AKBAYAN Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña, a vocal critic of the Duterte camp, has defended comedian and TV host Vice Ganda over a controversial joke about former president Rodrigo Duterte, saying it “speaks of truths that can be both uncomfortable and thought-provoking.”
The controversy stems from Vice Ganda’s August 8 concert with singer Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, where the comedian performed a parody referencing former president Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016 campaign remark about riding a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea.
While singing along to a trending travel agency-themed song, Vice altered the lyrics to suggest that Duterte’s “destination” is now The Hague, Netherlands, the seat of the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he is detained over alleged crimes against humanity since March 11.
The joke, which alluded to the ICC’s ongoing investigation into the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, sparked outrage among Duterte supporters in Davao City. Some netizens circulated a “persona non grata” petition online calling to bar Vice Ganda from performing in the city.
However, Davao City Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II dismissed the circulating document, clarifying that the City Council had not passed any resolution against the comedian.
“The City Council of Davao has far more important matters to attend to than entertaining baseless, attention-seeking antics from performers desperate for relevance. Contrary to what this viral document suggests, the Council’s time and energy are devoted to crafting policies and programs that improve the lives of Dabawenyos — enhancing infrastructure, ensuring public safety, creating livelihood opportunities, and strengthening social services,” the statement said.
“The dignity and pride of Dabawenyos are not for sale and certainly not for comedy fodder. If Vice Ganda wishes to be remembered for more than empty laughs and headline-grabbing jabs, perhaps it’s time to show the same hard work, discipline, and respect that Davao’s leaders and citizens demonstrate daily,” the politician further emphasized.
Both Vice Ganda and Rep. Cendaña have long been vocal critics of the Duterte political camp. Cendaña recently expressed his dismay over the Supreme Court’s July 25 ruling that declared unconstitutional the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a missed opportunity for accountability. DEF