyan, makaka-expect daw ba tayo ng pagiging disente kay Vice Ganda? Talagang gamitin ang word na decency, wow DDS. Bakit, alam ba ng poon niyo, alam ba ni VP Sara at dating Pangulo ang salitang disente?"
[Translation: So we’re talking about indecency and decency, and now you want Vice declared persona non grata? Wow, what a word — decency. A DDS asked if we can expect decency from Vice Ganda? Really, using the word decency - wow DDS. Does your leader, VP Sara or the former president, even know the meaning of decent?]
She also took aim at pro-Duterte content creators.
"Yung mga DDS vloggers kaya na puro mura, disente ba?" (And those DDS vloggers who constantly curse, are they decent?)
Duterte ally hits back
But not everyone was amused. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, a staunch Duterte ally, criticized Vice Ganda for “kicking” the former president when he is already down.
"Ano bang ginawa sa 'yo ni Tatay Digong? Nung in-interview mo siya noong presidente siya, hangang-hanga ka. Ang ginawa mo, nasa sahig na si Tatay Digong… nakakulong na, 80-anyos, mamamatay na yata sa kulungan, sinipa-sipa mo pa! Ano kaligayahan ang nakukuha mo sa ganyang gawain?"
[Translation: What did Tatay Digong ever do to you? When you interviewed him while he was president, you admired him so much. And now, when Tatay Digong is already down… in prison, 80 years old, probably dying in jail, you still kick him! What joy do you get from doing that?]
