Brewing Conflict Threatens Philippines’ Longest-Running Noontime Show ‘Eat Bulaga’

Eat Bulaga, the Philippines' longest-running noontime variety show, is facing an uncertain future as a brewing battle between founding owners threatens to shake up the program. According to reports, former congressman Romy Jalosjos is seeking to take control of Television and Production Exponents (TAPE), the company that owns Eat Bulaga, from his partner Antonio "Tony" Tuviera and the show's original hosts, Tito and Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, also known as TVJ.

Jalosjos allegedly plans to oust Tuviera and TVJ from the show and has been trying to "divide and conquer" Eat Bulaga by recruiting other co-hosts, including Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Allan K, to replace the aging TVJ. He even allegedly wants his daughter to replace the show's most popular co-host, Maine Mendoza.

Aside from the three hosts, Paolo Ballesteros and Ryan Agoncillo are also reportedly on the list of people to be removed by the executives of TAPE Incorporated.

According to Abante newspaper's source, the trio of Tito, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon is ready to break away from ‘Eat Bulaga’ and create their own show called ‘Dabarkads.’ It is unclear whether TVJ will be joined by other hosts of ‘Eat Bulaga’ in their new show.

The situation has come to a head, and an emergency meeting was held by Tuviera, TVJ, and the other co-hosts to discuss their next move regarding Jalosjos' takeover bid. It's a worrying development for the show, which has been on air since 1979 and currently has a block time contract with GMA Network of Felipe L. Gozon.

However, the controversy surrounding Jalosjos' past may also cast a shadow over the show's future. Jalosjos was found guilty of raping an 11-year-old girl in 1997 and spent 12 years in the New Bilibid Prison. Despite this, he was able to win two more terms as a representative of Zamboanga del Norte in the 1998 and 2001 elections before eventually being dropped from the House of Representatives after his Supreme Court conviction in 2001. While his life imprisonment was cut short after a pardon by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, he has been barred from running for office, and his son currently represents his district.

As the situation continues to unfold, the future of Eat Bulaga remains uncertain, with many fans hoping that the founders can come to an amicable agreement and ensure that the show continues to entertain audiences for many years to come.

(via: Abante)