VICE GANDA SAYS MONTH-LONG ABSENCE FROM 'IT'S SHOWTIME' NOT DUE TO ABS-CBN ISSUES

VICE GANDA HAS CLARIFIED that his month long break from “It’s Showtime” had nothing to do with the issues currently facing ABS-CBN, including the highly-publicized Lopez family feud.

- By NATHALIE TOMADA

One of the biggest Kapamilya stars alongside Coco Martin, he recently returned to the long-running noontime show to the delight of fans and supporters.

In an interview with members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, including this writer, for a belated 50th birthday gathering, he admitted that he was aware of the speculations surrounding his lengthy absence.

“Yun ang rason kung bakit pumasok na ako agad,” Vice said in response to The STAR, when asked about talk that he was affected by ABS-CBN’s situation. “Parang naawa na rin ako sa kanila. Parang kailangan na nila ng suporta kasi papasok na ga ako.”

As for claims that ratings supposedly dip whenever he is not around, he simply reacted, “Ayoko din umabsent kung kaya ko na hindi ako um-absent.”

Vice further expressed how he continues to stand by ABSCBN through its struggles.

“For the longest time, wala naman akong ibang pwedeng gawin kundi ipagdasal yung ABSCBN, ‘di ba? Magmula pa nung nasara, nung natanggalan ng prangkisa yan, ‘di ba? So wala naman akong ibang pwedeng gawin kundi ipagdasal sila at suportahan sila at manatili akong kasama nila habang lumalaban sila sa mga pagsubok nila,” he said.

Vice said he hopes the network’s problems will be resolved, not just for the sake of its artists and employees but also for ordinary Filipinos who benefit from its services.