Veteran TV host and comedian Vic Sotto has broken his silence about the controversy surrounding his exit from ‘Eat Bulaga’, revealing the emotional toll it took on him and his colleagues Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon.
In a candid interview with Toni Gonzaga, the noontime show icon reflected on the decision of TAPE Inc., the show’s producer, to part ways with the trio, a move he described as deeply hurtful after decades of dedication.
Vic recounted the shock and disappointment they felt after being informed of their removal from the program.
“Ang naging problema lang namin is with TAPE,” Vic explained. “I mean, just imagine, 44 years of doing it, making money for them and reaching them, tapos all of a sudden, kasi dahil nagkakaedad na raw kami, aalisin na kami.”
The veteran host emphasized the role he, Tito, and Joey played in building ‘Eat Bulaga’ into an institution.
“Eat Bulaga ‘yan eh. Kami ‘yun eh. I mean, you know, si Joey (de Leon) nag-imbento nu’ng title. Tapos we really work hard for it… like hindi kami sumusuweldo… tinanggap namin lahat ‘yun kasi enjoy kami sa show. We were like one big family,” he shared.
Vic detailed how TAPE Inc.’s leadership announced their dismissal during a general meeting. “Tapos bigla-bigla na lang, the boss will call for a general meeting announcing that Tito, Vic and Joey, thank you… nice working with you… (ang) sakit. Ang sakit nu’n.”
The announcement quickly sparked outrage among fans and netizens, who criticized TAPE Inc. for their decision.
“Noong pumutok ‘yun, medyo nagalit ‘yung mga netizen. Na-bash sila mula ulo hanggang paa… medyo bumaligtad sila (TAPE),” Vic said. “Pero nandoon na ‘yung sugat. Nandoon na ‘yung sugat na hindi basta-basta maghihilom.”
The dismissal prompted the trio to explore other opportunities, leading them to their new home at TV5. Vic expressed gratitude for the warm reception they received and their chance to start anew.
Despite the emotional ordeal, Vic clarified that they hold no grudges against GMA Network, which had been the home of ‘Eat Bulaga’ for years. Instead, he focused on the future, expressing optimism for their journey with TV5.
