Actor-comedian John Lapus has spoken out in defense of Ion Perez, clarifying that Vice Ganda’s partner identifies himself as a straight man despite being in a relationship with the comedian-host.
Lapus addressed the issue amid online speculation questioning Perez’s gender identity because of his marriage to Vice Ganda. In a YouTube interview, Lapus stressed that gender identity should not be judged based on a person’s relationship.
“Si Ion Perez, ang tingin niya sa sarili niya, ang kanyang gender, siya ay lalaki. He is straight,” Lapus said. “Hindi porket asawa niya na si Vice at nagtatalik sila, bakla na siya. Mali ang ganyang kaisipan.”
According to Lapus, the criticism directed at Perez reflects a lack of public understanding about gender identity and sexual orientation. He emphasized that a person’s identity is defined by how they see themselves, not by who they love or marry.
Lapus also called on the public to stop judging Perez, saying his position has long been clear and that he has nothing left to prove.
Perez himself has previously addressed questions surrounding his sexuality and relationship with Vice Ganda. In a 2019 interview with talent manager and entertainment columnist Ogie Diaz, he denied claims that he was only after Vice Ganda’s money and insisted that his feelings were genuine.
“Hindi po. Sobrang straight po ako,” Perez said at the time.
“Nagkataon lang na na-in love ako s’a isang bakla.”
Perez also stressed that his relationship with Vice Ganda was built on sincerity and respect, adding that he would never take advantage of the comedian-host.
“Hindi ko po kayang gawin yun sa kanya.
Kasi kung ginawa ko po yun sa kanya, parang wala na rin akong pinagkaiba sa mga nakaraan na nanloko sa kanya.”
He further challenged his critics to judge him based on his character rather than assumptions.
“Sa lahat ng nag-iisip na pineperahan ko si Vice Ganda, mga tsong, siguro masasabi ko lang sa inyo, pakisamahan niyo lang ako sa maghapon.”
Perez rose to prominence after winning Mister Universe Tourism 2018 and later joined ‘It’s Showtime’ as “Kuya Escort” during the ‘Miss Q&A’ segment. He has since become a regular presence on the show and in out-of-town performances.
Lapus and Vice Ganda recently worked together in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry ‘Call Me Mother’, which emerged as a runaway box-office hit.
