In what is now being dubbed as one of the most explosive clashes between politics and entertainment in recent memory, comedian and It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda is making headlines yet again—this time for being publicly slammed by no less than Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, Juan Ponce Enrile.

The 100-year-old statesman unleashed a fiery tirade against the comedian in a televised statement, branding Vice Ganda as “super bastos” (extremely indecent) and “salacious,” accusing her of capitalizing on vulgarity and indecency for fame and fortune. The remarks stem from a controversial segment aired on It’s Showtime on July 25, which has led to a 12-day suspension of the program by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

“Hindi lang bastos, walang decency. You’re earning your living and popularity sa kabastusan,” Enrile lashed out during an SMNI broadcast.
(“Not just vulgar—there’s no decency. You’re earning your living and popularity through indecency.”)

The Controversial Segment

The scene in question involved Vice Ganda and real-life partner Ion Perez during a “birthday cake” moment in their “Isip Bata” segment. Ion was seen scooping icing with his finger and feeding Vice Ganda—a gesture that the MTRCB condemned as inappropriate and “not suitable for public viewing,” especially for a show aired during family hours.

Though the show has appealed the suspension, what caught national attention was the sudden and sharp commentary from the seasoned Enrile—who many say has never previously involved himself in entertainment scandals to this degree.

Vice Ganda’s Response: Subtle, But Striking

Rather than retaliating with equal ferocity, Vice Ganda chose grace and humor. In a recent episode of It’s Showtime, she seemingly addressed Enrile’s insults in a clever and composed way.

“Ang daming lolo na nanonood sa akin. I love lolos and lolas. Even the ones who don’t like me—I still love you po,” Vice said with a soft smile.
(“So many grandpas watch me. I love grandpas and grandmas. Even the ones who don’t like me—I still love you.”)

The cryptic yet heartfelt message left fans applauding the comedian’s choice to take the high road.

Public Reactions: A Nation Divided

The public’s reaction has been intense and polarized. Supporters of Enrile applauded his “no-nonsense” take on morality in media, praising him for speaking up against what they see as declining values in mainstream entertainment.

On the other hand, Vice Ganda’s massive fanbase came to her defense, flooding social media with messages of support. Many praised her for her resilience, dignity, and the calm yet powerful way she responded to the political firestorm.

“We’ve seen enough corruption in politics, yet they’re coming after comedians for making people laugh?” wrote one fan on Twitter.
“Vice stood tall with humor and love. That’s real power,” another posted.

What’s Next for It’s Showtime?

Despite the suspension, It’s Showtime is exploring legal avenues to reverse the MTRCB’s ruling. Insiders reveal that the show’s producers have filed a motion for reconsideration and are prepared to escalate the case to the Office of the President if necessary—where, ironically, Enrile holds influence as legal counsel.

This adds another layer of complexity—and potential conflict of interest—to an already combustible controversy.

Final Word

This shocking drama between a legendary lawmaker and a beloved entertainer is more than just a spat. It reflects deep-seated tensions in Filipino society—between the old guard and the new wave, between conservative standards and evolving expressions of art and identity.

While the nation watches, one thing remains clear: Vice Ganda may be under fire, but she’s not backing down. And with every joke, every tear, and every show of grace, she’s proving that dignity sometimes speaks loudest in silence.

Vice Ganda slams Juan Ponce Enrile: ‘You thought you were doing something good…you’re rude, you’re a rude person!’
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has slammed TV host-comedian Vice Ganda for allegedly being too rude.

This is still related to the violation committed by the comedian and his partner Ion Perez on their program “It’s Showtime” on ABS-CBN.

Enrile made the comment after the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) imposed a 12-day suspension on “It’s Showtime” because Vice and Ion Perez sucked icing with their fingers during the “Isip Bata” segment of the program on July 25.

Description by President Bongbong Marcos, Jr.’s lawyer Vice did something “salacious” in the said segment and what’s worse is that he and Ion were with children who were seen on national TV. “The problem here in our country is that if you have power, political, social, economic or whatever, you almost don’t think about your fellow man,” Enrile said in his program on SMNI News last Saturday.

He continued to criticize the comedian, “The characteristic you have been given in society is that you don’t look after the welfare of others.

“You only think about yourself. You think you’re doing a good job, but you’re rude, you’re a rude person!” the former senator added.

Enrile also said that he has been watching Vice on TV for a long time and he doesn’t like his style of comedy.

“It’s not just decency-free but abusive. I know it’s funny that you’re saying that a woman (Vice) has been like that since day one… you’re earning your living and popularity through rudeness,” Enrile said.

It will be recalled that ABS-CBN maintained that no law was issued regarding the said noontime show, so they will appeal to the MTRCB to change the resolution.

If their motion for reconsideration is rejected, they can still appeal to the Office of the President.