GMA issues statement on TVJ case
MANILA, Philippines — GMA Network said it will comply with the directive of the court on the airing of "Eat Bulaga" episodes on its platforms.
The network released a statement on Saturday, following the Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 273 ruling dated Dec. 22, 2023, that favored hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon or collectively known as TVJ on the copyright infringement and unfair competition case against the network and its co-defendant Television and Exponents Production Inc. (TAPE).
“As such, the court prohibited TAPE and GMA from using the trademarks ‘EB’ and ‘Eat Bulaga’, the Eat Bulaga jingle, from its shows,” the ruling said.
GMA said it will comply with the court's decision. The network clarified that it was "merely complying with its contractual commitments under its airtime agreement with co-defendant TAPE."
Prior to TVJ's resignation from TAPE on May 31, 2023, they were the hosts of "Eat Bulaga" that was shown on the noontime slot of GMA-7. "Eat Bulaga" was produced by TAPE, which was a blocktimer of GMA-7. In July last year, TVJ started their own show titled "E.A.T" on TV5.
"For accuracy and clarity of the public, the Regional Trial Court clearly found that GMA did not commit any act of copyright infringement or unfair competition against the plaintiffs as it was merely complying with its contractual commitments under its airtime agreement with co-defendant TAPE. In fact, the Court found that GMA was a mere nominal party to TVJ's suit. And the latter never claimed any damages in their complaint as against GMA," said the network in a statement.
"We will comply with the directive of the Court on the airing of 'Eat Bulaga' episodes in our platforms," it added.
"Nevertheless, GMA Network will refer the matter to our external counsel to avail of the proper remedies before the appellate courts," the statement ended.
TAPE has earlier said through its legal counsel that it will file an appeal regarding the court's decision.
Its noontime show carried a new title on its January 6 episode. TAPE aired the show as "Tahanang Pinakamasaya," with hosts Paolo Contis and former Manila mayor Isko Moreno.
TVJ, meanwhile, used "EAT... Bulaga" on their TV5 show on the same date, with them and their co-hosts singing the show's original theme song and wearing t-shirts that bear the show's name.
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