Manila, Philippines — The powerful and politically prominent Jalosjos family has been thrust into the national spotlight once again — but this time, not for their influence, but for a legal battle that could shake the corridors of both politics and media. Businessmen and political figures Romeo “Bullet” Jalosjos Jr., his brother Romeo “Jonjon” Jalosjos, and their father, Romeo Jalosjos Sr., are now facing estafa charges filed by broadcast giant GMA Network.

The case, which has ignited intense discussions both online and within legal circles, stems from a multi-million peso dispute over a failed business deal between GMA and a company reportedly affiliated with the Jalosjos family.

The Alleged Breach: What GMA Claims

According to the formal complaint lodged by GMA Network before the Department of Justice, the Jalosjos men allegedly misrepresented financial capabilities and failed to fulfill contractual obligations involving a business arrangement that sources say may have involved broadcast rights, infrastructure, or a potential joint venture.

Though full details of the complaint remain confidential due to ongoing investigations, insiders familiar with the case reveal that millions of pesos in losses were cited — with accusations pointing to fraudulent intent, deception, and breach of trust.

“This is not a simple business misunderstanding. This is a matter of public trust, especially when political families and media institutions are involved,” one legal analyst said.

Who Are the Jalosjoses? A Controversial Dynasty

The Jalosjos name is not new to controversy. Romeo Jalosjos Sr., the patriarch, is a former congressman previously convicted of a serious crime, though later released. His sons, meanwhile, have ventured into both politics and business — with Bullet Jalosjos currently serving in public office and managing various enterprises in Mindanao.

The family’s business ties reportedly include television networks and broadcasting ventures, raising eyebrows about the intersection of political power and media ownership.

Public Reactions: Shock, Speculation, and Scrutiny

Social media erupted with reactions following the news, with netizens questioning how such powerful individuals could allegedly deceive one of the country’s biggest media networks. Some are calling for transparency, while others demand accountability regardless of political stature.

“GMA wouldn’t file charges unless they had strong evidence. This is serious.”

“Another political dynasty caught in scandal. Are we even surprised anymore?”

Supporters of the Jalosjos clan, however, insist that the family will clear their name, accusing their critics of political motivations and media bias.

GMA Network’s Stand: Fighting for Integrity

In a rare public move, GMA Network released a statement, emphasizing that the company is simply standing up for its rights and interests.

“This legal action is a necessary step in protecting the integrity of our business operations and ensuring that justice is served,” the statement read.

Legal counsel for GMA added that they are prepared to pursue the case to the fullest extent, hinting at potentially more revelations in the coming weeks.

What’s Next? Courtroom Drama Unfolds

The Department of Justice is expected to conduct preliminary hearings in the coming days. Should probable cause be found, the Jalosjoses could face formal criminal charges and possible arrest warrants, depending on the outcome of the proceedings.

Observers note that the case could set a legal precedent, especially involving high-profile individuals tied to both politics and private enterprise.

Final Thoughts: A Family at the Center of Another Storm

Whether the Jalosjos family is guilty of estafa or will emerge vindicated remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: this legal battle is far from over, and the nation is watching.

Jon, Bullet Jalosjos no diabolical reason for joining TAPE board
Jalosjos brothers say reason for active role in TAPE is “continuity, number one.”
They didn’t give us a chance,” Bullet Jalosjos lamented on their failed negotiations with original hosts of Eat Bulaga! Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, the TVJ.

The TAPE Inc. CFO—in an exclusive interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) on June 3, 2023—said: “And you know, the only problem is, ‘For 44 years, you were the ones who moved, you were all. We never got involved.’

“We didn’t even try to attempt because it was clear it was very hard to come in.

“What are you giving us… we only have two years of contract with GMA? Why don’t you give us a chance?

“Give us a chance to see if we can try… some sort of change.”

His brother Jon Jalosjos added: “To improve the system and the show.”

But they won’t be given the opportunity anymore because Tito, Vic, and Joey—along with all the co-hosts and some key production staff—have already left TAPE on May 31, 2023. Lack of trust is apparently the reason why Tito, Vic, and Joey are closed to the recommendations of brothers Jon and Bullet.

