Pokwang Defends Vice Ganda’s Mom from Duterte Supporters

Pokwang Appeals to Duterte Supporters: “Wag naman po idamay ang nanay”

POKWANG – The Kapuso comedienne and TV host appealed to supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte to refrain from dragging Vice Ganda’s mother, Rosario Viceral, into the controversy surrounding the comedian’s recent joke.

Vice Ganda faced heavy criticism from die-hard Duterte supporters after making light of Duterte’s past “jet ski” remark about the West Philippine Sea during the Super Divas concert with Regine Velasquez at the Araneta Coliseum on August 8, 2025. In a comedic skit, Vice referenced both Duterte’s jet ski promise and his current detention at the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity.

While Vice was the main target of the criticism, some critics began targeting his mother, prompting Pokwang—one of Vice’s close friends—to speak out. In an August 11 post on X (formerly Twitter), Pokwang acknowledged that some people might have been offended by Vice’s joke. However, she stressed that it was unfair to involve his mother, who is neither a celebrity nor a political figure. She reminded the public that artists and politicians accept criticism as part of the job, but family members, especially those uninvolved in their work, should be spared.

One Duterte supporter responded by recalling a time when Duterte warmly greeted Vice’s mother on her birthday. Pokwang quickly replied, emphasizing that Rosario had no role in writing or approving Vice’s script, and therefore should not be dragged into the matter.

The controversy also prompted political reactions. A fake resolution declaring Vice persona non grata in Davao City circulated online, which acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II denied, stating that the city council had more pressing matters to address. Rigo criticized Vice’s remarks as “cheap insults” and urged public figures to focus on uplifting others rather than mocking them.