TAPE stops using 'Eat Bulaga,' changes title of noontime program to 'Tahanang Pinakamasaya'
At A Glance
- "Nevertheless, GMA Network will refer the matter to our external counsel to avail of the proper remedies before the appellate courts," the statement read.

TAPE Inc . has stopped using "Eat Bulaga" as it changed the title of its noontime program to "Tahanang Pinakamasaya" on GMA Network.
The new title of the noontime program came after the Marikina City Regional Trial Court Branch 273 prohibited TAPE Inc. and GMA Network from using the trademarks "EB," "Eat Bulaga," and "Eat Bulaga and EB," even its logos and jingles.
The court upheld that Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon owned "Eat Bulaga" and "EB" trademarks.
GMA Network said in its statement that it will comply with the court ruling.
"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.
“We will comply with the directive of the Court on the airing of Eat Bulaga episodes in our platforms.
"Nevertheless, GMA Network will refer the matter to our external counsel to avail of the proper remedies before the appellate courts," the statement read.
In a report by Nelson Canlas on "24 Oras Weekend," lawyer Maggie Garduque, TAPE Inc. legal counsel, said: “Initial reaction, among others, we were surprised that the court ruled on trademark and trademark infringement when the case pending in court is copyright infringement. We will definitely file an appeal to this decision."
On Saturday, Jan. 7, TVJ's "E.A.T." changed its noontime program to "Eat Bulaga" and started to use its famous jingle after nearly eight months of changes in the program.
Aside from GMA Network, TVJ's "Eat Bulaga" can also be seen on CNN Philippines.
"Magandang simula ito sa pagharap sa ating bagong taon," said Tito at the start of their show last Jan. 6.
Vic added: "Eto naman po ay hindi laban sa pamagat o title. Laban po ito para sa programang minahal namin at minahal ninyong lahat. Sa naging decision ng korte, makakapagpatuloy pa rin naman ang lahat sa paghahatid ng kasayahan sa mga manonood sa patas at payapang paraan."