Vice Ganda takes Vietnam break amid ‘It’s Showtime’ controversy

Comedian shares calm getaway posts as MTRCB probes show over complaints on controversial July 24 episode.

Actress-comedian Vice Ganda has flown to Vietnam for a previously scheduled trip, coinciding with the ongoing controversy surrounding ABS-CBN’s noontime program “Its Showtime.”

On social media, Vice shared glimpses of her getaway, including a photo of herself relaxing at a café. She appeared calm and unbothered despite the issue hounding the show.

Her absence comes as “It’s Showtime” faces scrutiny following complaints filed before the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). Sources close to the comedian clarified that the trip had been planned well before the issue reached the regulatory agency.

Vice reportedly left for Vietnam with friends on Tuesday and is expected to return to the Philippines next week.

The MTRCB earlier issued a Notice to Appear to GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation after receiving complaints over the July 24, 2026 episode of the show. The concerns stemmed from the “Memerimar” skit during the “Laro Laro Pick” segment, where Vice allegedly made racially insensitive and colorist remarks. Another complaint cited the “lugaw” segment featuring Vice and #IonPerez.

A hearing before the MTRCB Hearing and Adjudication Committee was set on July 29, 2026, to determine whether the episode violated Section 3(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, which prohibits the airing of content deemed contrary to law, public morals, or good customs.

Prior to the proceedings, Vice publicly apologized during the July 25 episode of “It’s Showtime,” acknowledging the concerns raised by viewers.

The MTRCB also directed the show’s producers to submit proof of authority for their representatives, warning that failure to appear could be treated as a waiver of their right to present evidence.

While Vice’s trip has drawn attention due to the timing, sources maintained it was arranged long before the complaints were filed.

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