Pokwang Fiercely Clashes With Duterte Loyalists to Defend Vice Ganda’s Mother – Explosive Confrontation Sparks Nationwide Outrage and Heated Debate
In a scene that has gripped the nation, television comedienne and actress Pokwang has found herself at the center of a fiery storm after coming to the defense of the most unexpected person — Vice Ganda’s mother, Rosario Viceral — in a confrontation that has escalated into one of the most talked-about public feuds of the year.
The drama began late Tuesday evening when a Facebook post, allegedly from a Duterte loyalist group, circulated online accusing Rosario Viceral of “spoiling her child into disrespecting the President.” The post, dripping with sarcasm and political undertones, implied that Vice Ganda’s outspoken humor during a recent live show was an intentional insult aimed at the former Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte. The comments were swift and vicious, with hundreds of supporters piling on — dragging not just Vice Ganda, but his mother, into the firing line.
Pokwang, known for her sharp wit and fearless candor, wasted no time firing back.
The Triggering Post
According to screenshots shared by fans, one Duterte supporter wrote:
“Kaya bastos si Vice kasi ganyan din nanay niya. Walang breeding. Walang respeto sa gobyerno.”
(“Vice is rude because his mother is the same. No breeding. No respect for the government.”)
The post went viral, drawing mixed reactions. But while many celebrities tend to stay away from politically charged disputes, Pokwang wasn’t having it. In a series of tweets and Instagram stories, she launched a counterattack that shocked even her own fan base.
“Leave Nanay Rosario out of your politics!” Pokwang wrote in all caps. “You can criticize Vice for his comedy, but dragging his mother into this is pure cowardice. RESPECT MOTHERS.”
The Verbal Crossfire
What started as a protective statement quickly evolved into a full-scale social media brawl. Duterte supporters clapped back, accusing Pokwang of being a “showbiz elitist” and “anti-Duterte propagandist.” Hashtags like #PokwangBias and #RespectDuterte began trending, while Pokwang’s allies countered with #RespectMothers and #StandWithPokwang.
In a live Instagram broadcast that drew over 120,000 viewers, Pokwang didn’t hold back.
“I have nothing against Duterte supporters personally,” she said, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and determination. “But you do not — I repeat, DO NOT — disrespect a mother who has done nothing wrong. Rosario raised her son with love, and that’s more than I can say for some people spreading lies here.”
At one point, Pokwang called out one prominent pro-Duterte blogger by name, accusing them of “fueling hate for clicks.” The blogger responded within hours, mocking Pokwang’s career and saying, “If you want respect, earn it, not by defending clowns.”
Vice Ganda’s Reaction
Vice Ganda, who has faced political criticism before, appeared emotional when addressing the incident during the noontime show It’s Showtime. With teary eyes, he said:
“My nanay doesn’t deserve to be insulted for something I said. That’s my fault, not hers. And to Ate Pokwang — salamat. You stood up for her when I couldn’t. I will never forget that.”
The studio audience erupted in applause, while clips of the moment spread like wildfire across TikTok and Twitter.
Political Tensions Intensify
The altercation has become more than just a celebrity spat — it’s now a flashpoint in the country’s ongoing political divide. Social commentators are weighing in, pointing out how the incident reflects the deep polarization between Duterte loyalists and critics in the entertainment industry.
Dr. Ernesto Valdez, a political analyst from the University of the Philippines, remarked:
“What’s striking here is that the attack wasn’t on Vice himself, but on his mother. That crosses into personal territory and reveals how toxic political discourse has become. The fact that another celebrity had to step in shows how blurred the lines are between politics, personal lives, and entertainment.”
The Backstory: Why Rosario Was Targeted
Insiders claim the animosity stems from Vice Ganda’s recent comedic monologue that poked fun at politicians who “act like kings” and “forget the poor.” While Vice never named names, Duterte supporters interpreted the joke as a jab at their leader.
Rosario, a private citizen who rarely appears in the spotlight, became collateral damage when political pages began digging up old photos and making disparaging remarks about her parenting. Some even fabricated quotes, claiming Rosario “encouraged” Vice to speak against the government — allegations Pokwang firmly labeled as “nonsense.”
The Celebrity Solidarity Movement
Pokwang’s defense of Rosario has inspired a wave of celebrity solidarity. Stars like Angel Locsin, Enchong Dee, and Ogie Diaz have publicly sided with her, calling for an end to “mother-shaming” and “family-targeted hate.”
Angel Locsin tweeted:
“Criticize public figures all you want. But moms? They’re off-limits. Stand strong, Pokwang.”
Meanwhile, comedian Ogie Diaz posted a video warning political trolls:
“You think you’re winning when you drag family into it? No. You’re just showing how low you can go.”
Backlash and Boycott Calls
However, not everyone is on Pokwang’s side. Some Duterte loyalists have begun calling for a boycott of her shows and endorsements. A small rally was even held outside a television network’s headquarters, demanding her removal from a primetime sitcom.
“Pokwang is using this to attack our beloved president indirectly,” said rally organizer Melchor Tan. “We will not support any artist who disrespects Duterte supporters.”
Pokwang responded with a short but pointed remark:
“If defending a mother is disrespect, then I will be disrespectful every day.”
A Nation Watching
As of Thursday, the issue continues to dominate headlines and social media feeds. Memes, hashtags, and think pieces are flooding every platform, turning the Pokwang-Rosario-DuterteSupporters saga into a cultural moment.
Some netizens have dubbed it “The Mother of All Feuds”, while others worry that the escalating rhetoric could spill over into real-world confrontations.
Political groups are now urging both sides to step back. Senator Risa Hontiveros released a statement saying,
“This is proof that our discourse has become too toxic. Let us remember — families are not fair game in political debates.”
What’s Next for Pokwang and Vice?
Insiders close to Pokwang say she is refusing to back down and is preparing a formal complaint against the individuals who posted defamatory remarks about Rosario Viceral. Legal experts note that the Philippines has cyberlibel laws that could be used in such cases.
Vice Ganda, for his part, has hinted that he might address the matter more directly in an upcoming comedy special, potentially turning the entire controversy into satirical material.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the gossip and memes, this incident has touched on something deeper — the dangerous merging of celebrity culture and political fanaticism. In an age where every joke can be politicized and every family member dragged into online wars, Pokwang’s stand has sparked an important conversation about boundaries, respect, and the human cost of public feuds.
For now, the nation watches as two of its most recognizable comedy figures — one as a defender, the other as the defended — become unwilling symbols in the Philippines’ never-ending political drama.
And in the midst of all this noise, one thing is certain: Rosario Viceral, a quiet mother from Tondo, never asked to be in the headlines. Yet here she is — the woman at the center of a controversy that shows no signs of dying down.
