Veteran entertainers Joey de Leon and Tito Sotto have vehemently dismissed rumors suggesting the cancellation and financial troubles of the beloved noontime show “Eat Bulaga.” During the “Gimme 5: Laro ng Mga Henyo” segment of the show’s April 17 episode, the duo tackled these speculations head-on, with Sotto denouncing the sources spreading these falsehoods as “liars.”
The rumors, which hinted at the show’s closure due to dwindling profits and sponsorship revenues, were robustly challenged by de Leon, who pointed to the program’s longevity as a counterargument. “Eat Bulaga” is recognized as the second longest-running TV show globally—a fact that de Leon proudly referenced. He emphasized the show’s 45-year history and its status among the top five longest-running shows worldwide, suggesting that jealousy might be fueling the rumors.
To further debunk these claims, Sotto announced plans to publicly share the show’s financial details, specifically its income tax filings with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), to prove the inaccuracies of the rumors. This move aims to transparently show that the program is financially healthy.
The speculations around “Eat Bulaga” were also mentioned by entertainment insider Ogie Diaz and talent manager Loi Villarama, who expressed concerns over the program’s budget constraints. Diaz conveyed hope that adjustments could be made, such as reducing talent fees, to sustain the show given its significance to its hosts and production team.
De Leon, not shy to defend the show’s reputation, issued a challenge to any critics, daring them to achieve a fraction of “Eat Bulaga’s” longevity. Meanwhile, Sotto urged the show’s critics and the public not to believe in unfounded rumors.
“Eat Bulaga” has been a staple of Philippine television since its inception in 1979, and despite the current rumors, it continues to be a significant part of daily entertainment for many Filipinos. The hosts’ strong rebuttal highlights their commitment to the show and its legacy.