ShareThisCEBU CITY – This one is not a laughing matter for total entertainer Rico J. Puno.
Two Cebu provincial board members want him banned in the province for allegedly insulting Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during a performance in Mandaue City.
Rico, who is known for his jokes and double entendres, especially during live performances, has not reacted publicly on the proposed ban.
According to published reports in Cebu, Rico praised Garcia as the “most beautiful governor of the Philippines” during the opening of a hotel in Mandaue City.
Among those present in the event were Senators Gregorio Honasan, Vicente Sotto III and Miguel Zubiri.
After praising Gov. Garcia, Rico went on with his joke by asking the governor who her doctor was – Dr. Vicky Belo or Dr. Pie Calayan.
Instead of pleasing the crowd, Rico was booed for his joke.
Provincial Board members Arleigh Sitoy and Jose Ribomapil Holganza, Jr. viewed Rico’s statement was insulting to the lady governor, prompting them to file a resolution seeking to declare Rico a “persona non-grata” in Cebu.
Sun Star, a Cebu daily, quoted Sitoy and Holganza saying that Rico made a “downright disparaging remark” and, thus, disrespecting the governor.
Sitoy said Rico should have behaved, considering that he was once a public official of Makati City.
According to the proposed resolution, “The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu acknowledges the fact that beyond political lines and affiliations is the honor and respect that must be accorded at all times to the office of the Governor of the Province of Cebu.”
Another Sun Star reported stated: “It is unfortunate and highly unethical for a veteran entertainer to humiliate another person, whether intentional or not, just to please his or her fans, or the audience.”
“A performer doesn’t have to comment on somebody’s physical attributes or defects, as the case may be, because doing so would only embarrass the butt of the joke, depending on how the praise or criticism is being delivered…” it added.
Interviewed later, Governor Garcia said there was no need to make her beauty enhancement a big issue because these procedures are no longer taboo.
She said she was not offended with the joke of singer Rico J. Puno.
“No offense taken,” she said in a Sun Star report, adding that she knew Puno and is familiar with the way he makes jokes.
According to Sun Star, the governor also admitted that she recently had thermage — a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses radiofrequency (RF) to help smooth, tighten and contour skin to make it look younger — done by a “very good doctor” in Cebu.
Gov. Garcia said she prefers thermage among all the other procedures available to make a person look younger. She added that she still has to undergo one session for the spot under her eyes.
In a press conference, she said that while her face had undergone cosmetic enhancement, her figure is all natural.
She said that after making the joke that has been the subject of discussion, Puno had even told those present during the event later to applaud the governor.
She said she did not walk out after Puno asked her about her beauty enhancement treatment, contrary to rumors.
She stressed that she left later with Rep. Red Durano (Cebu, fifth district) and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas.