Vice Ganda has finally addressed the speculation surrounding his recent absence from ‘It’s Showtime’, making it clear that he was never suspended from the noontime show.
After being away from the program for several days amid the controversy involving the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), the Unkabogable Star directly laughed off the rumors during the Saturday, August 8 episode of ‘It’s Showtime’.
“Bakasyon po ’yon ah, hindi suspension. Etsusera ’tong mga fake news na ’to,” Vice quipped.
Vice was last seen on ‘It’s Showtime’ on July 28 before making his return on August 6. His absence quickly sparked speculation online, especially since it came around the same time the MTRCB summoned the show’s producers over complaints involving its controversial July 24 episode.
But according to Vice, there was nothing unusual behind his time away—he was simply taking a vacation in Vietnam.
The rumors apparently became so widespread that even his mother ended up asking him about them.
“’Yung nanay ko tuloy tumawag, ‘Suspended ka ba?’ Hindi. ‘Bakit ka nasa Vietnam?’ Nakabakasyon talaga ako ngayon. Pinangunahan,” he shared.
Vice also stressed that despite being part of It’s Showtime for 16 years, he still looks forward to coming to work every day.
“Every day, kahit anong ganap, gusto ko pa ring pumasok,” he said.
“Kaya nu’ng nasa bakasyon ako, gusto ko nang pumasok.”
Speculation about Vice’s absence intensified following the MTRCB’s July 28 announcement that it had summoned the producers of ‘It’s Showtime’ after receiving complaints over alleged “inappropriate scenes,” as well as “racially insensitive” and “colorist remarks” during its July 24 broadcast.
One of the scenes that drew backlash involved Vice and Baby Dolls member Johaira Moris during the ‘Memerimar’ skit. Vice later apologized after some viewers criticized one of his remarks toward Johaira as offensive.
Another scene involving Vice’s partner Ion Perez also became part of the complaints received by the regulatory board.
The MTRCB subsequently met with the show’s producers and issued directives requiring the program to strengthen its compliance with broadcast standards.
Even before Vice personally addressed the issue, ‘It’s Showtime’ management had already denied claims that the comedian-host was serving a suspension, maintaining that he was simply on vacation.
And if there were still questions about Vice’s standing with ABS-CBN, another major development appeared to put those doubts to rest.
On August 7, Vice officially renewed his contract with ABS-CBN, with some of the network’s top executives present during the signing.
“I am very, very happy,” Vice said in an interview with TV Patrol.
For Vice, however, his loyalty to ABS-CBN does not depend on a piece of paper.
“Actually, kahit wala namang contract, habang-buhay akong Kapamilya,” he declared.
Vice also expressed his gratitude to ABS-CBN executives for their continued trust and promised to remain involved in projects with the company even as he appears on different platforms.
In fact, the comedian revealed that another project involving him is expected to be seen on GMA Network next month.
But wherever his projects may eventually air, Vice maintained that ABS-CBN will always be part of his journey.
“Sa lahat naman ng projects ko, kung saang platform man ako makita, hindi puwedeng hindi ko kasama ang ABS,” he said.
