During the LoveLaban sa Diliman Pride celebration held on June 28, Vice Ganda delivered a stirring message that resonated deeply with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
But beyond the applause and cheers, netizens couldn’t help but speculate—was the Unkabogable Star throwing shade at veteran beauty and fashion icons Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud?
Vice, who has long been a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, took the stage to emphasize the importance of inclusivity and collective upliftment within the community.
“Kung tutuusin, may pribilehiyo na ako, e. Pero hindi porke may pribilehiyo ka, iiwanan mo na ‘yung mga kasamahan mong hindi nakakatanggap niyon,” Vice said in front of the Pride crowd.
He continued: “Hindi porke matanda ka na, at may pera ka na, iiwanan mo ‘yung mga tulad mo na hindi nakakakuha ng pribilehiyong nakukuha mo. Dahil ang pribilehiyo ngayon ay hindi dapat maging pribilehiyo mo lang, dapat maging karapatan ‘yan ng bawa’t isa.”
While Vice didn’t mention any names, his remarks quickly sparked conversations online, with many interpreting it as a response to the controversial comments made by Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud in a vlog interview with Toni Gonzaga.
In that interview, both Reyes and Salud voiced their opposition to the SOGIE Equality Bill and same-sex marriage. Reyes even claimed, “Ako rin ang nagpatigil ng SOGIE Bill,” and said, “Maski anong gawin niyo sa mga bakla, bakla pa rin ‘yan. Gilingin mo man ‘yan, ang labas niyan, baklang hamburger.”
Salud, for his part, described members of the LGBTQIA+ community as “too entitled,” adding, “The problem with some gays, they ask for too much.”
These remarks drew heavy criticism from the LGBTQIA+ community and allies alike—many of whom saw Vice’s Pride message as a powerful and graceful rebuttal.
During the Pride event, Vice also underscored the importance of visibility and solidarity: “Kaya ang aking panalangin, at ang aking hiling sa lahat natin na bahagi ng komunidad na ito… let’s all make sure that we are seen. Please be seen.
“Kailangan nating lumabas, makita at mabilang, dahil ang bilang natin ay kapangyarihan… at yung kapangyarihan na yun ay pag-aari natin. Kaya angkinin ninyo ang kapangyarihan ng bilang nating lahat.”
On social media, reactions to Vice’s speech poured in.
Whether or not the message was indeed a direct dig, one thing is clear—Vice Ganda used his platform to uplift and defend a community still fighting for equal rights. And in a time of divisive discourse, his words struck a chord: bold, compassionate, and undeniably powerful.
