J. Albert Gamboa l June 23, 2023 l The Manila Times
RECENT developments in the Philippine broadcast industry have captured the interest of the business community. The sudden turn of events involving the top networks and their most bankable talents caught many by surprise. Who would have thought that this “rigodon” of noontime TV shows would ever happen?
First was the announcement of TVJ Productions chaired by former Senate president Vicente Sotto 3rd that the majority of the “Eat Bulaga” (EB) cast and crew were moving from GMA 7 to TV5 following a much-publicized fallout with their longtime producer, Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE), which is a blocktimer on GMA’s free TV channel.
TAPE then decided to hire a new set of personalities to immediately replace the TVJ “Dabarkads” and continue the existing blocktime agreement with GMA Network that expires at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, a dispute regarding the EB trademark copyright is raging on social media and at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Department of Trade and Industry, where cases have been filed by both parties to determine who really owns the EB brand.
Out of the blue, ABS-CBN Corp. announced that its own noontime show titled “It’s Showtime” will be transferring from TV5 to GMA’s second free TV channel called GTV effective July 1, 2023. That’s the same date when TVJ’s still untitled new show will air on TV5. Ever since ABS-CBN lost its free TV franchise three years ago, it has been transformed into a content creator from being the country’s No. 1 broadcasting network. Head of TV Production Lauren Dyogi said ABS-CBN’s mindset is now geared toward collaborations, as evidenced by the airing of its prized shows in both GMA and TV5 plus several joint ventures forged with its erstwhile rivals in co-producing movies and “teleseryes.”
What’s puzzling though is that amid all these controversies, TAPE owner Romeo Jalosjos Sr. seems to be unperturbed. A former congressman, he was found guilty of raping an 11-year-old girl in 1996. This heinous act demonstrates a complete disregard for the well-being and rights of others, especially the most vulnerable members of society. It is deeply troubling that someone who held a position of power and influence could commit such a reprehensible crime.
Despite his conviction, he managed to run for public office again and won as congressman in 2001, raising serious questions about the integrity of the political system. In the Philippines, a person who has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or who is serving a sentence of imprisonment of more than 18 months, among other disqualifications, is not allowed to hold public office. This is stated in Article XI of the Philippine Constitution and other related laws.
While it is important to recognize any positive contributions Jalosjos may have made such as his support for infrastructure projects or his charitable endeavors, they should not overshadow the severity of rape as a grave violation that should never be minimized or overlooked. His actions undermine the principles of justice and accountability, making it difficult to view him in a positive light.
Now as the owner of TAPE, he is embroiled in another controversy that may end up in the courts depending on the decision of the IPO. This is an issue where there is a convergence of business, politics and entertainment. “Abangan!”
*** The author is the chief finance officer of Asian Center for Legal Excellence and vice chairman of the Finex Ethics Committee. The opinion expressed herein does not necessarily reflect the views of these institutions and The Manila Times. #FinexPhils www.finex.org.ph.