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Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña has come to the defense of comedian Vice Ganda following backlash over his “jet ski holiday” skit, which has prompted some supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte to call on the Davao City government to declare the comedian persona non grata.
Rep. Cendaña underscored that comedy can be a powerful political tool when it speaks truth to power.
“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 also the best wake-up call,” he said.
He added, “At kung sakaling ma-persona non grata ka, keri lang ‘yan. Dahil sa aming puso, Meme, ikaw ay persona bonggang-bongga.”
The lawmaker also thanked Vice Ganda for his brand of comedy, describing it as both principled and thought-provoking—a pointed jab at the uncritical support Duterte continues to receive despite his perceived leniency toward China’s encroachment in the West Philippine Sea.
“Mabuhay ka Meme Vice! Maraming salamat sa pagpapatawa nang may pagmumulat at paninindigan,” Cendaña said.
The controversy began on August 8 during the first night of Vice Ganda and Regine Velasquez’s Super Diva concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In a parody of the viral “Jet2holiday” TikTok sound, Vice took aim at Duterte’s infamous “jet ski promise,” mentioned DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters), and capped the act with an impersonation of the former president.
“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 the ICC. Promo applies to DDS only; pinklawan and BBMs are prohibited. ‘Wag niyo kong subukan, mga pu****i** niyo!” Vice quipped during the sketch.
The joke referenced Duterte’s 2016 campaign statement that he would personally ride a jet ski to the Spratly Islands to plant the Philippine flag—a pledge he later admitted was a “pure joke.” Duterte is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague over alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s drug war.
Calls for Vice to be declared persona non grata in Davao were first voiced by a Facebook user claiming to be a Davaoeño, with the post gaining traction among Duterte loyalists. The Proud Bisaya Facebook page echoed the appeal, and some netizens suggested extending the ban to all Cebuano-speaking regions.
British national Malcolm Conlan, a known Duterte supporter married to a Filipina, also penned an open letter criticizing Vice’s skit as “inappropriate” and “in poor taste.”
Despite the backlash, many personalities and netizens have rallied behind Vice, praising his unapologetic humor and social commentary.
Ibo-boycott daw ng DDS ang McDo dahil endorser ng fast-food chain si Vice Ganda. Hahaha. Hoy, ang karamihan sa inyo ay nangwawantutri ng mga karinderiya. McDo pa talaga?
Noong ipinakulong ni Digong si Delima at laman siya ng DDS jokes, nasaan ang respeto, awa, at simpatiya niyo?
— Miyako Izabel (@sejoalzir) August 11, 2025
Masyado namang mataas ang standards niyo kay Vice Ganda na hindi naman public servant. Pero kay Digong na balahura sa rape jokes, sa mga “papatayin” statements, okay lang naman sa inyo yun. Si Vice Ganda – entertainer; si Digong naging pangulo na polisiya agad ang mga salita.
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) August 10, 2025
Bakit nag-eemote ang mga DDS?
Remember what you did and said to PNoy, Leni Robredo, at lalong lalo na kay Leila De Lima?!
Tapos ngayon galit kayo kay Vice Ganda? You have no moral ascendancy. Dahil kung dumi ng bibig at kawalan ng manners ang pinag-uusapan, kayo ang numero uno.
— Justin Dizon (@iamjustindizon) August 10, 2025
DDS Comedy Rule:
Bawal mag joke ang comedian na si Vice Ganda.
Si Rodrigo Duterte kang ang pwedeng mag joke.
Conclusion: Duterte is a joke.
— Rommel Lopez (@RommelFLopez) August 10, 2025
