Vice Ganda Declared Persona Non Grata in Davao City After Allegedly Insulting Former President Rodrigo Duterte in Concert Performance
Davao City — The Queen of Philippine comedy, Vice Ganda, is at the center of a political firestorm after the Davao City Council officially declared the comedian persona non grata over remarks made during a recent concert that many interpreted as a direct insult to former President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte.
The resolution, passed in a special session late Tuesday, cited Vice’s “offensive and disrespectful” statements, which reportedly occurred during a comedy segment of the concert. While some fans dismissed the lines as part of Vice’s satirical style, others — especially in Duterte’s political stronghold of Davao — considered the comments a blatant act of disrespect.
The Incident That Sparked the Ban
During the concert, held in a major arena outside Davao, Vice Ganda performed a comedic monologue that included playful jabs at various political figures. According to multiple eyewitnesses and viral social media clips, one portion of the routine contained a line referencing Duterte’s mannerisms and speech patterns.
While Vice did not mention the former president by name, the allusions were clear enough for the audience to react sharply — with some cheering, others booing, and a number of attendees leaving the venue early.
“It was meant as a joke, but it hit a nerve,” said one attendee who recorded the segment. “You could feel the energy in the room change.”
The City Council’s Response
Davao City Councilor Maria Lourdes Villanueva, author of the resolution, explained the move in an interview with local media:
“We welcome artists in Davao, but we expect them to show respect to our leaders, past and present. Vice Ganda’s words went beyond humor — they crossed into insult.”
The resolution also stated that the declaration serves as a “symbolic defense of the city’s honor and the dignity of its leaders,” effectively barring Vice from performing or making official appearances in Davao City until further notice.
Vice Ganda’s Camp Reacts
Vice Ganda’s management team has yet to release an official statement, but a source close to the star said they were “surprised” by the speed and severity of the decision.
“Vice has always used humor to comment on public life, but never with the intent to harm. This might be a misunderstanding that’s being blown out of proportion,” the source shared.
Vice, known for being outspoken, has neither confirmed nor denied the specific intent behind the controversial segment, but hinted in a tweet hours after the news broke:
“Comedy is an art form. Interpretation is up to the audience.”
Public Opinion: A Nation Divided
The declaration has ignited heated debate nationwide.
Supporters of the move argue that respect for leaders — especially in their home city — is non-negotiable:
“Davao is Duterte country. You don’t come here and mock our pride.”
“Persona non grata is the right call.”
Critics, however, see the decision as an overreaction and a threat to artistic freedom:
“Comedy should not be policed like this.”
“If we start banning every joke about politicians, where does it end?”
Implications for Vice’s Career
Davao City’s persona non grata declaration is largely symbolic but could have broader effects. Other cities and provinces — particularly those politically aligned with Duterte — may follow suit, potentially limiting Vice’s nationwide touring options.
Political analyst Dr. Regina Santos noted:
“The cultural impact is significant. Vice Ganda thrives on live shows and public engagement. Losing a major city like Davao, even symbolically, sends a strong message to both fans and critics.”
What’s Next?
As of now, the ban remains in effect with no indication of a reversal. Vice’s upcoming tour dates do not include Davao City, but it is unclear if the controversy will impact other scheduled performances.
The issue may also escalate if national figures weigh in — something highly likely given Duterte’s enduring influence and Vice Ganda’s massive following.
