GMA ‘saddened’ by Eat Bulaga’s departure from TAPE: ‘We pray for smooth, swift resolution of their issues’
Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. Image: Instagram/@eatbulaga1979
GMA Network expressed hopes that “Eat Bulaga” hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (TVJ) would resolve their “issues” with TAPE Inc., as the TV network disclosed that their block time agreement with the production company is still in effect until 2024.
GMA released an official statement through its Instagram page on Wednesday, May 31, hours after TVJ announced the noontime show’s departure from TAPE.
“We are saddened by today’s unexpected turn of events with regard to ‘Eat Bulaga.’ GMA has been the home of ‘Eat Bulaga’ for many years and we still have a block time agreement with TAPE until the end of 2024 for the noontime slot,” the statement read.
“Together with all the Filipino fans, we pray for a smooth and swift resolution of their issues,” it added. “Maraming salamat sa patuloy na suporta, mga Kapuso.” (Thank you for your continuous support, Kapuso.)
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, De Leon shared a clip of their announcement through his Instagram page, assuring the public that the show will be back on-air.
“We’re not signing off… We are just taking a day off!” he wrote.
View this post on Instagram
Fans then expressed their support for Eat Bulaga through the comments section, with some noting how the noontime show has become a huge part of their everyday lives.
Image: Instagram/@angpoetnyo
Image: Instagram/@angpoetnyo
Image: Instagram/@angpoetnyo
“Eat Bulaga” has been on-air for over four decades. The show aired its first episode on July 30, 1979, at the then RPN-9, and has since transferred to ABS-CBN then to GMA Network.
In an earlier interview with showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin, Tito said that they are determined to continue the show until it reaches its 50th year, no matter what it takes. /ra
