It's Showtime host and Unkabogable star Vice Ganda revealed what his partner and fellow host, Ion Perez, told him about withdrawing his candidacy for councilor in Concepcion, Tarlac.

In an interview with veteran columnist and talent manager Ogie Diaz, Vice shared that he was already aware of the possibility that his partner might run for a public office in his hometown.

“Noong sinabi niya tatakbo siya, na may kumakausap sa kaniya, hindi rin ako magtataka na sasabihin niya na tatakbo siya kasi nandodoon na siya, noon pa eh. Active talaga siya. Pero kung sasabihin niyang hindi rin siya tutuloy, hindi rin ako magtataka kasi ayun din siya,” Vice said.

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A post shared by Ion Valdez (@pereziion27)

He also emphasized how much Ion values the support and trust of the people in his hometown.

“Kilala ko yung pagkatao niya. Mabuti kasi yung puso ng asawa ko. Hindi siya magaaksaya ng pagmamahal at tiwala at suporta sa kaniya ng mga tao. Ayon yung sinabi niya sa akin,” he added.

Vice shared that Ion had been involved in public service long before they met, which influenced his decision to run for office.

“Yeah. Pareho kami. Si Ion kasi nasa politics ever since kasi ano siya, parang youth leader siya sa Tarlac noon pa. Youth leader siya and tsaka ever since, bago pa kami magkakilala hanggang sa magkakilala kami, active siya sa public service yung heart niya. Kaya siya lagi nasa Tarlac, ang dami niyang ganap,” Vice remarked.

Vice then revealed the conversation he had with Ion when the latter decided to withdraw his candidacy.

“Sabi niya, ‘Hindi na ako tutuloy.’ Sabi ko, ‘Bakit?’ Sabi niya ganoon, ‘Kung tutuloy man ako, kung saka-sakaling gagawin ko, kailangan ko talaga siyang paghandaan, pagplanuhan, lahat.’ Sabi niya (pa) ,’So ngayon, ayaw kong ipahiya yung mga magtitiwala sa akin.’ Kasi baka manalo siya,” he said.

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A post shared by Ion Valdez (@pereziion27)

Vice reiterated that it was Ion’s decision to focus on preparing for a future in politics.

“Sabi niya, ‘Ayaw ko ipahiya.’ Sabi niya, ‘I will make sure I will make them proud. So kung sakali, paghahandaan ko iyan. Kung sakaling pagdedesisyunan ko iyan sa susunod, paghahandaan ko iyan,’” he added.

Meanwhile, Vice clarified that he and Ion don’t interfere in each other's personal decisions.

“Hindi ganoon ang dynamics namin ni Ion. Kaming dalawa we don’t decide for each other. Hindi ako sasabihan ni Ion na dapat ganito yung gawin ko. Ako rin sa kaniya, hindi ko sasabihin na dapat ganito yung gawin,” Vice explained.

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A post shared by JoseMarieViceral / Vice Ganda (@praybeytbenjamin)

“Hinahayaan namin yung isa’t isa na prumoseso ng mga bagay-bagay pero nakaalalay kami. Pwede kaming magbigay ng suhestiyon, ng opinyon lalo na kapag pinaguusapan namin, nagpapalitan kami pero we will not decide for each other. Ako magdedesisyon, siya magdedesisyon, hindi kami ganoon,” he added.

“Yung mga decision niya sa buhay, decision niya yun at ipinagkakatiwalaan ko siya.”

READ: Vice Ganda, Ion Perez thankful to fans for being named PUSH Awards’ Power Couple of 2023

Earlier this week, Ion posted a video announcing his withdrawal from the upcoming 2025 elections.

“Sa mga kalugar ko diyan sa Concepcion, una po, maraming salamat sa tiwala at suporta niyo na ibinigay sa akin. Pinapaalam ko lang po na hindi na po ako tatakbo o tutuloy bilang konsehal ng Concepcion,” he said in the video.

READ: Ion Perez withdraws candidacy for 2025 Elections

Ion explained that he doesn’t feel ready yet to take on the responsibility of a public office in his hometown, as he feels he isn’t fully equipped to serve at this time.

“Gusto ko po munang ihanda ang sarili ko para hindi mapahiya sa inyo at mapaglingkuran kayo nang tama. Muli po, maraming maraming salamat sa inyong tiwala. Paumanhin po,” he ended.