Vice Ganda lands rare interview with Aquino; netizens, reporters unhappy

MANILA, Philippines—Comedian Vice Ganda’s Dec. 23 tweet announcing his one-on-one interview with the most powerful man in the Philippines set off a torrent of excitement and anticipation from his loyal followers.

As of Wednesday, that singular announcement had been retweeted at least 1,469 times on top of “favorites” from 4,356 users, suggesting a surefire hit when the interview is finally aired over ABS-CBN during his “Ganda Gabi Vice (GGV)” program on Jan. 4.

But not everyone was amused by the prospect of President Benigno Aquino III spending precious presidential time on a lowbrow comedy show like that of Vice Ganda’s. Jose Marie Viceral in real life, the comedian is known for his horseplay and self-deprecating humor, which have translated to blockbusters such as “The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin.”

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

One Facebook user ridiculed Mr. Aquino’s guesting at GGV, saying it suggested that there’s really no big difference between “show biz” and “government” in the country.

Another user asked in Filipino what the guesting was for. “Will Vice be serious about his questions or will he just make fun of the President? Will it help the country or will it just be for publicity?” the question went on.

The interview took place at the President’s Hall Sala in Malacañang last Tuesday after Mr. Aquino signed the 2015 General Appropriations Act.

One Palace executive described Mr. Aquino as “palaban” (in the mood) during the taped interview, saying reporters should watch the episode.

But the rare and exclusive access given to Vice Ganda didn’t seem to sit well with some reporters who had also been trying to get the President to sit down for an interview.

“We’ve been trying to set an interview for a long time,” one senior journalist from a reputable news organization commented.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. defended the interview, saying through it, “The President is able to connect with millions of Vice Ganda’s followers who also constitute his administration’s primary constituency.”

“While Vice Ganda lights up their lives with humor and entertainment, President Aquino seeks to lighten the ‘common tao’s’ burden through reforms and beneficial programs anchored upon good governance,” Coloma told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a text message.

It’s not exactly easy to get a one-on-one interview with Mr. Aquino. Requests in writing normally go through his communications team and the Presidential Management Staff, with Mr. Aquino having the last say on whether he wants to talk to certain journalist or news organization. In one instance, a request took a year to be granted.

It’s not clear how Vice Ganda, a close friend of the President’s youngest sister Kris, got his appointment. The comedian also stars with Kris Aquino’s son Bimby in the sequel “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin,” an entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.