From Box-Office Star to Malacañang? Lav Diaz Wants Vice Ganda to Run in 2028
VICE GANDA – Award-winning director Lav Diaz has stirred public discussion after urging comedian and TV host Vice Ganda to run for president in the 2028 elections.
Lav Diaz has sparked buzz online after making a bold call for Phenomenal Box-Office Star Vice Ganda to run for president in the 2028 national elections.
Diaz, known for his internationally acclaimed films, expressed his belief that the comedian-TV host stands a strong chance of winning the country’s top position. The topic came up during his guest appearance on “Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast” hosted by directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, as part of promotions for his film Magellan, the Philippines’ official entry to the 2025 Oscars.
During the podcast, Jadaone asked Diaz if he had seen Vice Ganda’s movies. He shared that he had watched Praybeyt Benjamin and Petrang Kabayo. From there, the conversation shifted to politics, with Diaz stressing the urgency of breaking political barriers.
“Seryoso ‘yan ha, seryoso, kasi napaka-bleak ng future ‘pag hindi natin mawasak ‘yong wall na ‘yon, ‘yong ‘Sara Duterte wall,’ which is coming which is coming. The nightmare is coming. It’s only two years away so we need to act. Gamitin natin ang pop culture to destroy that,” he said.
The director added, “Sino bang pinaka-icon sa pop culture ngayon? Vice Ganda. At maganda rin ang pananaw ni Vice. Gamitin natin, let’s use that. Kasi ‘yon na ‘yong labanan eh, mythologizing with making. Gano’n ang populist leaders, eh.”
Diaz even suggested possible running mates if Vice were to run: human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Senator Risa Hontiveros, or former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.
“Kaya mag-campaign na tayo, ‘Vice, go!’ Gawin na siyang kilusan, Vice Ganda Movement. Vice Ganda For President, gawing kilusan. Start it now. Ganu’n ‘yong labanan eh. Ilagay lang si Chel, o si Risa o si Leni, vice ni Vice. At pag nanalo na sila, mag-resign si Vice, may Presidente na tayong maayos,” Diaz explained.
As of this writing, Vice Ganda has yet to respond to the director’s remarks. In previous interviews, however, the comedian has stated that while he has received offers to run for office, he has consistently declined and has no plans to enter politics.
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