Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda once again found themselves at the center of heated debate after a bold parody during their concert with Regine Velasquez on August 8. The performance, which featured a satirical take on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s infamous “jet ski to the Spratlys” campaign promise, has drawn both laughter and criticism, dividing netizens across the country.

During the skit, Vice Ganda took to the stage with backup dancers holding a tarpaulin emblazoned with the words “jet ski holiday.” The segment poked fun at Duterte’s 2016 campaign pledge to ride a jet ski to the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea and plant the Philippine flag there. At the time, Duterte’s vow became a symbol of defiance against China. However, in 2021, the former president admitted that the promise had been nothing more than a joke — and even dismissed those who believed it as “stupid.”

Vice Ganda’s parody made direct references not only to that unfulfilled promise but also to the International Criminal Court’s custody of Duterte, who is currently detained in the Netherlands over charges of crimes against humanity connected to his administration’s violent drug war.

While the parody drew laughter from fans inside the concert hall, it quickly stirred backlash online, particularly from Duterte’s supporters who accused Vice Ganda of crossing the line. Some netizens slammed the comedian as “disrespectful” and “indecent,” arguing that the performance was an insult to the former president and to the country.

But not everyone shared that view. Claire Castro, a palace press officer, took to her personal YouTube channel to defend Vice Ganda. In her video, she argued that there was nothing fabricated about the comedian’s skit. “Everything referenced came from Duterte himself,” Castro stressed, pointing out that the controversial “jet ski” line originated from Duterte’s own campaign promise and that Vice Ganda merely turned it into satire.

Castro further noted that the use of water cannons by China against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea was a harsh reality, not a comedic invention. She questioned why Vice Ganda was being attacked for “indecency” when Duterte himself had been known for using profanity and coarse language in official speeches throughout his presidency.

Her defense has fueled an even wider debate. Supporters of Vice Ganda argue that satire has always been a powerful tool in comedy, a way to shine a spotlight on political promises, failures, and contradictions. They point out that Duterte’s admission in 2021 — where he admitted the jet ski pledge was a mere joke — gave comedians and critics free ground to hold him accountable through humor.

Critics, however, maintain that parodying Duterte’s current situation, especially referencing his detention and ongoing legal troubles, went too far. For them, Vice Ganda’s performance was less about satire and more about publicly mocking a controversial figure already facing serious charges abroad.

This clash of opinions has turned the parody into more than just a comedic skit; it has become a reflection of the nation’s deeply polarized political climate. To many Filipinos, the jet ski incident represents broken promises and unmet expectations. To others, it remains a sensitive subject tied to nationalism, sovereignty, and personal loyalty to the former president.

Vice Ganda, who is no stranger to controversy, has often used comedy as a vehicle to comment on social and political issues. Their sharp wit and unfiltered humor have made them a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, but also a frequent target of criticism. This latest incident underscores the delicate balance entertainers must strike when blending comedy with political commentary in a country where political divisions run deep.

As the debate rages online, what remains clear is that satire continues to play a vital role in Philippine pop culture. Whether one finds Vice Ganda’s skit offensive or insightful, it has undeniably reignited conversations about accountability, freedom of expression, and the power of comedy to challenge authority.

The controversy also raises a larger question: where should the line be drawn between humor and disrespect? For some, the answer lies in protecting the dignity of public officials, regardless of personal opinion. For others, public figures — especially those with a history of bold and unfiltered remarks — are fair game for comedic critique.

In the end, the “jet ski holiday” skit may be remembered not just as a moment of laughter during a concert, but as a cultural flashpoint highlighting how politics and entertainment intersect in today’s Philippines. And as Vice Ganda continues to command the stage with their trademark brand of fearless comedy, it’s unlikely this will be the last time they stir the waters of public opinion.