Sotto: ‘Eat Bulaga,’ segments belong to hosts, writers

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 5) — TV host Tito Sotto on Monday maintained that TAPE Inc., the production company behind “Eat Bulaga,” does not own the name of the longest running noontime variety show and its segments.

“For us, we follow, ika nga (as they say), the international rule. Even in the Supreme Court jurisprudence here in the Philippines and abroad, the creators are the owners. So, we will fight for it, we will continue with Eat Bulaga,” Sotto told CNN Philippines’ The Source.

The so-called TVJ, composed of Sotto, his brother Vic, and Joey de Leon, announced on May 31 that they were parting ways with TAPE Inc.

Other hosts immediately followed them, namely Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Allan K., Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza, and Ryzza Mae Dizon.

According to Sotto, some of the reasons behind their departure are issues on salary, and plans to replace some of the old hosts and top-rating segments of the shows, like “Juan for All, All for Juan,” and “Bawal Judgemental.”

Sotto said they are in talks with at least four TV stations regarding their possible move from GMA Network, their home for more than 20 years.

READ: ‘Eat Bulaga’ hosts to announce new home on June 7, may start airing by July

He also said they already applied for copyright of the show’s name.

“When you create something, at the moment of creation, you are the owner,” Sotto said. “The name ‘Eat Bulaga’ was created by Joey in 1979 before July 30 and we started using it that time and everybody acknowledges that for a fact.”

After days of going off-air on television, Eat Bulaga resumed its live show on Monday, with its new set of hosts, including actors Paolo Contis, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, and Alexa Miro, as well as comedian Betong Sumaya, and Buboy Villar.

Eat Bulaga’s iconic theme song was also not played at the beginning of the show.