MANILA, Philippines – GMA News executive and anchor Jessica Soho has issued a statement regarding Vice Ganda’s public apology.

In a text sent to Rappler, the GMA News executive said:

“I acknowledge the public apology given by Vice Ganda, by way of his TV program. I sincerely hope and pray that this was done with the purest intentions and determination to put this issue behind us.

“Just to clarify certain points about my phone conversation with him–his call came without warning as his number was not programmed in my phone directory. I told him I wasn’t feeling well and I wasn’t sure I was ready to talk to him. But I clearly remember thanking him for his call. (READ: Vice Ganda gets flak for ‘rape’ joke)

“As I’ve said, this is not about me, but about the issue of rape not being an appropriate subject matter for comedy. Rape transcends age, economic class, gender—and even one’s weight.” – Rappler.com