FULL SPEECH: Vice Ganda’s Fiery Cry at the Trillion Peso March
“Mga walang hiya sila!”
Those words, shouted with raw fury by Vice Ganda at the historic EDSA Shrine, echoed far beyond the protest grounds. In an instant, the “Unkabogable Star”—a comedian beloved for bringing laughter into Filipino homes—transformed into the unlikely face of outrage against corruption. What began as a mass demonstration against government misuse of funds turned into a watershed moment when one of the country’s most recognizable entertainers spoke truth to power.
EDSA as a Stage of History
For decades, EDSA has stood as a sacred ground of people power, a stage where the Filipino voice shakes the nation. On this day, that stage was claimed not by a politician or activist, but by Vice Ganda. His appearance was no mere cameo—it was a seismic moment. For years, he has been associated with comedy, glitter, and showbiz flair. But this time, his words cut like knives: a public condemnation of “shameless officials” who, in his words, continue to bleed the nation dry.
From Laughter to Rage
Vice’s shift from entertainer to activist shocked many. “Mga walang hiya sila!” was not delivered as a punchline but as a rallying cry. In a society where criticizing those in power carries real risks, his decision to step forward was nothing short of an act of courage. His words reflected the rage of millions who have endured decades of corruption, poverty, and betrayal.
The People’s Response
Almost immediately, his declaration exploded across social media. Within minutes, hashtags tied to the Trillion Peso March and Vice’s fiery remarks trended worldwide. Supporters flooded timelines with praise: “Vice Ganda has spoken for all of us.” His fanbase—spanning generations and social classes—embraced him not only as a performer but as a citizen who dared to use his platform for a cause greater than entertainment.
But not everyone approved. Critics accused him of grandstanding, questioning whether his presence was a publicity stunt. Others said celebrities should “stick to entertainment” and stay out of politics. Yet his defenders pushed back harder: Vice, they argued, has every right to speak as a Filipino taxpayer and public figure. And this right, they stressed, becomes even more powerful when exercised for the common good.
The Deeper Wound: Corruption
Vice’s words reopened an old wound—the reality of systemic corruption in the Philippines. Money meant for schools, hospitals, and flood control projects ends up in private pockets, while ordinary citizens suffer in traffic, floods, and hunger. His cry was more than an insult; it was a mirror held up to the nation’s leaders and their failures.
More Than Entertainment
For his fans, Vice’s act was a revelation: that the star who made them laugh through hardship could also give voice to their deepest frustrations. His presence reminded people that courage doesn’t belong only to soldiers or statesmen. Sometimes, it emerges from those who know how to make the nation laugh but also know when to make it cry—and fight.
A New Chapter for Vice Ganda
What Vice did at EDSA was not just performance; it was history. His speech has been replayed thousands of times, dissected on talk shows, and debated in classrooms. Whether you see him as a comedian, activist, or accidental hero, one thing is certain: Vice Ganda shattered the idea that celebrities must remain silent. He proved that even the brightest stars can burn with rage when their people are suffering.
A Call to Action
“Mga walang hiya sila!” will now be remembered as more than an outburst. It is a call for accountability. A wake-up cry for a country too often lulled into silence.
And in that moment, Vice Ganda reminded the Philippines of an eternal truth: heroes are not only found in history books. Sometimes, they stand in the middle of EDSA, mascara streaked with tears, microphone shaking in hand—shouting for justice.
