EXPLOSIVE REVELATION: Paolo Contis Finally Breaks Silence on Tito, Vic & Joey Rift — Furious Dabarkads Demand Truth Behind Eat Bulaga Fallout

After months of silence, speculation, and controversy, actor and host Paolo Contis has finally addressed the long-standing tension and public backlash surrounding his involvement in the Eat Bulaga! transition following the shocking departure of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) from the original noontime show. In a recent interview, Paolo opened up about the real story behind the scenes — but instead of calming the waters, his statements have only intensified the fury of loyal Dabarkads, fans who remain faithful to the original trio.

The Controversial Shift in Eat Bulaga!

The drama began in mid-2023, when TVJ and the original Dabarkads exited Eat Bulaga! after a highly publicized dispute with TAPE Inc., the production company behind the show. The conflict revolved around creative control, branding rights, and alleged management interference in the show’s direction. TVJ, the iconic trio who built the legacy of Eat Bulaga! for over four decades, decided to leave the program and start fresh under a new network, leaving fans both shocked and emotional.

Meanwhile, GMA Network and TAPE Inc. decided to reformat the show with a new lineup of hosts, which included Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar, and other younger talents. However, the transition was far from smooth. Many viewers accused the new hosts of “stealing” the show and disrespecting the legacy of TVJ.

Paolo Contis: “I Was Just Doing My Job”

In his latest sit-down interview with Nelson Canlas, Paolo Contis finally addressed the elephant in the room. The actor admitted that he knew taking the role would be controversial, but insisted that his intentions were never to hurt or replace anyone.

“I knew people would bash me. I knew the fans would be angry. But at the end of the day, I was offered a job, and I accepted it. I never disrespected Tito, Vic, or Joey,” Paolo said firmly.

He went on to explain that he grew up watching and idolizing TVJ like many Filipinos and that he had no control over the internal decisions made by TAPE Inc.

“I didn’t steal anything. The production offered us an opportunity, and we tried to make the best of it. I understand the anger, but I hope people will also understand my side.”

Dabarkads React: “Too Little, Too Late”

Despite Paolo’s heartfelt explanation, many fans of the original Eat Bulaga! weren’t ready to forgive or forget. On social media, netizens immediately voiced their disapproval of Paolo’s statements, with many calling it “damage control” and accusing him of playing the victim.

“You knew what you were getting into. You became the face of a betrayal. Now you want sympathy?” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted.

“He could’ve turned the job down. Loyalty is also a choice. He chose the paycheck,” another commented.

Some even demanded that Paolo publicly apologize to TVJ, saying his explanation lacked accountability and genuine remorse.

Former Staff and Insiders Speak Up

In the wake of Paolo’s interview, several former staff members and insiders associated with Eat Bulaga! have come forward, hinting that the split wasn’t as simple as a creative disagreement. Some claimed that TVJ was pushed out through silent power plays, while others suggested that newer hosts like Paolo were well aware of the tension.

One insider stated anonymously:

“We all knew something was wrong. Paolo may not have pulled the strings, but he definitely benefited from the fallout.”

Another former writer added:

“The audience wasn’t just mourning a show — they were mourning a family. Paolo and the others were seen as intruders in something sacred.”

Paolo’s Message to TVJ

In the same interview, Paolo took a moment to address Tito, Vic, and Joey directly:

“To TVJ, I have the highest respect for you. You are legends. What happened was beyond my control, but I never intended to disrespect your legacy.”

He added that he hopes for reconciliation and that there’s no personal animosity between him and the trio.

“Kung magkikita kami, I would shake their hands. I owe them a lot — like most entertainers in this country do.”

Will the Damage Ever Be Repaired?

Since the split, Eat Bulaga! under TVJ’s leadership has found a new home on TV5, now called “E.A.T.” The program continues to gain traction, and the trio’s fanbase has remained incredibly loyal.

Meanwhile, the rebranded Eat Bulaga! on GMA has struggled to regain its previous ratings dominance. Despite efforts to reinvent the show, public reception has been lukewarm, with many still calling for the return of the original hosts.

Some entertainment analysts believe the brand of Eat Bulaga! was inseparable from TVJ, and trying to move forward without them was a massive gamble.

“TVJ wasn’t just a hosting trio. They were Eat Bulaga. That’s a legacy you can’t replace with new faces, no matter how talented,” one media expert explained.

Final Thoughts

Paolo Contis may have finally spoken out, but his explanation has left the public even more divided. While some appreciate his honesty, many remain loyal to the spirit of the original Dabarkads, viewing Paolo’s role as part of a larger betrayal.

The wounds left by the Eat Bulaga! shake-up are still fresh for many Filipinos. Until there’s true accountability and perhaps even a reconciliation between the old and new faces, the controversy is likely to linger in public consciousness.

As Paolo continues to host the show under TAPE’s management, one question remains:

Can a legacy truly be rebuilt without the very people who created it?
Only time — and the Filipino audience — will decide.

Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to unfold.