💬 Vice Ganda Responds to Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud’s Views on Same-Sex Marriage: “Let’s Move Forward with Respect”

INTRODUCTION

Public conversations around equality and recognition within the LGBTQ+ community recently took a sharp turn when Vice Ganda, one of the Philippines’ most influential media personalities and LGBTQ+ advocates, responded to the personal views expressed by Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud about same-sex marriage.

While both Reyes and Salud are respected for their longstanding careers and contributions to Philippine fashion and beauty, their recent public comments — expressing disagreement with the concept of same-sex unions — triggered widespread discussion online. Vice Ganda’s response was measured, heartfelt, and rooted in a call for respectful dialogue, regardless of differences in opinion.

WHAT WAS SAID: THE ORIGINAL STATEMENTS

In separate interviews, Ricky Reyes, often referred to as “Mother Ricky,” and fashion designer Renee Salud shared their views on why they personally do not support legalizing same-sex marriage in the Philippines.

Reyes stated:

“We can live peacefully without calling it marriage. Let’s not force society to change tradition.”

Salud echoed the sentiment:

“Marriage is sacred. Let’s not take something meant for man and woman and expect society to change it entirely.”

Their views, while reflective of personal beliefs, sparked concern among members of the LGBTQ+ community who view legal recognition of unions as a critical aspect of equality.

VICE GANDA’S REACTION: “DISAGREEING CAN BE DONE WITH DIGNITY”

Vice Ganda, who has long championed causes of inclusivity and legal recognition for same-gender partnerships, responded through a segment on It’s Showtime and via social media, choosing a tone of calm but assertive disagreement.

“I understand that not everyone will support marriage equality, even within our own community. But I hope we can all agree that what we’re fighting for is dignity, fairness, and rights.”

He also added:

“This isn’t about tradition. It’s about being recognized as equal under the law.”

Vice Ganda was careful not to attack Ricky Reyes or Renee Salud personally, instead reminding the public that differences in belief must be handled with respect — but also that progress requires continued conversation.

THE LEGAL CONTEXT: WHERE THE PHILIPPINES STANDS

Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in the Philippines. While discussions around civil unions have surfaced in Congress over the years, no law has yet passed that provides the same legal rights and protections to same-sex couples as heterosexual ones.

Key issues affected include:

Inheritance and property rights
Hospital and medical decision-making access
Joint tax benefits and legal responsibilities
Parental recognition and adoption rights

Advocates like Vice Ganda argue that recognition is not about religion or redefining beliefs, but about ensuring all Filipinos are treated equally by the state.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND PUBLIC OPINION: A COMMUNITY REACTS

The remarks by Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud quickly circulated on social media, with mixed reactions. Some older members of the community voiced support for their “traditional” views, while many younger Filipinos and LGBTQ+ activists expressed disappointment.

Sample comments online include:

“Sad to hear these views from people within our own community.”
“Vice Ganda responded with class and clarity. That’s leadership.”
“Respect works both ways. But let’s not stand in the way of other people’s rights.”

Hashtags like #LoveIsLove, #EqualRights, and #ViceGandaSpeaksUp trended on local platforms.

A CALL FOR UNITY DESPITE DIFFERENCES

Vice Ganda emphasized in his response that disagreements are natural, even within the LGBTQ+ community — but what’s important is how those disagreements are managed.

“We don’t need to fight. We need to listen. But we also need to speak up when our rights are being delayed or denied.”

His call was not to silence differing views but to ask that all voices consider the impact of public statements, especially when those views may affect how society perceives equality.

MOVING THE CONVERSATION FORWARD

This exchange among public figures highlights a deeper reality: even within progressive circles, views on same-sex marriage remain diverse.

What matters, according to Vice and many others, is that the conversation continues — with compassion, clarity, and the shared goal of improving lives.

As of now, no new legislative bill on same-sex civil union or marriage is actively moving in Congress. However, the public debate continues to shape future policy directions.

CONCLUSION

The respectful response of Vice Ganda to Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud’s views has set an important example: that it’s possible to defend your principles without attacking others. While not everyone in society — or even within the LGBTQ+ community — will agree on every issue, the pursuit of equality depends on continued engagement, not division.

Whether the Philippines will eventually legalize same-sex unions remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that the conversation is far from over — and voices like Vice Ganda’s are helping lead the way with grace, resolve, and inclusion.

RELATED ARTICLES FOR FURTHER READING

🔗 A Timeline of Same-Sex Union Efforts in the Philippines
🔗 Vice Ganda: From Comedian to Advocate
🔗 What Civil Union Means: Explained Simply
🔗 Ricky Reyes: Life, Business, and Public Views
🔗 When Public Figures Disagree: How to Handle It Respectfully