Vice Ganda denies buying acting award from Star Award for Movies

MANILA, Philippines – Comedian Vice Ganda broke his silence on the vote-buying issue surrounding his Movie Actor of the Year award from the recently-concluded 30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

This is after movie columnist Jobert Sucaldito claimed a voting member of the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) — the group who organizes the yearly Star Awards for Movies — lobbied and paid for Vice to receive the acting award for his work in the comedy film “Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy.” 

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In the ABS-CBN afternoon noontime show “It’s Showtime” on Wednesday, March 12, Vice thanked the PMPC and addressed the controversy.

“Ayoko nang masyadong magbigay pa ng statement,” Vice said. “Nung nabasa ko nga, sinabi sa akin, natawa ako, tumahimik lang ako. Sabi ko, kung kakausapin ko ang konsensiya ko, ano kaya ang sasabihin ng konsensiya ko sa akin?”

He added, “Sabi ng konsensiya ko sa akin, ‘Kung nandaya ka, ibalik mo ang award. Kung hindi ka nandaya, yakapin mo ang award’.”

“Ito ang award,” Vice said while hugging his Best Actor trophy.

The PMPC issued a statement earlier today, deniying Sucaldito’s vote-buying allegations/

RELATED: PMPC stands firm on Vice Ganda’s best actor win amid vote-buying claims

Part of the statement reads: “We strongly refute the said allegation.  The voting members gave their utmost trust and confidence to the winners in their respective categories, thereby making the results final, uncontestable, and sacred.”

It added, “There will be forces that will try to destroy the credibility and reputation of the club, but the PMPC will remain committed to its objectives, and no amount of intimidation and coercion can shake its foundation. The PMPC, its Board of Directors and Members will always stand firm on their decision."