The Jalosjos brothers are the new management of Television And Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc., the producer of the longest-running noontime show.

Jon said, “I think they were questioning the change, our motive.

“Because during the negotiation, it always came out, ‘What is your motive? I don’t believe it.’

“It also came out in his interviews [Tito Sotto], ‘Eat Bulaga! is not a loss.’

“I didn’t say it was a loss. It’s just not balanced. We might end up in bankruptcy.’”

Is it possible that TVJ’s negative reception of the Jalosjos siblings is because they represent a “change,” or a change, from a system that TVJ has been accustomed to for 42 years?

“Yes, that’s it,” agreed Jon. “Actually, the whole negotiation boils down to this.”Change,” Bullet amended.

NO DIABOLICAL REASON
Jon and Bullet insisted that they have no “diabolical reason” for being active as TAPE board members.

They also said that they have no plans to replace TVJ.

According to the siblings, their father, the controversial Romeo “Romy” Jalosjos Sr., wants to bring new blood to TAPE so that the company and Eat Bulaga! can continue.

Jon explained: “You know, times change. We can’t avoid getting older and older, and what we’re used to, we can add to improve.

“So, that’s the goal of the company, which is why we got involved—continuity, number one.

“I guess every company, plans for how the company will survive. Not just for us, but for the entire company. Especially the younger [employees].”

TAPE’s two owners aren’t getting any younger: the chairman, Romeo Jalosjos Sr., is 82, and the former CEO and president who is now a consultant, Antonio “Tony” Tuviera, is 78.

Romeo Sr. is the majority shareholder, with a 75 percent share; while Tony has a 25 percent share. “The main reason is continuity because our management is aging,” Jon explained.
“We have to think of that. Dad is getting old. Uncle Tony too. There’s no escaping [age], eh.

“What we want is a smooth, ‘Let’s just get ready. We don’t want to get rid of you, let’s just get ready.’ That’s the reason we went in.”

Jon insisted, “It’s not because we have a diabolical reason to get rid of them, we’re on our own. No, no, no, no.”

Jon, 51, succeeded Tony Tuviera, known as Mr. T in the showbiz industry, as CEO and president of TAPE, and appears to be loved and respected by the rival camps, TAPE and TVJ.

Jon’s siblings, Bullet and Soraya Jalosjos, hold the positions of Chief Finance Office and Executive Vice-President for Production, respectively.

Jon revealed that he is the incumbent congressman of the first district of Zamboanga del Norte—although he is said to have an issue with the Supreme Court—and also has his own businesses.

He said he did not ask his father for his position at TAPE.

“It’s just that when Dad was telling me, because he already had a pacemaker, Daddy said, ‘I’m getting older, what if something happens to me? What happens to Eat Bulaga!? What happens to you? Uncle Tony is not getting younger either. His illness is also increasing.’”

Their father reportedly wanted to position the siblings for any eventuality.

Even before the 2020 pandemic, the Eat Bulaga! crew knew about Jon, Bullet, and Soraya joining TAPE’s active board.

Romeo Sr. reportedly issued a memo to inform the board of this move.

However, TVJ and the production managers of Eat Bulaga! did not receive it well, especially since the Jalosjos Family had not intervened for more than three decades.

Bullet’s story: “But it was hard. We really had a lot of resistance.

“Until after the pandemic, and then my dad realized, ‘We’re gonna have to do this hard. Because if not, there’s no way to bring you guys in.’

“Because we weren’t paying attention.”

“There was really resistance,” Jon added.

Bullet summed up: “We weren’t heard. No one respected us. It’s gotten to that point.

“I think my dad already saw that there’s only one way—‘I’m gonna have to put my fist down and say, You know what, I will retire.’

“Dad retired, and Tito Tony, as discussed, will retire too.”TVJ REFUSED TO SIGN CONTRACT
In the 44 years of Eat Bulaga! and Mr. T’s partnership, it’s hard to even scratch their trust in each other.

This is why it got to the point where Tito, Vic, and Joey worked on Eat Bulaga! for that long without signing a contract.

There was also the fear that they could be replaced at any time because Mr. T was no longer in charge of TAPE.

