Comedian Vice Ganda was castigated by GMA News anchors in defense of Jessica Soho who has been a victim of Vice Ganda's offensive jokes during his I-Vice Ganda Mo 'Ko sa Araneta Concert on May 17.
Arnold Clavio in his radio program vented his anger towards Vice Ganda.
"Bakit mo binibiktima ang mga taong seryoso sa trabaho nila? Huwag mo silang kasangkapanin para lang makapagpagpatawa. Bakit hindi taga-diyan sa inyo ang gawin mong subject ng jokes mo? Bakit hindi taga-ABS?" said Clavio.
Vice Ganda made fun of Jessica Soho's weight but it was the use of the word 'gang rape' that earned the ire of Jessica's co-anchors and many netizens. The said joke was caught in a video which had gone viral recently.
"Ang hirap nga lang kung si Jessica Soho magbo-bold. Kailangan gang rape lagi. Sasabihin ng rapist, 'Ipasa ang lechon.' Sasabihin naman ni Jessica, 'Eh nasaan yung apple?'" said Vice after making fun of Jessica's weight.
On Twitter, GMA reporters also posted their sentiments towards the issue.
"Vice Ganda, sana di mo maranasan maging rape victim. Saglit mong patawa sa concert, buong buhay nilang trauma," posted Bam Alegre tagging Vice Ganda in the tweet.
"Para kay Vice Ganda, personal ko ito. Hindi joke ang salitang "rape." Pakiretweet po hanggang makaabot sa kanya," cried Jiggy Manicad while Maki Pulido said, "Vice ganda should realize that rape is not a joke. That rape is a form of violence. Pls RT hanggang umabot sa kanya."
Meanwhile, Jessica Soho, who is the vice president of GMA News and Public Affairs released her official statement regarding the issue via GMA News Online.
"Rape is not a joke and should never be material for a comedy concert. I thank all those who shared my hurt and expressed their support, but this should not be about me but about rape victims who suffer tremendously from this terrible crime. The horrors they go through are unspeakable and should never be taken lightly, especially by way of a cruel joke," said Jessica.
According to reports, GMA News plans to file charges against Vice Ganda to protect the interest and reputation of Jessica Soho who is a respected and award-winning journalist.