THE 21st Davao City Council unanimously approved on Tuesday, August 12, a resolution condemning comedian Vice Ganda (Jose Mari Viceral) for mocking former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD).
Proposed by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, the resolution stops short of declaring Vice persona non grata, but he said it carries the same weight. Dayanghirang said that FPRRD is not only a former national leader but also a “son of Davao” who transformed the city into a model for the country.
He acknowledged that freedom of speech is protected by the Constitution, but maintained it should not be used to demean or insult. He added that the Davao City Government upholds respect, courtesy, and dignity for all, especially for leaders who have brought pride and honor to the city.
“The Sanggunian finds it proper to take a formal stand in protecting the dignity of its people and leaders against acts that offend the cultural values and moral sensibilities of the community,” the resolution stated.
Dayanghirang said his fellow councilors suggested amendments to the resolution, adding that condemning the comedian’s statement was essentially equivalent to declaring him persona non grata.
Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II earlier said the city would not be distracted by “cheap insults and distasteful jokes made for clout.” Vice President Sara Duterte also left the decision to the City Council.
Dayanghirang clarified that the children of FPRRD did not intervene, leaving the matter entirely to the council.
Responding to comparisons with FPRRD’s controversial jokes, he argued that Duterte’s remarks were part of his leadership style, while Vice Ganda’s comment targeted a specific person.
“That is his style, even when he was president, he was very frank, but despite that, his popularity is still high, and that is what the people want, and that is to have a very strict, politically clear message,” he said.
Calls from Duterte supporters to boycott Vice Ganda and her endorsed products remain a personal choice, Dayanghirang added, saying the resolution does not direct such action.
Vice Ganda’s viral joke referenced the former president, the West Philippine Sea, and the ICC, sparking mixed reactions online. RGP