FORMER presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has called out comedian-host Vice Ganda for making a joke about “a jet ski holiday,” saying it mocked former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The joke was delivered during a concert, where Vice parodied a viral airline advertisement and referenced Duterte’s past quip about riding a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea and the Hague.
In a video message, Roque accused the comedian of “adding insult to injury” to Duterte’s situation. “Ang ginawa mo, nasa sahig na si Tatay Digong, nakakulong na… sinipa-sipa mo pa,” Roque said.
The remark quickly ignited debate online. Duterte supporters demanded that Vice be declared persona non grata in Davao City, while others defended the joke as political satire rooted in Duterte’s own words.
Vice Ganda has downplayed the backlash, saying it was meant as a lighthearted reference to a well-known statement from the former chief executive.
Undersecretary Claire Castro sided with the comedian’s position in her personal vlog, urging people to view the joke in full context.
“Kung hindi naman malinaw na may intensyon na manakit o magpahiya, comedy po ‘yan. Freedom of expression pa rin ‘yan,” Castro said.
She added that Duterte supporters should be able to take a joke, especially since the former president often used humor in his speeches and public remarks.