Lawmaker Praises Vice Ganda for Duterte Joke: “Mabuhay Ka, Meme!”

Amid a political firestorm triggered by a controversial joke, AKBAYAN Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña has come out in full support of comedian-host Vice Ganda, praising the performer’s wit and courage in delivering pointed satire during a recent concert appearance.

Cendaña, a known advocate for human rights and youth empowerment, applauded Vice Ganda for using humor as a form of social and political commentary—specifically for a joke referencing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s past stance on the West Philippine Sea and his current detention by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

A Joke That Sparked National Debate

The controversy began during the “Superdivas: The Concert”, a joint performance between Vice Ganda and singer Regine Velasquez. On stage, Vice quipped:

“Nothing beats a jet ski holiday! Ride now from Manila to the West Philippine Sea by jet ski! Get unlimited water bombing from Chinese vessels and a free trip to The Hague by ICC! Promo applies to DDS only! Pinklawans and BBMs are prohibited. ‘Wag niyo akong subukan mga put*ng ina n’yo!”

The line, a parody of Duterte’s 2016 campaign promise to personally ride a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea to assert Philippine sovereignty, drew laughter and cheers from some in the audience—but triggered outrage among pro-Duterte supporters and political allies, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who called the comedian’s joke “cruel” and “merciless.”

Cendaña: Humor as Truth-Telling

On Sunday night, Rep. Perci Cendaña posted a public message on his official Facebook account, lauding Vice Ganda for his courage and satire:

“Speaking truth to power is most potent when it makes people laugh. Ibig sabihin tagos na tagos at tusok na tusok. Laughter is not only the best medicine, it’s also the best wake-up call.”

He ended his post with a rallying message to the popular comedian:

“Mabuhay ka, Meme Vice Ganda, salamat sa paninindigan. #Jetski”

Cendaña also joked that should Vice be declared persona non grata by pro-Duterte regions or allies, it wouldn’t diminish his standing:

“At kung sakaling ma-persona non grata ka, keri lang ’yan. Dahil sa aming puso, Meme, ikaw ay persona bonggang-bongga.”

Comedy with a Point

In his remarks, Cendaña framed Vice Ganda’s humor as principled—saying that while many see comedy as mere entertainment, it has long served as a tool for critique, especially when addressing social injustice or political hypocrisy.

He argued that Vice’s satire cut deep because it highlighted the continued blind loyalty some Filipinos exhibit toward Duterte, despite the former president’s controversial record—particularly his stance on China’s territorial aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

“The joke reminds us that some people still ignore how the previous administration downplayed China’s incursions. Duterte never took the jet ski—worse, he later admitted it was just a campaign joke. Now he’s detained at The Hague for crimes against humanity, yet some still treat him as untouchable,” Cendaña said in a follow-up interview.

Duterte’s ICC Detention

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is currently under detention by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. He faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s bloody “War on Drugs,” which resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, many of which remain unresolved to this day.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Duterte in late 2024, leading to his eventual apprehension in early 2025 after months in hiding. His trial is scheduled to begin later this year, and global attention remains fixed on how the proceedings will unfold.

Vice Ganda: No Stranger to Political Satire

Vice Ganda, one of the Philippines’ most well-known and influential entertainers, has long included social commentary in his routines. While primarily known for his flamboyant style and comedic timing, Vice has on multiple occasions touched on politics, religion, and national issues—often with boldness that sparks both praise and criticism.

This is not the first time Vice has clashed with political figures. In 2021, he had a public spat with then-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who criticized Vice for making jokes about public health. Vice fired back by calling Roque a “clown,” saying, “I’m a comedian. You’re the clown.”

A Divided Public

Vice Ganda’s recent remarks have again divided the Filipino public. While his fans and progressive lawmakers like Cendaña hail him as a brave voice for the people, Duterte loyalists have launched calls for boycotts and social media attacks.

Some pro-Duterte bloggers even encouraged a boycott of McDonald’s Philippines, citing Vice Ganda’s endorsement of the brand.

Online forums are now flooded with comments, memes, and debates, reflecting the deep political polarization that remains even years after Duterte’s presidency.

Free Speech vs. Respect?

The debate over Vice Ganda’s joke also opens broader questions about the boundaries of free speech and satire:

Is it acceptable to mock a public figure who is elderly and imprisoned?

Should comedians be held to standards of compassion, or is irreverence part of their craft?

Can humor serve as a legitimate form of political engagement in times of democratic uncertainty?

These questions remain central to the ongoing national discourse.

Final Thoughts

While opinions vary on whether Vice Ganda’s joke was in poor taste or a powerful political punchline, what’s clear is this: comedy remains a battlefield for truth, memory, and accountability. Rep. Cendaña’s support signals that for some in government, satire is not an enemy—it is a necessary check on power.

In an era where laughter can spark outrage, but also awaken a nation, Vice Ganda’s voice—both comedic and critical—continues to resonate. Whether or not you agree with him, he has once again reminded the country that humor can cut deeper than any speech.

Mabuhay ka, Meme.