In the Philippine entertainment scene where comedy often pushes cultural and political boundaries, Vice Ganda ignited both amusement and strong reactions with a biting satire called the “jetski holiday” joke. The comedy bit went viral following Vice Ganda’s two-night “Super Divas” concert with Regine Velasquez held on August 8 and 9, 2025.
The heart of the joke was a parody riffing on the popular “Jet2 holiday” meme, cleverly intertwined with references to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s famous but unfulfilled campaign promise to ride a jet ski to the Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea.
Vice Ganda humorously quipped: “Nothing beats a jet ski holiday, right now from Manila to the West Philippine Sea via jet ski. Get unlimited water bombing from Chinese vessels and a free trip to The Hague by the ICC (International Criminal Court). Promo applies to DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters) only. Pinklawans and BBMs are prohibited. Huwag niyo akong subukan, mga pu****i** niyo (Don’t try my patience, you-know-what),” delivering this line with his signature sharp and edgy humor.
This joke alluded to Duterte’s 2016 campaign vow to personally ride a jet ski to plant a Philippine flag on the disputed islands — an act he later dismissed as a “pure campaign joke” believed only by “stupid” people. The satire also referenced Duterte’s ICC detention over drug war allegations, symbolized by the “free trip to The Hague” line.
The political fallout and public reaction surrounding the joke were intense and multifaceted.
Davao City Council’s response: Condemnation without persona non grata declaration
Contrary to some online claims and viral posts, the Davao City Council did not declare Vice Ganda persona non grata. A widely circulated resolution bearing these claims was proven to be a satirical and fabricated document, containing deliberate underlined letters spelling “S-A-T-I-R-E” and multiple factual errors, including spelling mistakes in product endorsements. The Davao City Council neither published nor endorsed this document officially, confirming it was false.
However, during their August 12, 2025 session, the Council unanimously passed a resolution strongly condemning Vice Ganda’s remarks as disrespectful to former President Duterte and insulting to the people of Davao, Duterte’s hometown. Authored by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, the resolution stressed the comedian’s “satirical and derogatory” portrayal of Duterte, who is regarded not just as a national leader but as a moral and cultural symbol for Davaoeños.
Dayanghirang declared that the remarks were an affront not only to Duterte but also to the dignity and values cherished by the Davao community. He recalled that Duterte treated Vice Ganda with respect during the 2016 presidential campaign, making the comedian’s current satire all the more surprising. The resolution also noted that freedom of expression carries responsibility—to avoid statements that demean, disrespect, or encourage societal division.
The Council declined to declare Vice Ganda persona non grata, opting instead for a strong condemnation aimed at preserving unity and respect for the elderly former president, who is now in his 80s.
Jetski Holiday joke: Defenses and dismissals from officials
The Acting Vice Mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, Duterte’s grandson, dismissed calls to ban or declare Vice Ganda persona non grata, labeling such calls as “cheap insults and distasteful jokes made for clout.” He affirmed that the city government was focused on more important matters than entertainers seeking relevance through controversy.
On the national level, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended Vice Ganda’s joke, emphasizing that it was rooted in Duterte’s own public statements and the realities of political issues like the West Philippine Sea dispute and Duterte’s ICC investigation. Castro underscored that the joke falls within the bounds of free speech and protest, pointing out the usual frank and blunt nature of Duterte’s own public rhetoric.
Public and social media repercussions
Vice Ganda’s joke also visibly impacted his public standing on social media. Reports showed that his Facebook page lost about one million followers shortly after the concert, a significant drop attributed largely to backlash from Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS). The follower count decreased from approximately 20 million to around 19 million within a few days, signaling the intensity of the polarized reactions.
Furthermore, Vice Ganda was notably absent from his regular hosting duties on the popular noontime show “It’s Showtime” starting August 11, 2025, shortly after the controversy erupted. Although no official statement was made about this absence, many speculate it was linked to the backlash surrounding his jetski holiday joke.
The wider context and cultural significance
This episode underscores the precarious balance Filipino comedians must navigate when their humor touches on sensitive political topics. Vice Ganda’s “jetski holiday” joke highlights comedy’s dual role as entertainment and a potent form of social commentary that challenges political narratives and reflects societal tensions. The strong reactions reveal deep divisions in Philippine society regarding freedom of expression, respect for political figures, and limits of satire.
By provoking both laughter and controversy, Vice Ganda’s joke reminds us of comedy’s power to ignite public debate and the ongoing contest over political discourse in the Philippines.
