MANILA, Philippines — Comedian-host Vice Ganda has once again captured the attention of the Filipino public after turning a routine song-guessing segment on It’s Showtime into a series of sharp political punchlines. During the April 22 and 23, 2026 episodes of the “Laro Laro Pick” segment, the “Unkabogable Star” linked iconic OPM (Original Pilipino Music) tracks to prominent government figures and the country’s current political landscape.
The clips, which have since gone viral on YouTube, show Vice Ganda using humor to touch on sensitive national issues, including the rift between former political allies and the ongoing corruption investigations.
Vice Ganda’s comedic set-up involved asking contestants to identify singers, but he quickly pivoted to referencing the specific controversies surrounding various politicians:
| OPM Song | Original Artist | Linked Politician / Entity | Context of the Joke |
| “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana” | Bituin Escalante | Leni Robredo | Alluding to her 2022 presidential loss and her recent decision not to seek national office in 2028. |
| “Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig” | Jaya | PBBM & VP Sara Duterte | Referencing the visible political tensions between the former UniTeam running mates. |
| “Miss Na Miss Kita” | Father & Sons | PBBM & Imee Marcos | A play on the rumored sibling rivalry and dynamic between the President and the Senator. |
| “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita” | Rivermaya | Harry Roque | Poking fun at the former spokesperson’s efforts to avoid arrest over POGO-related trafficking charges. |
| “Bawal Lumabas” | Kim Chiu | Zaldy Co | Mocking the lawmaker currently detained in the Czech Republic for alleged graft and P289-million flood control malversation. |
| “Makita Kang Muli” | Sugarfree | Bato dela Rosa | Highlighting the Senator’s absence from the Senate since late 2025 amid ICC-related issues. |
| “‘Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin” | April Boy Regino | Filipino People | A dedication to the public reflecting collective frustration over governance and corruption. |
The timing of Vice Ganda’s commentary is particularly significant as the country grapples with several high-profile legal battles:
- The POGO Controversy: References to Harry Roque come as authorities continue to investigate links between offshore gaming and human trafficking.
- Flood Control Mess: Mention of Zaldy Co refers to the ongoing investigation into “ghost” infrastructure projects, which has also implicated other high-ranking officials.
- The ICC Probe: The quip about Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa touches on the sensitive subject of the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the previous administration’s drug war.
While the segment drew roars of laughter from the studio audience, it also sparked a wide-ranging debate on social media.
- Supporters: Many praised the host for using his platform to make political issues more accessible and for holding officials accountable through satire.
- Critics: Some argued that such commentary is “partisan” and should be kept off a noontime variety show.
Vice Ganda has historically been vocal about his political views, and this recent stint reaffirms his position as one of the most politically active celebrities in Philippine media today. By wrapping heavy political discourse in the familiar melodies of OPM, the segment served as both entertainment and a biting critique of the status quo.