During the October 4 airing of the “Laro Laro Pick” segment on It’s Showtime, Vice Ganda took a powerful stand for educators, calling on authorities to raise teachers’ salaries and improve their benefits. In a candid exchange with studio contestants—all public school teachers—Vice highlighted the glaring disparity between the lives of educators and politicians, many of whom are now embroiled in corruption scandals.
“Kapag nagtuturo ka, wala kang assistant? Walang bumubulong sa’yo habang nagtuturo?” Vice asked one contestant, emphasizing how teachers carry out their duties alone, without aides or support staff.
She then drew a sharp contrast: “Pero, ‘yung congressman nyo na nakaupo, andaming bumubulong sa kanila. Andami nilang assistant.” Her remarks underscored how politicians enjoy layers of support while teachers, who arguably face more demanding work, are left to struggle.
Vice didn’t hold back in pointing out the imbalance. “Nakita nyo ba kung gaano kalayo ang buhay ng mga public—ayaw kong sabihing public officials—buhay ng mga politicians, kumpara sa inyong mga guro? Sino ang mas mahirap ang trabaho sa inyo?” she asked, pressing on the issue of unfair compensation.
She then answered her own question: “Because you are not properly compensated.” Vice offered to be the voice for teachers, acknowledging that many may not feel empowered to speak out. “I would like to lend my voice to you, dahil mukhang hindi nyo naman masasabi,” she said.
Her call to action was clear and urgent: “Kailangan nating swelduhan nang mas mataas ang ating mga guro.” She went further, linking low teacher salaries to systemic corruption: “At naswelduhan siguro kayo nang tama kung hindi kayo ninakawan. At kaya kung mababa ang sweldo nyo, kasi ninanakawan kayo.”
Vice’s remarks come at a time when several government officials are facing scrutiny over anomalous projects and misuse of public funds. Her bold statements resonated with many viewers, especially those in the education sector who have long felt undervalued and underpaid.
This isn’t the first time Vice Ganda has spoken out against corruption and government mismanagement. Her platform on national television continues to be a space where social issues are brought to light, often with humor, but always with heart.
In a country where teachers are hailed as heroes yet treated as expendable, Vice’s advocacy serves as a reminder that respect must be matched with fair compensation—and that silence in the face of injustice is no longer an option.
