Vic Sotto Breaks His Silence: An Emotional Exit from “Eat Bulaga” Sparks Shockwaves Across Showbiz

In a stunning and emotional revelation that has rocked the Philippine entertainment industry, veteran comedian and beloved TV host Vic “Bossing” Sotto has finally broken his silence about the dramatic exit of the original hosts from the long-running noontime show Eat Bulaga. Speaking candidly for the first time, Sotto confirmed what many fans had feared—their departure was not a peaceful goodbye, but a painful “forced exit” from the iconic show they helped build for decades.

The usually composed and humorous Sotto was visibly emotional as he addressed the issue during an exclusive media interview. “This wasn’t our decision,” he said, voice cracking. “We were not just asked to leave—we were pushed out. That’s the truth.”

The revelation has sent shockwaves across social media and within the entertainment community. Fans, many of whom have watched Eat Bulaga religiously for generations, were quick to express heartbreak and outrage. The hashtag #JusticeForTVJ—the trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon—trended for days as supporters demanded transparency from the show’s new management under TAPE Inc.

According to Vic Sotto, tensions had been building for months behind the scenes. “There were so many changes happening without consulting us,” he said. “We were being sidelined from our own show. We were treated like guests, not creators.”

Sotto’s comments also implied that financial and creative control had become points of conflict. Long-standing disagreements reportedly intensified earlier this year when new leadership allegedly began exerting tighter control over content, branding, and even salaries. “We knew something was coming, but we didn’t expect it to be this,” he added.

The emotional impact was evident when Vic talked about the fans: “They deserve the truth. Eat Bulaga is not just a show—it’s a part of Filipino culture, of our daily lives. This was taken away from us, but also from them.”

Insiders close to the trio confirmed that efforts to negotiate with management had failed and that the decision to leave was not made lightly. “They were cornered,” one source said. “This wasn’t a resignation. It was a survival move.”

In the wake of the hosts’ departure, Eat Bulaga has undergone a major overhaul, with a new cast and format now in place. But despite these changes, ratings have fluctuated, and viewers have been vocal about missing the humor, authenticity, and chemistry of the original hosts.

Vic, Tito, and Joey have since moved on to launch a new noontime show on another network, which has been warmly received by loyal fans. Still, the wound of Eat Bulaga’s dramatic shake-up remains fresh. “We are not bitter,” Vic clarified. “But we owe it to everyone to speak the truth. It’s not about revenge—it’s about respect.”

The trio’s new venture, while still in its infancy, is being celebrated as a triumphant return and a second chance. “We’re not starting over—we’re continuing what was rightfully ours,” Sotto concluded, with a tone of both sadness and hope.

As the industry continues to watch this saga unfold, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Eat Bulaga can never be erased—but its future has forever changed.

Tito, Vic and Joey get emotional on ‘Eat Bulaga’s’ 42nd anniversary
Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon couldn’t help but get emotional and teary-eyed during a “throwback” moment during the celebration of the 42nd anniversary of their program “Eat Bulaga” on Friday.

“42 years. More than half of my life. I’ll be 63 next month,” joked Tito Sen, who is now 72 years old.

The senator laughed as he looked back, “Pareng Joey and I, when ‘Eat Bulaga’ started in 1979, you can verify with him, we thought we were only a year apart.”

Joey’s message was heartfelt about the times when people are separated and not seeing each other because of the pandemic.

“This is a good time to reminisce. But as the saying goes, even though the world is turning differently, friends, or the lives we lead, and even though we are separated by lockdown, no matter how many lockdowns, our Dabarkads will definitely have something to go home to,” said Joey.

Bossing Vic, still tries to laugh even though he is in tears after watching the throwback video of the past anniversaries of the longest-running noontime show.

“When Eat Bulaga was 25 years old, I was already crying,” Vic said, his voice breaking, while his wife Pauleen Luna-Sotto could be seen wiping away tears. “Because in every stage of our lives, as a father, as a husband, as Enteng Kabisote, Starzan, as Vice President (pointing to Tito Sen) and even as a Senator, thank you Dabarkads for accepting and trusting us as your Dabarkads for many years and for the future,” Bossing explained. Vic also gave a message for his brother.

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“Tito Sen, from then on, wherever your destiny takes you, we are still here. And whatever your destiny is, Eat Bulaga is behind you,” said Bossing Vic.

“My strength and my courage come from you, Eat Bulaga, from the love of our countrymen…” replied Tito Sen, before wiping away his tears again.

“The path we take is different. Difficult, happy, sad, judgmental. But we must not give up, we must not give up. Let’s just continue to deliver a thousand and one joys and hopes, wherever I end up,” said the senator