🔴 Vice Ganda Breaks Silence on ABS-CBN’s Role Behind the Scenes of “It’s Showtime”: Clarifying Rumors, Defending the Truth, and Reclaiming Public Trust in Philippine Entertainment

INTRODUCTION

In today’s digital landscape, where social media discourse can easily escalate into a wave of misinformation, even the smallest rumor can cause widespread uncertainty. This is particularly true in the Philippine entertainment industry, where fans are highly engaged and invested in the careers and personalities of their favorite stars.

One such moment unfolded recently on national television, when Vice Ganda, an influential comedian and host of ABS-CBN’s flagship noontime show It’s Showtime, took a rare and bold step: directly addressing false information being spread online about his show and its relationship with its mother network.

This came after a series of online claims alleging internal issues at It’s Showtime and supposed decisions made by ABS-CBN that fans speculated would affect the show’s future. But Vice Ganda took to the stage not to add fuel to the fire, but to extinguish it—armed with facts, honesty, and a heartfelt appeal to the audience to be more mindful of the information they consume.

This article explores what exactly happened, why it matters, and what it tells us about truth, trust, and transparency in showbiz—and beyond.

THE INCIDENT: “FAKE NEWS” THAT PROMPTED A RESPONSE

On March 12, 2025, Vice Ganda used airtime on It’s Showtime to speak up against what he described as “fake news” being circulated online. These reports, shared on various social media platforms and gossip blogs, suggested that ABS-CBN had made controversial decisions affecting the show, its production, and possibly even Vice Ganda’s role in it.

Although he did not go into specific detail about the nature of the rumors, Vice made it clear that he had verified them personally. Speaking directly to the audience and viewers at home, he said:

“Hindi po totoo ang mga kumakalat. May mga fake news na pinapakalat sa social media. Kinumpirma ko mismo sa mga bossing. Wala pong katotohanan ang mga ‘yun.”
(Translation: The stories being spread are not true. There is fake news circulating on social media. I confirmed it personally with the bosses. None of it is true.)

He went on to describe how these rumors had created a palpable sense of worry among the show’s staff—particularly among those working behind the scenes. The false reports reportedly caused tension and concern, making it difficult for the team to focus on their usual workflow and creative process.

Vice’s decision to step forward was not just a public relations move. It was a personal stand on behalf of the show’s writers, editors, producers, and technical crew, who felt vulnerable amid the swirl of online speculation.

VICE’S BACKSTAGE STORY: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED BEHIND THE SCENES

In his candid statement, Vice shared a detailed account of what he did once he learned about the rumors. He described going directly to Cory Vidanes, the COO of Broadcast at ABS-CBN, to ask for clarification. According to Vice, Ms. Vidanes assured him that the rumors were entirely unfounded and that the network had made no such decisions as those claimed in the online narratives.

After receiving that confirmation, Vice said he went back to the It’s Showtime team and reassured them, particularly those who were visibly upset or distracted.

“Sinabihan ko sila: ‘Walang katotohanan ‘yan. Focus tayo sa trabaho natin.’”
(Translation: I told them: ‘There’s no truth to it. Let’s focus on our work.’”)

Vice noted that even though he felt emotional about the situation, he chose not to break down or make a scene. Instead, he opted for strength, clarity, and composure—qualities that would help stabilize a shaken team, not add to the anxiety.

WHY VICE’S STATEMENT MATTERS

Vice Ganda, co-hosts, tuloy lang sa pagpapasaya kahit walang katiyakan saan papunta ang It's Showtime, ABS-CBN-Balita

Vice Ganda’s public clarification is more than just a celebrity defending his name. It serves as a case study in media literacy, emotional leadership, and the rising problem of unchecked digital rumors. Let’s break it down.

1. Transparency in a Cloud of Misinformation

In an age where headlines are consumed faster than they are fact-checked, celebrities and public figures are constantly at the mercy of speculation. Vice’s move to openly discuss and debunk rumors directly on air shows an admirable level of transparency and accountability—not just to his fans, but also to his colleagues and employers.

2. Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence

Rather than explode in frustration or use dramatic language, Vice chose to take a calm, supportive approach. By doing so, he didn’t just protect his image—he actively shielded others from the emotional fallout of unverified reports. This is emotional intelligence in practice, particularly important in a high-pressure, highly visible work environment.

3. Empowering Audiences to Be Critical Thinkers

By labeling the rumors as “fake news” and encouraging people to seek the truth directly from reliable sources, Vice essentially reminded his audience of their responsibility as media consumers. The message? Don’t believe everything you see online—and always ask where the information is coming from.

THE BIGGER CONTEXT: A HISTORY OF RESILIENCE AT IT’S SHOWTIME

This isn’t the first time that It’s Showtime and ABS-CBN have been the subjects of controversy, but it is one of the few times a host addressed a swirling rumor so openly. Since ABS-CBN’s broadcast franchise was denied in 2020, the network has been operating in a more constrained and volatile media environment.

Despite that, It’s Showtime has continued to thrive through streaming partnerships, cable channels, and social media—demonstrating remarkable adaptability and audience loyalty.

Vice’s statement underscores that this success hasn’t come without its share of challenges. In the absence of a full free-TV network, rumors have more space to circulate unchecked. That makes truth-telling, even in its most basic form, a powerful act.

FANS REACT: SUPPORTIVE, ALERT, AND THANKFUL

After the episode aired, social media platforms lit up with praise for Vice’s honesty. Hashtags like #WeBelieveInVice, #NoToFakeNews, and #ItsShowtimeFamily trended on Twitter and TikTok, with fans expressing gratitude that he addressed the issue so openly.

Many praised Vice for speaking not just for himself, but for the team who work quietly behind the scenes. Others pointed out that his action is part of what makes It’s Showtime so beloved—not just the comedy and contests, but the culture of care and mutual respect fostered on the show.

A few even went so far as to say that Vice’s leadership in this moment reminded them of what media figures should be: truthful, humble, and grounded.

MOVING FORWARD: A CALL FOR DISCERNMENT

Vice Ganda’s words offered not just clarification, but a quiet challenge to all of us—to stay critical, remain kind, and think before we share.

In the long run, it won’t be rumors that determine the fate of shows like It’s Showtime. It will be credibility, integrity, and the loyalty of a public who knows the difference between hype and truth.

This incident may fade over time, but the lesson remains clear: When public discourse becomes cluttered with noise, clarity is an act of courage. And Vice Ganda, once again, proved that his courage is matched only by his love for his team and his audience.