Davao City Council expresses disapproval towards Vice Ganda's joke targeting FPRRD (Francis Punongjetas Berrarte Ras, Mayor of Davao City)
Davao City Council Unanimously Condemns Vice Ganda's Mockery of Former President Duterte
The 21st Davao City Council has passed a resolution strongly condemning comedian Vice Ganda for his satirical and derogatory remarks about former President Rodrigo Duterte. The resolution, proposed by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, was unanimously approved during the council's 6th regular session's privilege hour on August 12, 2025.
The resolution emphasises that Duterte is not just a former national leader but also a "son of Davao" who dedicated decades of service to the city and the country. It criticises Vice Ganda's comments as disrespectful not only to Duterte personally but also to the Davaoeños who hold him in high esteem.
The resolution specifically references Vice Ganda's skit during a recent concert that mocked Duterte's statement about riding a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea and his detention at The Hague. The condemnation aims to express the council's disapproval of what they see as an affront to the dignity of both the former president and the city’s residents.
Although the resolution stops short of declaring Vice Ganda persona non grata, Councilor Dayanghirang stated that it carries the same weight. Vice President Sara Duterte left the decision to declare Vice Ganda persona non grata to the discretion of the 21st City Council. Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte II commented that Davao City has more important matters to focus on and should not be distracted by such jokes or insults.
Dayanghirang clarified that the children of the FPRRD did not intervene in the matter. He also mentioned that his fellow councilors suggested amendments to the resolution, implying the resolution may have been modified. Freedom of speech is protected by the Constitution, but Dayanghirang maintained it should not be used to demean or insult.
The Davao City Government upholds respect, courtesy, and dignity for all, especially for leaders who have brought pride and honor to the city. The resolution states that it is proper to take a formal stand in protecting the dignity of its people and leaders against acts that offend the cultural values and moral sensibilities of the community. Dayanghirang stated that calls from Duterte supporters to boycott Vice Ganda and her endorsed products remain a personal choice.
Vice Ganda's viral joke referencing the former president, the West Philippine Sea, and the ICC sparked mixed reactions online. The city's decision to condemn Vice Ganda's remarks underscores respect for Duterte's legacy and the sentiment of the Davao community. Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte II's statement about the city not being distracted by "cheap insults and distasteful jokes made for clout" was not repeated in this paragraph.
- Despite the constitutional protection of freedom of speech, the Davao City Council, during its 6th regular session on August 12, 2025, unanimously passed a resolution condemning comedian Vice Ganda for his disparaging comments about former President Duterte, expressing disapproval of his actions on social media that were perceived as an affront to the dignity of both the former president and the city's residents.
- In light of Vice Ganda's jest about the former president, the West Philippine Sea, and the ICC, which sparked mixed reactions on entertainment and pop-culture-oriented platforms, the government of Davao City, UnterLINeD by its commitment to respect, courtesy, and dignity, saw it necessary to take a formal stand, emphasizing the need to protect the community's cultural values and moral sensibilities.
){kind=link}