In response to that fear, according to Jon, he offered them a contract with TVJ to assure them that they wouldn’t be fired from the program.

“The fear that ‘the Chairman wants to fire us,’ is not. ‘You want us to sign a contract. For however many years you want, eh.’

“Because, if you’re afraid that you’ll be fired, my answer in the negotiation is, ‘You want it to be put into contract for however many years you want? Or even just one year, until December.’

“They don’t want to sign any contract.
“If you are afraid, and you’re being accused of being diabolically fired, there’s only one answer—let’s not ask for a contract, which I offered.”

This is what TVJ said to him: “Oh, we’ve been here for 44 years. Our work is our bond. For 44 years we existed without signing a piece of paper. Why start now?”

Jon told them: “Because it protects both of us. It could protect you and us. All our negotiations, it can be put in a paper that will protect you and also protect the company.”

TVJ is probably old school, ‘ika nga.

Jon agrees, “If you put it that way, yes. Because 44 years is really old. That system, it really worked at that time, it worked. But times have changed.”

Jon said he didn’t insist on TVJ signing a contract when they refused.

“Actually, I didn’t insist. I just offered. When they said, ‘Don’t,’ [I replied] ‘You guys, go ahead.’

“Because I want to take away the fear that they will be fired.

“There’s no word to tell a person, ‘I won’t fire you, I won’t fire you,’ if I don’t give you a paper that I will sign and you will sign.”

Jon insisted that they never thought of removing TVJ from Eat Bulaga!, whether there was a contract or not.

“We won’t fire them… We had a plan at first, I admit it. But they never did. We won’t fire them,” he said.

TVJ PLANS TO RETIRE ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY of eat bulaga!

Jon also shared what TVJ told him that they want to retire from Eat Bulaga! on the very 50th anniversary of the noontime show, in 2029.

He said, “They said, ‘Jon, [when] we reach the 50th anniversary, we ourselves, on air, will retire from Eat Bulaga!.’

“Not showbiz,’ he said, ‘showbiz doesn’t have a retirement age.’

“I said, ‘That’s true. Thank you. We’re the same. As the new president of TAPE, Jon also said that Eat Bulaga!’s goal is to reach 50 years, but he wants it to be not just 50 years but beyond that.
Because what will happen to the employees and the company if everything ends in the 50th year?

He said he informed TVJ of this: “I asked them, ‘Boss, but let’s prepare. Let’s make some changes.”

The Jalosjos brothers also confirmed Tito’s statement, in the latter’s interview with PEP.ph in April 2023, that one of the segments they want to add is about housemaids.

The former Senate President doubts that this segment will be used to promote Romy Jalosjos’ plan to enter the party list related to housemaids.

Bullet didn’t confirm this, but he didn’t deny it either.

Bullet replied, “I, regardless, if you talk about kasambahay, it’s a marginalized sector. In fact, we should be hyping it up even more.
“These are the sectors that we call the minority that are not really given much attention.

“Whether or not we plan to push for a party-list, is it so wrong to put a segment solely concentrated on the kasambahay?”

WHAT IS THE CORRECT NUMBER OF YEARS FOR EAT BULAGA!?

It is noticeable that the quoted duration of Eat Bulaga! varies. The most commonly used is forty-four (44) years.

Eat Bulaga! has indeed been on television for 44 years.

But here’s a breakdown:

TVJ first worked together as hosts and Production Specialists as producers for one year—from July 30, 1979 to 1980. TVJ was then salaried employees. Production Specialists, which pays them, is owned by Antonio Tuviera, Romeo Jalosjos Sr., and several other investors.

From the beginning, the program’s name was Eat Bulaga!, a name that Joey de Leon came up with during a brainstorming session at TVJ. At that time, the new program Eat Bulaga! Production Specialists closed down.

Eat Bulaga! was seen again on television that same July 1981. For the next forty-two (42) years, or until May 31, 2023, TVJ and TAPE Inc. merged. TVJ still has salaried employees. TAPE, which pays them, is owned by only two investors, Antonio Tuvera, as minority shareholder, and Romy Jalosjos, as majority shareholder.