In a storyline that could rival the most imaginative political memes, it appeared as though a 99-year-old politician had risen from the grave to stir the pot once again.

But this was no work of fiction; this was the real world, and the protagonist was none other than former statesman Juan Ponce Enrile.

Now serving as the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, Enrile has re-emerged with a vengeance, setting his sights on none other than the beloved comedianne, Vice Ganda.

Enrile’s unexpected reentry into the spotlight has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, as he unleashed a barrage of criticism against Vice Ganda, putting the future of the popular variety show in question amid an ongoing clash with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

During his radio program on SMNI News, Enrile did not mince words, labeling Vice Ganda as “salacious” and indecent, drawing a stark comparison with individuals wielding power and influence.

“Ang problema kasi sa bansa natin kapag meron kang kapangyarihan political, social, o economic o whatever, hindi mo na iniisip yung kapwa” (The problem in our country is that when you have power, whether it’s political, social, economic, or anything else, you tend to forget about your fellow citizens), Enrile lamented.

“Yung binigay na katangian mo sa iyong lipunan ay hindi mo na tinitignan ang kakulangan ng iba. Sarili mo na lang iniisip mo, akala mo maganda yung ginagawa mo. Super bastos ka, bastos kang tao,” (You no longer see the flaws in yourself. You become self-absorbed, thinking your actions are commendable. You act so rudely, you become an indecent person.)

Enrile didn’t stop there, accusing Vice Ganda of not only lacking decency but also of being abusive. “Hindi lang walang decency kungdi abusado. Alam ko na mapagpatawa yang binabanggit mo na babae (Vice Ganda) magmula pa ng araw ganyan na yan […] you’re earning your living and popularity sa kabastusan,” (I know that this person you’re mentioning (Vice Ganda) has been behaving this way for a long time, earning a living and popularity through vulgarity) he asserted.

The controversy surrounding “It’s Showtime” reached its peak on September 4 when the MTRCB slapped the show with a 12-day suspension, citing “indecent acts” involving Vice Ganda and his partner Ion Perez during the “Isip Bata” segment on July 25, as well as the use of “inappropriate language” by another host in various episodes. Producers of the show now have a limited window to submit their motion for reconsideration.