Title: SHOCKING SHOWDOWN: Vice Ganda FIRES BACK at Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud’s Anti-Same-Sex Marriage Stance in Explosive Statement!

Manila, Philippines – A firestorm erupted online and across media platforms as beloved comedian, TV host, and LGBTQ+ icon Vice Ganda broke his silence and fiercely responded to the controversial statements made by veteran hairdresser Ricky Reyes and fashion designer Renee Salud. The two publicly expressed their opposition to same-sex marriage, a stance that sent shockwaves through the LGBTQIA+ community and drew widespread backlash — and Vice Ganda did not hold back.

What began as a seemingly ordinary interview with Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud quickly escalated into a divisive national debate. In the interview, both Reyes and Salud, who are openly gay themselves, expressed that while they support LGBTQ+ rights, they draw the line at same-sex marriage. Their reasoning? “Marriage is sacred and for a man and a woman,” said Reyes, sparking intense outrage and disappointment from many, especially from younger LGBTQ+ Filipinos who look to these figures as trailblazers.

Vice Ganda, who has long been a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ advocacy in the Philippines, was not about to let the matter slide. In a passionate monologue on his noontime show It’s Showtime, he directly addressed the comments made by Reyes and Salud.

“I was shocked. I felt betrayed. Coming from people who know the struggle of being gay in this country, it hurts. How can you say that we don’t deserve love? That we don’t deserve the right to marry the person we love just because we are gay?” Vice said, his voice cracking with emotion.

The Unkabogable Star continued, emphasizing that marriage is not just a religious institution but also a civil right.

“We pay taxes. We follow the law. We contribute to society just like everyone else. And yet, we are being told that we’re not worthy of the same rights. That’s not just disappointing — that’s dangerous,” Vice added, drawing loud cheers and applause from the live audience.

Social media immediately lit up with support for Vice. The hashtag #StandWithVice trended for hours, with thousands of fans, celebrities, and LGBTQ+ advocates expressing their admiration for his courage and solidarity with the community.

Prominent human rights lawyer Chel Diokno also weighed in on the issue, tweeting:

“Vice Ganda is right. Same-sex marriage is a human rights issue. Love is love. Equality under the law must prevail.”

While Vice Ganda’s response was hailed as empowering, the original comments from Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud continue to ignite heated discussions. Many netizens pointed out the irony of two gay men opposing the right for other LGBTQ+ individuals to marry.

One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) read:

“Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud walked so others could run — but now they’re trying to block the road they helped pave. Sad.”

Despite the backlash, both Reyes and Salud have stood by their statements. In follow-up interviews, they insisted that their opposition to same-sex marriage is rooted in their personal beliefs and religious values, not hate. They claim they are still allies of the LGBTQ+ community, just with a “different perspective.”

But for Vice Ganda, and for many in the LGBTQ+ community, such reasoning only adds salt to the wound.

“If you say you love the LGBTQ+ community but oppose same-sex marriage, then your love comes with conditions. That is not real love,” Vice declared on his social media platforms.

Vice also used the opportunity to highlight the ongoing efforts of Filipino LGBTQ+ advocates fighting for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country. He encouraged everyone to educate themselves, support pro-equality legislation, and most importantly, to have empathy.

“This is not just about me. This is about every young gay kid who grows up believing that they will never be accepted. This is for every trans woman who wants to walk down the aisle. This is for all of us. The fight continues,” he said.

Several celebrities and public figures echoed Vice’s sentiments. Stars like Angel Locsin, Iza Calzado, and even Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna voiced their support for same-sex marriage and applauded Vice’s bravery in standing up against public opposition, especially from within the community.

Religious groups and conservative politicians, however, took the opportunity to restate their objections to same-sex marriage. Senator Joel Villanueva, a vocal opponent, said in a statement:

“Marriage, as defined in our laws and constitution, is between a man and a woman. That is what we should protect.”

Still, a growing number of lawmakers are beginning to speak in favor of civil unions or full marriage equality. Bills on civil partnership have been filed in Congress, and advocacy groups are pushing harder than ever for inclusive legislation.

Vice Ganda’s fiery response is more than a viral moment — it’s a rallying cry. In a society where acceptance is often conditional, and progress is slow, his voice has once again become a beacon of hope and resistance.

To end his now-viral speech, Vice left the public with a powerful message:

“You can’t call yourself free if others around you are still in chains. We deserve equality. We deserve dignity. And yes, we deserve love — in all its legal, sacred, and beautiful forms.”

As the country continues to debate the future of LGBTQ+ rights, one thing is clear: Vice Ganda is not backing down. And with him leading the charge, the fight for marriage equality in the Philippines burns brighter than ever.