BB Gandanghari Responds to Vice Ganda’s Remarks Against Former President Rodrigo Duterte: A Call for Respect and Responsibility (NH)

BB Gandanghari Responds to Vice Ganda’s Remarks Against Former President Rodrigo Duterte: A Call for Respect and Responsibility

Published: August 2025

Introduction

A new chapter in celebrity commentary has unfolded as actress and LGBTQ+ advocate BB Gandanghari took to social media to share her sentiments regarding a recent incident involving comedian and host Vice Ganda. The issue stems from Vice’s controversial jokes referencing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD) during a live concert, which sparked mixed reactions from both fans and critics.

While many saw the jokes as a form of satire or entertainment, others—including BB Gandanghari—felt that the remarks crossed the line, labeling them as disrespectful and unnecessary. The reaction ignited an intense online conversation around freedom of speech, celebrity accountability, and the importance of respecting public figures—regardless of one’s personal or political stance.

The Incident: What Vice Ganda Said

During a high-profile concert held earlier this month, Vice Ganda performed a comedic segment where she impersonated various public figures. In one particular portion, she delivered punchlines that were clearly modeled after the tone, speech patterns, and political decisions associated with former President Duterte.

Although the intent appeared to be comedic, many in the audience noticed the harshness of certain remarks and felt that the segment went beyond good-natured parody. Several videos of the event went viral on social media, with captions criticizing Vice for allegedly mocking the former president in poor taste.

While Vice Ganda has not officially addressed the backlash, the social media uproar has been loud—and it didn’t take long for other personalities to join the conversation.

BB Gandanghari’s Reaction: A Call for Respect

BB Gandanghari, known for her thoughtful online presence and bold advocacy, was among the first public figures to express disappointment. In a lengthy social media post, she did not mention Vice Ganda by name but left little doubt about whom she was referring to. Her post highlighted several important points:

The Need for Respectful Humor

Holding Celebrities Accountable

Separating Politics from Personal Attacks

Respect for Elders and Former Leaders

Her post gained traction quickly, receiving thousands of likes and shares, with many netizens echoing her sentiment.

Public Reactions: A Divided Audience

As expected, BB Gandanghari’s remarks stirred both support and criticism. Fans of Vice Ganda defended the comedian, arguing that:

Comedians have the right to satire.
No one is above comedic criticism—not even public officials.
Vice has long used humor as a mirror to society’s issues.

On the other hand, supporters of BB—and others who felt the joke was inappropriate—responded with praise for her courage to speak up:

“Finally, someone is reminding people about respect,” one netizen commented.
“Comedy can be funny without being mean,” another added.
Some called for Vice to issue an apology or explanation to clarify the intent behind the segment.

Vice Ganda’s Silence: Strategic or Dismissive?

To date, Vice Ganda has remained quiet on the matter. Some view the silence as a strategic move to avoid fueling the controversy further. Others interpret it as dismissive, believing that public personalities owe it to their audiences to engage in open conversations—especially when their words spark national debates.

This is not the first time Vice has been involved in controversial comedy. Over the years, the comedian has been both praised and criticized for bold takes on religion, gender issues, and political affairs. However, this instance may be one of the more delicate cases, given the involvement of a former president.

The Bigger Picture: Comedy, Politics, and Responsibility

The ongoing debate raises important questions:
Where is the line between satire and disrespect?
Should comedians avoid sensitive political content?
Do public officials remain fair game after leaving office?

In countries like the Philippines, where political passions run deep, these questions don’t have easy answers. But what’s clear is that entertainers have enormous influence—and with that influence comes a heightened responsibility.

BB Gandanghari’s comments bring forward a timely reminder: freedom of expression should coexist with empathy and respect. Even in satire, intentions matter.

BB Gandanghari: More Than Just Commentary

BB Gandanghari has never shied away from speaking her truth. Over the years, she has used her platform to challenge social norms, advocate for gender inclusivity, and raise awareness about mental health and media ethics.

Her decision to speak out on this issue is consistent with her long-standing advocacy for dignity and mutual respect, regardless of background, beliefs, or political affiliations. While some dismissed her remarks as “too sensitive,” others recognized them as part of the broader call for more responsible entertainment.

Freedom of Speech vs. Freedom from Harm

Critics of Vice Ganda’s segment argue that it crosses ethical boundaries, even if it doesn’t violate any laws. While satire is a recognized form of free expression, freedom of speech does not shield one from the consequences of speech—particularly when it affects the public image of individuals or institutions.

This incident becomes a learning opportunity: entertainers must consider context, audience, and message before delivering performances, especially during public events with wide reach.

Supporters of FPRRD React

Supporters of former President Duterte also took to social media to defend him. Although no official statement has been made by Duterte or his family, fans organized online campaigns demanding respect for the former leader.

Some pointed out that no matter one’s political position, mocking a former head of state on a public stage should be considered distasteful, especially if there is no clear political satire or point being made other than ridicule.

What Comes Next?

It remains unclear whether Vice Ganda will address the controversy. Given the intensifying reaction online and the increasing number of public figures voicing their concerns, a statement may be necessary not only to calm the backlash but also to clarify intent.

Meanwhile, BB Gandanghari continues to stand by her message. In a follow-up post, she wrote:

“Speaking up is not about canceling people. It’s about encouraging growth. We can still be funny and be kind.”

Whether this incident will lead to public dialogue or simply fade away as the next headline emerges, one thing is certain: the entertainment world is paying attention.

Key Takeaways

Issue
Summary

Vice Ganda’s controversial joke
Delivered during a concert; referenced former President Duterte

BB Gandanghari’s response
Called for respectful humor and celebrity responsibility

Public reaction
Divided—supporters of both sides actively debating online

Vice Ganda’s current position
Has not issued any formal statement as of this writing

Broader significance
Opens dialogue on freedom of expression vs. respect in public platforms

Conclusion

This incident serves as a reminder of how powerful words can be—especially when spoken from the stage. While humor remains a vital part of Filipino culture, it must be wielded with awareness, intention, and empathy.

As BB Gandanghari bravely pointed out, humor and kindness are not mutually exclusive. In today’s highly polarized society, choosing compassion—even in critique—might be the most radical act of all.

Vice Ganda’s Most Controversial Jokes: Where Is the Line?
BB Gandanghari on Advocating with Grace in Showbiz
The Role of Celebrities in Political Discourse
Freedom of Expression vs. Public Sensitivity: A Filipino Perspective
Former President Duterte’s Legacy and Media Representation