Vice Ganda in her interview with Karen Davila for the broadcaster's YouTube channel. Screenshot from Davila's YouTube channel
MANILA — Vice Ganda has never shied away from delivering pointed commentary on political issues, even on the noontime program "It's Showtime," whether addressing corruption allegations tied to flood-control projects or a trade department official's remarks that P500 would be sufficient for a Noche Buena budget.
As the comedy superstar explains, she speaks out because she recognizes the power of her platform and feels a responsibility to use it for the Filipino masses who have shown her unwavering support through the years.
"I'm given the platform, opportunity, responsibility to use my voice not just for myself," Vice Ganda said in an interview with broadcaster Karen Davila on the "TV Patrol" anchor's YouTube channel.
Vice Ganda admitted that she no longer needs to speak up on political issues, given the comfortable life she is living, but said her conscience would not allow her to remain silent.
"Hindi siya kaya ng konsensya ko kasi paano 'yong mga nakapaligid sa 'kin? At hindi rin kinakaya ng kaluluwa, konsensya ko 'yong araw-araw na masang Pilipino na nakakausap ko sa 'Showtime' tapos wala ako pakialam sa kanila. Kasi sila may pakialam sa 'kin, kaya may pakialam din ako sa kanila," she said.
Vice Ganda's interest in national issues and her outspokenness are rooted in her upbringing, as she grew up watching the news and was often asked to report current events in school, she explained.
Still, the former political science student at Far Eastern University does not consider running for public office as an option.
"Hindi siya bukal sa kalooban ko, hindi siya ang gusto ng puso ko," Vice Ganda said, adding that she would have to give up her showbiz career if she were to pursue a career in public service.
"Kung pipiliin ko 'yong public service, kailangan ko i-devote buong buhay ko sa public service," she added.
Vice Ganda also admitted that she had received offers to run for public office but flatly rejected them.
MOTHER TO ALL
During the interview, Vice Ganda also spoke about her nickname "Meme," a play on the word "mama" or "mom."
The nickname, she said, makes her happy because being regarded as a mother figure gives her a sense of connection with people. "It makes me happy na... parang mayroon kaming pagkakaunawaan, relatinship, may koneskyon kami," Vice Ganda said.
Motherhood, after all, is also a central theme in Vice Ganda's upcoming film "Call Me Mother," which is set for theatrical release on December 25 as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Directed by Jun Robles Lana, whom Vice Ganda previously worked with in her 2024 film "And the Breadwinner Is...," "Call Me Mother" centers on a queer mother who seeks to adopt a young boy. The process, however, becomes complicated when the child's biological mother, played by Nadine Lustre, becomes increasingly involved in his life.
In the interview with Davila, Vice Ganda also discussed "It's Showtime," her relationships with Coco Martin and Anne Curtis, her marriage to Ion Perez, and her plans to have a child via surrogacy.