Comedian and television host Vice Ganda is once again at the center of online controversy after a recent concert skit with Regine Velasquez featured a joke allegedly mocking former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD). The comedic bit, which referenced the famous "jetski" remark, quickly went viral, drawing both praise and criticism from netizens.
On August 7, 2025, Vice Ganda proudly posted on Facebook that their official page had reached 20 million followers. However, within days, eagle-eyed fans noticed that the count had dropped to around 19 million followers. This loss of nearly one million followers has fueled online speculation that the drop may be linked to backlash from the controversial joke.
While Facebook has not issued an official statement, social media experts point out that follower counts can change rapidly due to platform purges of inactive or fake accounts. However, some groups claim that the sudden drop is the result of mass unfollowing by supporters of the former president who took offense at the skit.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Supporters of Vice Ganda argue that comedy often pushes boundaries and that the joke should be viewed in context as part of a satirical performance. On the other hand, critics believe that public figures with millions of followers have a responsibility to avoid politically sensitive material that could be perceived as disrespectful.
The controversy has also sparked discussions about cancel culture in the Philippines, with the hashtag #CancelCulturePH appearing alongside #ViceGandaBacklash on various social media platforms. Some individuals have even hinted at boycotting products and brands endorsed by Vice Ganda, though no organized campaign has been confirmed.
What’s Next for Vice Ganda?
Despite the backlash, Vice Ganda remains one of the most influential personalities in Philippine showbiz. The comedian has yet to release an official statement addressing the follower drop, focusing instead on upcoming projects and appearances. Industry insiders suggest that any long-term impact on endorsements will depend on how the issue unfolds in the coming weeks.
Whether the follower loss is due to a genuine backlash or simply a result of Facebook’s routine account cleanups, the incident underscores how quickly public perception can shift in the digital age. For celebrities with massive online followings, one viral moment can either strengthen their brand or challenge it—sometimes both at the same time.
Key Takeaway: The Vice Ganda follower drop story serves as a reminder of the powerful intersection between social media metrics, public sentiment, and political sensitivities in the Philippines.
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