Award-winning director Jun Lana has spoken out to defend Vice Ganda’s Best Actor victory at the recently concluded 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), amid questions surrounding the decision.
Lana directed the family comedy-drama Call Me Mother, which earned Vice the Best Actor award over fellow nominees Piolo Pascual (Manila’s Finest), Will Ashley (Love You So Bad), Zanjoe Marudo (UnMarry) and Earl Amaba (I’mPerfect).
Addressing the backlash, Lana said critics were unfairly using Vice’s name to draw attention to their own projects.
“Alam naman natin kung bakit nila kinekwestyon kasi ginagamit nila ngayon si Meme (Vice) para pag-usapan yung ginagawa nila which i think is unfair, i mean if you want your film to be honored or reviewed, if you want people go and watch your film, talk about the merits of your film,” Lana said in an interview.
While he did not name names, Lana’s remarks appeared to refer to lawyer and film producer Ferdinand Topacio, who earlier questioned Vice’s win and argued that Piolo Pascual was more deserving of the award.
Lana also explained his strong support for Vice’s recognition, saying it was meant to silence doubts about the comedian’s acting ability.
“I want him to prove something, i wanted Meme to win, i wanted him to win Best Actor. Gusto kong matahimik lahat ng nagda-doubt sa talent nya,” he said.
Aside from Vice’s Best Actor trophy, Call Me Mother also won Third Best Picture, Best Child Performer for Lucas Andalio, and the Gender Sensitivity Award at this year’s MMFF.