Romnick Sarmenta Orders from Fast Food Brand Endorsed by Vice Ganda Amid Boycott Calls

Actor Romnick Sarmenta has found himself at the center of social media chatter after subtly showing support for Vice Ganda, who is currently under fire from supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte. In a move that many saw as both humorous and political, Sarmenta posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he ordered food from a fast-food chain endorsed by the Unkabogable Star—even though he wasn’t particularly hungry.

“With all the noise… I ended up ordering. Even though I wasn’t really that hungry,” Sarmenta wrote in his post dated August 11.

The timing of the post was anything but accidental. It came amid intensified calls from Duterte loyalists to boycott brands associated with Vice Ganda, after the comedian made a controversial remark during a concert that appeared to take a jab at the former president. Duterte is currently facing trial for crimes against humanity at The Hague in the Netherlands.

Vice Ganda’s comedic dig didn’t sit well with Duterte’s supporters, who swiftly mobilized online campaigns to cancel brands he endorses—most notably, a global fast-food chain that has long had Vice as one of its celebrity endorsers.

Social Media Erupts

Sarmenta’s tweet sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from praise and amusement to criticism and backlash. Many netizens applauded the actor for what they perceived as a silent but powerful form of protest.

“I’ll order too, just to annoy DDS who can’t even afford it,” one user wrote, using the acronym for “Diehard Duterte Supporters.”

“It’s my kid’s favorite anyway. McDo is life!” another netizen quipped, referencing the fast-food chain by its local nickname.

Others were more direct in their appreciation for Sarmenta’s post, calling it socially aware and timely.

“I admire you for always being socially aware,” said one commenter.

Another added: “That’s how you do it. Order, eat, resist. Hahaha!”

Some even joked that Vice Ganda might consider franchising the restaurant himself due to the increase in attention and possible sales boost driven by the controversy.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some Duterte supporters criticized Sarmenta for what they viewed as petty and performative activism.

“You and Vice are both shallow,” one detractor wrote. “You celebrate these small ‘victories’ like memes, jokes, and insults. But in all your noise over the years, have you really won anything?”

Despite the criticisms, the post continued to circulate widely, demonstrating how deeply the current political climate remains tied to celebrity influence and brand loyalty in the Philippines.

A Politically Vocal Actor

This is not the first time Romnick Sarmenta has spoken up on political issues. In fact, the veteran actor has been increasingly vocal over the past few years about the state of governance in the country.

Just recently, Sarmenta condemned what he described as “the perversion of the law” by public officials. He made headlines in June when he made an indirect remark targeting an unnamed political figure described as “innocent but hired 16 lawyers.” Though no names were mentioned, many netizens believed the comment was aimed at Vice President Sara Duterte.

The speculation was further fueled when Senate impeachment spokesperson Reginald Tongol confirmed that Vice President Duterte had indeed secured legal representation from 16 lawyers—specifically from the Fortun Narvasa & Salazar law firm—in preparation for her impeachment trial.

Celebrities and Political Statements

Vice Ganda has long walked the line between comedy and commentary. Known for her fearless humor and often political punchlines, she has both entertained and provoked audiences. Her recent concert remarks were seen by some as distasteful, while others praised her for daring to criticize powerful figures.

The backlash against her—coupled with calls to boycott the brands she supports—mirrors a growing trend where consumers use their purchasing power to express political beliefs. In response, some artists and public figures, like Sarmenta, are choosing to visibly support their peers or stand by their principles through small but symbolic acts.

Ordering from a fast-food restaurant may seem trivial to some, but in a highly polarized political and cultural landscape, such gestures often become lightning rods for public debate.

The Bigger Picture

Romnick Sarmenta’s actions and the online reactions they triggered reflect a broader conversation happening in Philippine society—about accountability, freedom of speech, and the evolving role of celebrities in socio-political discourse.

In the age of social media, where every post can become a statement and every meal a political choice, public figures wield influence in ways that go far beyond their traditional platforms. For Sarmenta, it seems, a meal is not just a meal—it’s a message.

As the dust continues to settle over Vice Ganda’s controversial remarks and Duterte supporters continue to push for boycotts, it remains to be seen whether this moment will fizzle out or spark further public engagement in the intersection of politics and pop culture.

But one thing is certain: in today’s Philippines, even lunch can be political.