Did Vice Ganda turn down the chance to return as a judge on ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ (PGT) Season 7?
That’s the latest buzz circulating online, following claims made in the Ogie Diaz ‘Showbiz Update’ vlog.
According to co-host Tita Jegs, the Unkabogable Star was originally part of the planned jury lineup for the returning reality talent competition, which will air on ABS-CBN platforms but also simulcast on TV5.
“Actually, oo, kasama dapat diyan si Meme [Vice],” Tita Jegs said. “Kaya lang no’ng malaman daw ni Vice Ganda na ito ay ipalalabas sa TV5, nag-back out si Vice.”
The revelation surprised some viewers and co-host Mama Loi, who asked why Vice would opt out.
Ogie Diaz explained that it might be related to a previous incident where Vice reportedly felt disappointed with TV5. The issue allegedly stemmed from the abrupt schedule changes for ‘It’s Showtime’ during its transition to GMA Network and TV5.
“Parang may kinalaman pa rin daw ito doon sa dating tampo o sama ng loob ni Vice sa TV5 noong bigla na lang silang kinansel… tapos pinaboran daw ng TV5 ‘yung Eat Bulaga,” Ogie said.
At the time, the timeslot issue was seen as a “demotion,” with ‘It’s Showtime’ being considered for a late afternoon slot—eventually taken by Willie Revillame’s ‘Wil To Win’.
The rumor now is that Vice prefers not to be involved in projects linked to the Kapatid Network. As Ogie put it, Vice’s mantra seems to be: “Kung ayaw mo sa akin, huwag na rin tayong magtrabaho.”
Vice Ganda previously served as a judge on ‘PGT’s’ last season, alongside Freddie Garcia, Robin Padilla, and Angel Locsin.
Despite the new buzz, it’s worth noting that Vice addressed the issue in a 2023 interview where he clarified that he had no hard feelings toward TV5.
“Wala akong galit sa TV5. Nalungkot ako sa naging desisyon nila kasi siyempre hindi pabor sa amin ‘yon… Pero kailangan mong tanggapin ‘yon at kailangan mong irespeto ‘yon,” Vice said.
He also expressed deep gratitude for the network: “Masaktan man kami… hindi puwedeng mawala sa amin ‘yung pasasalamat sa TV5. Ang laki ng itinulong nila sa amin… that will forever be one great reason to be grateful to them.”
‘Pilipinas Got Talent Season 7’ returns with Robi Domingo and Melai Cantiveros as hosts, and a new panel of judges featuring FMG, Eugene Domingo, Donny Pangilinan, and Kathryn Bernardo.
As of writing, Vice Ganda and the TV5 management have yet to release an official statement regarding the matter. LionhearTV is open to airing their side.
