Award-winning filmmaker Lav Diaz has stirred discussion in political and entertainment circles after suggesting that comedian and television host Vice Ganda could be a viable presidential contender in the 2028 elections.
In a recent guest appearance on Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast hosted by directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, Diaz spoke candidly about the country’s political landscape and his belief that cultural icons like Vice Ganda could play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
“Seryoso yan, seryoso,” Diaz said, emphasizing that his proposition was not made in jest. The acclaimed director, whose historical drama Magellan is set to compete for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, explained that the Philippines faces a critical juncture with the looming possibility of a Sara Duterte presidency.
“Kasi napaka-bleak ng future pag di natin mawasak yung wall na yon, yung Sara Duterte wall, which is coming, which is coming,” he said. “The nightmare is coming. So it’s only two years away, so we need to act.”
Sara Duterte, the current Vice President and daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has consistently led early surveys for the 2028 presidential race. A Social Weather Stations poll in January 2024 placed her at the top with 36 percent support, while a June survey by research firm Tangere echoed her strong public backing.
Against this backdrop, Diaz argued that Vice Ganda, one of the country’s most recognizable and influential pop culture figures, could offer a powerful counterweight. “Gamitin natin ang pop culture to destroy that [the prospect of a Sara Duterte presidency]. Sino ba ang pinaka-icon sa pop culture ngayon? Vice Ganda. At maganda rin ang pananaw ni Vice, gamitin natin — let’s use that.”
He described the political battleground as one rooted in “mythologizing” and “myth-making,” strategies he said populist leaders like the Dutertes have successfully employed. Diaz suggested that leveraging Vice Ganda’s charisma and mass appeal could reshape narratives and mobilize public sentiment.
“Walang prejudice sa masses, mahal natin ang masa, kailangan natin silang i-educate lang. So part of educating them is put Vice Ganda there at the forefront. Kaya mag-campaign na tayo — Vice, go!” Diaz declared.
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— AltIndayBadiday (@AltIndayBadiday) September 13, 2025
Direk Lav Diaz, Gustong gawing PRESİDENTE NG PİLİPİNAS SI MEME @vicegandako 🔥🔥🔥
COUNT ME IN!
Panoorin ang kabuuang video sa YouTube Channel ng Ang Walang Kwentang Channel 🎥
Ctto https://t.co/dn5kwbzYSJ pic.twitter.com/hLceIYMNXA
He concluded by urging supporters to transform the idea into a genuine political movement: “Hindi, totoo, gawin na siyang kilusan. A movement — Vice Ganda for president — gawing kilusan na.”