Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda has once again found herself at the center of public discussion after delivering a politically charged punchline during the first night of Superdivas: The Concert with Regine Velasquez at the Araneta Coliseum on August 8.
In the middle of a performance, Vice Ganda dressed in a bright pink wig and leotard riffed on the “Jet2holiday” meme, turning it into “Jetski Holiday.” The joke quickly turned political, referencing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016 campaign remark about jet-skiing to the Spratly Islands, ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, and Duterte’s case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Nothing beats a jet ski holiday, right now from Manila to the West Philippine Sea via jetski. Get unlimited water bombing from Chinese vessels and a free trip to The Hague by the ICC. Promo applies to DDS only. Pinklawans and BBMs are prohibited…” Vice quipped, drawing loud reactions from the audience.
Mixed Reactions Flood In
Supporters hailed the performance as bold satire, with some defending Vice’s track record of philanthropy and her right to poke fun at political figures. Others argued it was an effective way to use humor as a mirror for societal issues.
On the other hand, critics including former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque condemned the skit, accusing Vice of disrespecting Duterte, saying, “Nakadapa na si Tatay Digong… sinipa-sipa mo pa.”
In Davao City, calls from some quarters to declare Vice persona non grata were quickly shut down by Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte II, who dismissed the performance as a distraction and confirmed no official action was taken.
Palace Urges Perspective
Malacañang also weighed in, with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urging the public not to take the joke too seriously, noting that it was delivered in the context of a concert. She reminded critics that Duterte himself had previously admitted the jet ski remark was a joke.
The Fallout
The controversy had immediate online impact, Vice reportedly lost around one million followers across social media platforms following the skit. Still, the comedian has not issued a public apology, and the performance continues to circulate widely on video clips.
Whether seen as biting satire or distasteful mockery, Vice Ganda’s “Jetski Holiday” routine has once again underscored her ability to use comedy as both entertainment and commentary, making people laugh, and think, in equal measure.