In a country daily rocked by news of anomalies, where billions in funds seem to be disappearing like bubbles, the collective sigh of frustration can be heard almost everywhere. Ordinary citizens, who tirelessly scrape by and pay their fair share of taxes, have long been asking: Where does our money go? And amidst the noise of investigations and lectures, one voice suddenly rang out, louder than all—a voice that was unexpected, from the stage of a midday show.

That voice belongs to “Meme” Vice Ganda.

The Unkabogable Star, known not only for his humor but also for being one of the country’s top celebrity taxpayers, made a statement that was more than just a “hirit” or joke. It was a bold declaration of fullness, an articulation of the anger that the people have long harbored.

“I hope you don’t make us pay taxes for now, I hope there’s a TAX HOLIDAY.”

These words, uttered live on “It’s Showtime,” were not just a suggestion. They were an accusation. And he quickly followed them with an explanation as direct as a slap: “Because you’re stealing, huh!”

In an instant, a noontime show became a national forum. Vice Ganda, who was recognized by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for his honest tax payment, was the one who said to stop collecting it for now. The irony is clear: the man who is one of the biggest contributors to the nation’s coffers is the one who feels that his contribution is meaningless.

This statement did not come out of nowhere. It is a direct response to the burning issue of widespread corruption, particularly the revealed billion-dollar anomalies in flood control projects. Names like the “Discaya” contractor firms have been in the news, symbols of how funds that were supposed to be for public safety seem to have ended up in the pockets of a few.

Vice’s “hirit” is the voice of a tired citizenry. It is the voice of every employee who sees their salary deducted every month, of every businessman who honestly declares their income, while on the other hand, there is news of the mansions, expensive cars, and luxurious lifestyles of officials who are paid by their taxes.

“You can’t steal our taxes and still pay them,” Vice Ganda insisted. “First give back what you stole from us, right?”

The logic is simple and undeniable. Some have likened it to a situation where you buy food, pay for it, but before you can eat it, it is stolen from in front of you. And then, you are expected to pay again for another order. It is an absurd situation that perfectly describes the feelings of many Filipinos.

The power of Vice Ganda’s statement lies not only in who he is, but also in where he says it. “It’s Showtime” is not a political commentary program; it is a show that brings comfort and hope. But in that moment, the stage became a mirror of the true state of society. A contestant’s complaint about taxes served as the trigger for a bigger explosion from the host.

Vice Ganda has used his massive platform—a platform given to him by millions of followers—to become the “megaphone” of the people. This is no longer a matter of being a comedian; it is a matter of being a “socially awakened” citizen with a direct interest in the issue, as one of the pillars of paying taxes in the entertainment industry.

Social media immediately erupted. The phrases “LOUDER MEME,” “Araw-arawin mo sila,” and “Dapat balik ‘yung ninakaw” flooded the comment sections. The call for a “tax holiday” became a rallying cry for those tired of the system. Many said that Vice Ganda was the perfect person to say it—someone who had the credibility to speak because he himself fulfilled his obligation.

The next day, Vice Ganda was in the headlines, not because of a new movie or concert, but because of his bold stance on a national issue. His words echoed in newspapers and news websites, proving that his “hirit” had struck a sensitive chord in the national consciousness.

But what are the practical implications of a “tax holiday”? For experts, it is an economic nightmare. The government runs on taxes. Halting their collection, even temporarily, would mean stopping services, paying teachers, doctors, and soldiers, and running the entire state machinery.

However, Vice Ganda’s point is not a technical economic proposition. It is a moral argument. It is a wake-up call. His message is not literally “let’s not pay anymore,” but, “Fix the system first before you ask for what we worked for.” It is a desperate call for accountability.

His courage has served as an inspiration to others. At a time when it seems like many prominent figures are choosing to remain silent in the face of controversy, Vice’s speech—along with other stars who have openly expressed their dismay—represents a turning point. It is a recognition that their voices are an important tool for change, and not just for entertainment.

The issue of corruption in the Philippines is a deep and long-standing problem.

government, but to every Filipino who dreams of better roads, better hospitals, and more opportunities. This is money that should have been used for medicine for the sick, for textbooks for students, and for aid for flood victims—which is ironically being exacerbated by failed flood control projects.

Ultimately, Vice Ganda’s cry is more than a “tax holiday.” It is a vote of no confidence. It is a challenge to those in power to prove to the people that their hard work still has value. Until that trust is restored, until the thieves are held accountable and the stolen money is not returned, the question remains: What else is the payment for?

Vice Ganda’s “hirit” was a moment of national catharsis, where a comedian spoke the harshest truth—a truth that was painful, infuriating, and desperately demanding justice.