In the Philippines, it’s not surprising to see the faces you usually see in films and TV shows eventually be plastered all over public places when election season nears. There are numerous celebrities who have aspired to be politicians and have actually taken a seat in office. But for TV host and comedian Vice Ganda, he won’t be signing up for that anytime soon, and netizens are praising him for his stance.
“Pwede along manalo”
On Dr. Vicki Belo’s vlog on her Youtube channel, Vice Ganda was invited to a one-on-one interview, with questions from several celebrities to get his opinion on various topics — from love life to new projects. Actor Derek Ramsay posed a question about the TV host’s thoughts on joining public service and “help[ing] the country”.
“Politics — sa ngayon ha? Syempre I cannot sabihin never, baka lamunin — hindi ko alam, pero sa ngayon, no,” the comedian answered.
When asked if there were any offers that came his way, Vice Ganda revealed that he was actually approached and asked to run for office, but he refused. “Pwede akong manalo, feeling ko pwede akong manalo kasi marami akong followers, marami akong fans — baka maraming bumoto sa ‘kin, maraming natutuwa sa akin,” the TV host shared. “Pero ako, sa sarili ko, ngayon, hindi ako magaling doon. So bakit ako pupunta doon? Ano, ipapahamak ko ang Pilipinas? Not because you can win, you will run.”
Don’t miss the point
No worries Vice, WALA ren naman intention ang mga tao na iboto ka kung sakaling tatakbo ka.
Tama na ang mga bully na nasa pwesto, wag ka ng dumagdag.
— . ℌ (@ProfHeist) January 23, 2022
In response, some netizens said that they wouldn’t actually vote for the comedian even if he made the decision to run for office. But that isn’t the point. The mere fact that he has a *chance* to win (and a considerably big chance at that) doesn’t mean he should run.
Ang point ni Vicey is huwag mong samantalahin ang pagkakataon na mananalo ka kung hindi mo naman talaga kaya ang responsibilidad. Dear bashers sana naintindihan nyo namn yung sinabi nya during the interview with dr. Vicky belo. “Does it mean you will win you can run”
— Viceralperz25 (@viceralperz25) January 22, 2022
ang point ni meme is porket alam mong malaki chance mong manalo eh tatakbo ka na at hindi mo na iisipin kung ano o paano ang gagawin
dapat isipin mo muna kung ano ang gagawin at magagawa mo bako ka tumakbo sa pulitika— eMo VaMpIrE♂️ (@xemovampire09x) January 23, 2022
But some non-fans *do* see his point
A few people who aren’t the comedian’s biggest fans understand where he’s coming from. Vice Ganda is a well-loved TV host and comedian with a large following composed of millions — over 14 million on Twitter, over 10 million on Instagram, and over 16 million on Facebook, and that’s just his following on social media. Based on how Filipinos have voted in past elections, millions would vote for the Showtime host, just because.
Even though I am not really his/her fan due to his/her occassional foul antics, aminin natin that sometimes VG is really on point at may sense talaga unlike ng iba na porque artista o sikat na personalidad eh tatakbo talaga sa pulitika at wala naman ding magagawa para sa bayan. https://t.co/UIIvSMQFpC
— (@ceeefempee) January 23, 2022
He’s being likened to Dolphy and Willie Revillame
I remembered the late Dolphy. Ayaw nyang tumakbo kasi baka raw manalo siya eh di naman nya alam trabaho.
— Jemerrrrr (@master_amegs) January 22, 2022
Many netizens are praising Vice Ganda for seemingly following the footsteps of his fellow celebrities: Comedy King Dolphy and TV host Willie Revillame.
I miss Dolphy . When asked why he wasn’t running for senator, sagot nya “e kung manalo ako?”
— Rowena Guanzon (@rowena_guanzon) July 19, 2021
Dolphy was known for his aversion to running for a political position despite many urging him to do so. Even current COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzo said she misses him and his convicted stance.
Following the steps of the late icon Dolphy and the good samaritan Willie Revillame.
— batang60’s (@emytravcon) January 22, 2022
Similarly, other netizens compared Vice Ganda to Willie Revillame, who has also expressed the near-same thoughts on public service last year. “Baka wala naman akong maiaambag na batas. Baka dumating din ang time na sayang ang boto niyo sa akin na wala akong nagagawa,” Revillame said when asked.
Vice Ganda has been more vocal about his stance on politics
In the past few years, the TV host has spoken up more about his thoughts on politics, including who he supports and endorses. Just last September, he publicly endorsed Chel Diokno, who is running for senator in the upcoming elections.
Some netizens think he has potential
A few netizens think the TV host may have a fighting chance in office, citing his college degree. Vice Ganda took up political science at the Far Eastern University.
Meme vice have a point but in my opinion she has potential. Plus given the fact she studied polsci too. https://t.co/XP4BmT07kr
— 윤재희 (@ROMERntiko) January 23, 2022
Not a fan, but Vice Ganda took up PolSci in FEU so she probably knows more in politics than most incumbent politicians and candidates. Yet, she knows her place. https://t.co/fLDEzeGVsB
— Hershey ⚖️ | #LeniKiko2022 (@hersheygabi) January 23, 2022
Others have candidates in mind
Ui ikaw ata ito @…..
Char! https://t.co/CaVI1VD5no
— Stephanie Brocka (@stephDGREAT) January 24, 2022
Some netizens think that aspiring celebrity-politicians should learn a thing from Vice Ganda about running for office.
Sana all
Generally, netizens are wishing that aspiring celebrity-politicians and former celebrities sitting in office would have the same mindset as the TV host. Sana all indeed.
Sana lahat ng artista tulad ni Vice Ganda. Bravo Vice
— Marissa Pare-Castro (@trustmarissa66) January 22, 2022
What do you think of Vice Ganda’s stance on public service?
