Acclaimed filmmaker Lav Diaz believes comedian and television host Vice Ganda could be a strong contender for the Philippine presidency in 2028.
In an episode of ‘Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast’, Diaz stressed the urgency of countering what he called the “Sara Duterte wall” in the upcoming elections.
“Seryoso ‘yon kasi napaka-bleak ng future ‘pag hindi natin mawasak ‘yung wall na ‘yon—‘yung ‘Sara Duterte wall,’ which is coming,” Diaz said.
“The nightmare is coming. It’s only two years away so we need to act. Gamitin natin ang pop culture. Let’s use pop culture to destroy that.”
Diaz pointed to Vice Ganda as the country’s most influential pop culture figure, suggesting that the comedian could stand as a formidable rival to Vice President Sara Duterte should she decide to run.
“Sino bang pinaka-icon sa pop culture ngayon? Vice Ganda. At maganda rin ang pananaw ni Vice. Gamitin natin, let’s use that. Kasi ‘yun na ‘yung labanan e, mythologizing with making,” he added.
However, Vice Ganda has consistently distanced himself from politics. In a 2022 interview with Dr. Vicki Belo on her YouTube vlog, the ‘It’s Showtime’ host revealed that he had been asked to run for a high-ranking public post but declined.
“Basta mataas na posisyon, mataas na posisyon na naloka ako talagang no,” Vice recalled.
He admitted that while his popularity could translate into votes, he does not believe governance is aligned with his skills.
“Hindi ako magaling doon, pwede akong manalo. Feeling ko pwede akong manalo kasi marami akong followers, marami akong fans, baka maraming bumoto sa’kin, maraming natutuwa sa’kin pero ako sa sarili ko ngayon hindi ako magaling doon,” he said.
For Vice, winning an election does not automatically justify running.
“So, bakit ako pupunta roon? Ano ‘yun ipapahamak ko ‘yung Pilipinas, di ba? Not because you can win, you will run. No, hindi ganoon,” he stressed.
