Don’t be too sensitive, Palace says on comedian’s ‘jetski in WPS’ joke

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

For Castro, the joke is nothing new. (PNA file photo by Ruth Abbey Carlos)

MANILA – Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Tuesday downplayed the controversy over comedian Vice Ganda’s jetski joke about the West Philippine Sea (WPS), urging the public not to be overly sensitive.

“Unang-una kasi, concert naman ‘yun. Parang show naman ‘yun. So, hindi kailangang maging balat-sibuyas ang sinuman (First of all, it was a concert, more like a show. So, no one should be overly sensitive),” Castro said in a media interview.

The comedian’s joke, delivered during the viral “Super Divas The Concert,” riffed on the “Jet2holiday” ad trend.

Vice Ganda said: “Nothing beats a jet ski holiday, right now from Manila to the West Philippine Sea via jetski. Get unlimited water bombing from Chinese vessels and a free trip to The Hague by the ICC [International Criminal Court]. Promo applies to DDS [Diehard Duterte Supporters] only. Pinklawans [Leni Robredo supporters] and BBMs [President Marcos supporters] are prohibited.”

While some praised Vice Ganda’s bold stance, supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained in the Netherlands, called out the comedian.

Duterte joked during the 2016 elections that he would ride a jetski and plant the Philippine flag in the disputed WPS. However, his administration has faced criticism for perceived softness on China’s expansive maritime claims.

For Castro, the joke is nothing new.

“At ito naman talaga ay nangyari, jinoke ni dating Pangulong Duterte yung tungkol sa jetski. Sinabi pa niya na ang naniwala sa kanya sa sinabi niyang sasakay siya sa jetski para sa West Philippine Sea, sinabi niyang stupid (And actually, this really happened —former President Duterte joked about the jetski. He even said those who believed him when he said he would ride a jetski to the West Philippine Sea were stupid),” she recalled.

On the recent Bajo de Masinloc incident involving Chinese and Philippine vessels, Castro highlighted President Marcos’ leadership, noting the Philippine Coast Guard offered aid to personnel on the two Chinese ships that collided despite Beijing’s continued assertiveness in the area.

She added the government remains firm in protecting the country’s maritime rights without backing down.