Solon defends Vice Ganda: Satire is form of protest

Vice Ganda. Image: Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin

MANILA, Philippines — Why cry foul now over satire when former President Rodrigo Duterte has said much worse things?

This was the sentiment of ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, who defended comedian and host Vice Ganda from online harassment after she satirized Duterte’s broken campaign promises during her concert over the weekend.

In a statement, Tinio—son of National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio—called out Duterte’s supporters for being “pikon” (not a good sport) over a joke when the former president has made light of worse topics, such as rape.

“Satire is a form of entertainment, but also a form of protest. Don’t they get that? The problem is that the Dutertes and their supporters are idiots. When they curse, threaten, or intimidate, they say it’s just hyperbole or a joke, but when it’s done to them, they’re foaming at the mouth,” he said.

READ: Castro defends Vice Ganda’s ‘jet ski holiday’ joke: It came from Duterte

His remarks came amid public backlash over Vice Ganda’s skit during her joint concert with singer Regine Velasquez, where Vice Ganda appeared onstage with backup dancers holding a tarpaulin that read “Jet ski holiday,” referencing the popular Jet2 Holiday commercial.

“Nothing beats a jet ski holiday, right now from Manila to the West Philippine Sea via jet ski. Get unlimited water bombing from Chinese vessels and a free trip to The Hague by the ICC (International Criminal Court). Promo applies to DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters) only. Pinklawans and BBMs are prohibited. Huwag niyo akong subukan, mga pu****i** niyo (Don’t try my patience, you sons of b******),” Vice Ganda said.

During the 2016 presidential elections, Duterte pledged to ride a jet ski to the Spratly Islands and plant a Philippine flag but never followed through, as his administration shifted toward China amid the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

Since then, Duterte’s supporters have called for the comedian to be declared persona non grata in Duterte’s stronghold, Davao City. Duterte’s former spokesperson, Harry Roque, also joined the criticism, accusing Vice Ganda of “kicking the former president when he’s already down.”

Duterte is currently detained at The Hague, where he is set to face trial at the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his war on drugs.

READ: Cendaña on Vice Ganda’s ‘jetski’ skit: Laughter is wake-up call too

Tinio said Vice Ganda’s skit was a “legitimate form of political commentary” and condemned coordinated attempts to pressure networks and sponsors to drop the comedian.

“We have witnessed how the Dutertes have weaponized social media, employing a core of influencers and content creators to silence critics and dissenting voices. The same people who defended Duterte’s death threats against journalists, his misogynistic remarks, and his violent language are now crying foul over a comedian’s satirical skit,” Tinio said.

“This is a clear example of cancel culture being employed by authoritarian forces to suppress free expression. We must not allow the culture of fear and intimidation that characterized the Duterte regime to continue silencing voices of dissent,” he added./mcm