TVJ's Departure from Eat Bulaga is a Predicted Split Creates Waves of Speculation according to Bullet Jalosjos

Photo: An edited version originally posted by Pep.ph

DAPITAN CITY, Philippines - Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon have decided to end their relationship with TAPE, Inc., the company behind the well-known noontime program Eat Bulaga!, according to Dapitan City Mayor Bullet Jalosjos, was not unexpected.

There were already indications that the veteran TV hosts and the producer of the Philippines' longest-running noontime program might be parting ways after 41 years of service.

TAPE became a part of Eat Bulaga! in 1981, which will celebrate its 44th anniversary on July 31, 2023.

On June 3, 2023, Bullet gave an exclusive interview to Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph), saying, "Ako naman, ang reaction ko, I knew it was bound to happen. Because of the treatments that they were already giving us, it really didn't look like they wanted to work with the new management."

"They made it clear vocally, body language, alam na namin na talaga, there's no way. A good example is when I did an interview with no malicious intent. I mean, I praised them, like, who they are… I praised everyone. Walang malicious intent yun," he added.

Bullet was referring to his interview with Boy Abunda on GMA-7's Fast Talk on April 19, 2023. He addressed the rumors spreading about Eat Bulaga's changes throughout the interview.

Explaining his motivation for doing the interview, Bullet said, "The only reason why I did the interview, which was authorized by the board and the chairman, was because there was a lot of uncertainty. A lot of people were already questioning, and we were scared because the advertisers were the ones who were questioning."

He continued, "The network itself, we wanted to ensure that we're in good relations. No matter kung ano ba yung nasabi ko, I had to make sure. I think it's our duty as a board, as a company, to show publicly na we're all getting along, that everything is fine, so we can continue the business."

Eat Bulaga! has been airing on GMA-7 for 28 years, and the blocktime agreement between TAPE and GMA-7 is set to end in late 2024.

Bullet expressed surprise and unexpectedness with TVJ's reactions, especially Tito's response to his TV interview. On the noontime broadcast, the former senator bluntly lambasted the new TAPE administration and the changes they desired to make.

"Sadly, the reaction was different. Medyo nagulat ako sa reaction. I really didn't know where that came from. I didn't expect it. Akala ko nga ang reaction would be, ‘Uy, okay naman pala lahat, e. Let's continue. Okay na. We're good.’ And it was the opposite. And he came out on TV and [with his] interview, and said that it was contrary, lahat ng sinabi ko, as in all," Bullet explained.

As fans await further developments and decisions regarding the future of Eat Bulaga!, the departure of TVJ from the show marks a significant turning point in its long-standing history. The public is eager to see how TAPE, Inc. will navigate the changes and ensure the continued success of the iconic noontime program.

Video: Pep TV

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Sources/References: Erwin Santiago , Erwin Santiago and Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon / Published at MSN