Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has entered the fray surrounding the popular noontime program ‘It’s Showtime’ and its host Vice Ganda.
During his radio program on SMNI News, Enrile expressed strong criticism of the comedian, calling him “salacious” and indecent while drawing parallels between Vice Ganda and individuals in positions of power and influence.
Enrile contended that a prevalent issue in the Philippines is that those who wield power, whether political, social, or economic, often neglect the welfare of others and become self-absorbed, losing their sense of decency. He went on to accuse Vice Ganda of using “indecent acts” as a means of livelihood and popularity.
“Ang problema kasi sa bansa natin kapag meron kang kapangyarihan political, social, o economic o whatever, hindi mo na iniisip yung kapwa,” Enrile said.
Having observed Vice Ganda’s ascent to stardom, Enrile claimed that the comedian has long relied on explicit content to sustain his career, using lewd humor and antics to garner laughs and fame.
“Yung binigay na katangian mo sa iyong lipunan ay hindi mo na tinitignan ang kakulangan ng iba. Sarili mo na lang iniisip mo, akala mo maganda yung ginagawa mo. Super bastos ka, bastos kang tao,” he added.
Furthermore, Enrile criticized Vice Ganda for not only lacking decency but also being abusive, asserting that the comedian has a history of employing explicit content for entertainment purposes.
“Hindi lang walang decency kungdi abusado. Alam ko na mapagpatawa yang binabanggit mo na babae (Vice Ganda) magmula pa ng araw ganyan na yan […] you’re earning your living and popularity sa kabastusan,” he said.
The controversy surrounding ‘It’s Showtime’ erupted when the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) imposed a 12-day suspension on the show due to “indecent acts” that occurred during a segment in July. Additionally, the use of “inappropriate language” by another host in different episodes contributed to the suspension. The show’s producers have been given a limited timeframe to submit a motion for reconsideration.
As the chief legal adviser to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Enrile’s comments have intensified the ongoing dispute. The final resolution of the MTRCB’s decision may ultimately involve the Office of the President, which could seek guidance from Enrile’s office in addressing the matter.
