Vice Ganda may naisip na ‘batas’ para sa pamasahe ng mga estudyante

Vice Ganda Suggests a ‘Law’ to Help Students with Transportation Fares — A Viral Moment That Sparked Public Support

By [Your Name] | Public Interest & Celebrity Features
May 2025 – Manila, Philippines

Comedian, TV host, and box-office superstar Vice Ganda is known for making people laugh — but this time, one of his off-the-cuff comments has sparked a serious conversation online. During a recent episode of It’s Showtime, Vice made a heartfelt remark about the high cost of daily transportation for students, suggesting that a “law” should be passed to ease their burden.

What started as a spontaneous moment of empathy quickly gained traction on social media, with netizens praising Vice for highlighting a real issue faced by thousands of Filipino students every day.

“Dapat may batas!” – Vice Ganda Speaks From the Heart

During a segment of It’s Showtime, a young student contestant shared how they struggle to budget their daily allowance, most of which goes to transportation. Moved by the story, Vice Ganda responded:

“Ang mahal ng pamasahe ngayon. Dapat talaga may batas na ‘yung mga estudyante, libre o discounted ang pamasahe araw-araw. Dapat sinusuportahan ng gobyerno ang edukasyon — kasama diyan ang pagpunta nila sa eskwelahan!”

(“Transportation is so expensive nowadays. There really should be a law where students get free or discounted fare every day. The government should support education — and that includes helping them get to school!”)

The comment, though made in Vice’s signature blend of humor and sincerity, struck a chord with viewers.

Social Media Reactions: “Vice for Senator?”

Within hours, clips of the moment went viral on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. The hashtag #ViceGandaParaSaEstudyante began trending, with netizens expressing admiration and even calling for Vice to push the idea further.

One user posted:

“He may be joking, but it’s true — students deserve transportation support. Thank you, Vice Ganda, for using your platform!”

Another fan tweeted:

“If Vice runs for public office and pushes for this, I’d vote in a heartbeat. This is the kind of concern we need in our leaders.”

Some even tagged government agencies, hoping that the sentiment would reach the Department of Education and the LTFRB.

Is It Possible? Current Transportation Support for Students

Currently, in the Philippines, there are existing programs that provide student fare discounts on public transportation. Under Republic Act No. 11314 or the Student Fare Discount Act, students are entitled to a 20% fare discount on land, air, water, and rail transport — but only during weekdays and excluding holidays and weekends.

However, many students and parents argue that this is not enough. The rising cost of living, fuel surcharges, and inconsistent enforcement of the discount law often make commuting a daily financial challenge, especially for students in urban areas.

Vice Ganda’s statement, while informal, has reignited the debate on whether the government should go beyond discounts and move toward fully subsidized transportation for students, particularly in public schools.

Support from the Public and Celebrities

Following Vice’s viral remark, some celebrities and public figures also chimed in. Actress and activist Angel Locsin reposted the clip with a caption:

“Education is a right, and helping students get to school should be a priority. Thank you, Vice Ganda, for this reminder.”

Youth advocates and student groups echoed the sentiment, calling for reforms and more comprehensive support systems for learners.

Vice Ganda: More Than Entertainment

This isn’t the first time Vice Ganda has used humor to highlight important social issues. Whether talking about mental health, poverty, or LGBTQ+ rights, Vice has consistently found ways to connect laughter with empathy.

In a follow-up interview, Vice said:

“Hindi ako politiko, pero gusto ko lang makatulong sa mga estudyante. Kasi alam ko kung gaano kahirap makapag-aral, lalo na kung araw-araw problema mo pa lang ‘yung pamasahe.”

(“I’m not a politician, but I just want to help students. Because I know how hard it is to pursue education, especially when your daily problem is just getting to school.”)

Conclusion: When a Joke Becomes a Movement

What started as a casual comment on a noontime show has now opened a much-needed conversation about accessibility, education, and government responsibility. Vice Ganda may have said it with a smile — but behind that smile is a real call for compassion, change, and action.

As one commenter perfectly put it:
“The joke was real. The concern was realer. Thank you, Vice.”

Photo courtesy: Screenshot from Kapamilya Online Live (YT)/via MB

Ibahagi

Usap-usapan ng mga netizen ang naisip daw na panukalang-batas ni Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda na makikinabang ang mga estudyanteng nagko-commute kapag papasok na sila sa paaralan.

Sey ni Meme Vice habang nagho-host sa isang segment na “Step In The Name of Love” ng noontime show na “It’s Showtime,” napag-usapan ng hosts at ng mga participant ang mga baon nila sa eskuwela.

“Alam mo parang bigla kong naisip, parang magandang project o batas, ‘yong mga bata, ‘yong mga estudyante, wala nang bayad sa pamasahe. Tapos ‘yong mga driver, ike-claim na lang nila somewhere, kung ilan ‘yong sumakay sa kanilang estudyante, tapos gobyerno ang magbabayad ng pamasahe,” ani Vice Ganda.

Para sa host, basic daw kasi ang pamasahe at para hindi maubos dito ang baon ng mga mag-aaral na puwede pa nilang magastos sa ibang bagay.

Tsika at Intriga

Sofia Andres, naghahanap ng PA na ‘kayang basahin nasa isip’ niya

“Dapat makaisip ‘yong gobyerno ng mga paraan na makakaawas sa mga suliraning pananalapi ng mga tao, kasi hindi naman nila itinataas ang suweldo ng mga manggagawa eh, so kung hindi ninyo matataas ang suweldo ng mga manggagawa, bawasan ninyo ang mga pagkakagastusan ng maliit nilang kita.”

Agree naman dito ang co-hosts na sina Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, at Ogie Alcasid na malaking tulong din daw para sa mga magulang ng mga mag-aaral.