'Eat Bulaga' is not ending in July —TAPE Inc.

TAPE Inc. has denied reports that GMA Network’s noontime show, “Eat Bulaga,” will only run until the end of July.

In a statement, lawyer Atty. Maggie Abraham Garduque said, "There is no reason for that."

The rumors circulated online following the show's low ratings, especially on July 1 when “It’s Showtime” and “E. A. T.” premiered on GTV and TV5 respectively.

“We do not contest that on July 1, mababa ang rating of ‘Eat Bulaga’ because of the anticipation of people on the launch of new shows, but thereafter, makikita na tumataas na ulit ang ratings nito,” Garduque said.

In a ratings report, the viewership of “Eat Bulaga” has increased by at least 0.7% by July 3, and continued to increase by July 5.

She added that the show’s segments are “doing great.”

“‘Eat Bulaga’ segments are doing great, lalo na yung segment ni Yorme [Isko Moreno] and Buboy [Villar],” she said.

She added that the newly launched segment “Hey! Mr. Rider” is “Sobrang patok na patok sa mga members ng motorcycle associations,” and that audiences can look forward to celebrity riders.

Garduque said that their legal team will "look into" whether they will file a complaint against those who spread the rumors.

She also emphasized that the essence of “Eat Bulaga” is to provide happiness and help Filipinos.

“Ang ‘Eat Bulaga’ ay para sa tao at hanggang maraming manonood, ang tumatangkilik, patuloy ang ‘Eat Bulaga’ sa pagbibigay ng saya at tulong sa mga kababayan natin,” she said.

Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon resigned from TAPE Inc. in May, with mainstay hosts Maine Mendoza, Paolo Ballesteros, Ryan Agoncillo, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Allan K, and Ryzza Mae Dizon also resigning.

“Eat Bulaga” went back on air in early June with a new set of hosts: Paolo Contis, Betong, Buboy Villar, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, and Alexa Miro.

Meanwhile, “It’s Showtime” made a strong debut on GMA Network’s GTV on July 1 and was the top trending topic on Twitter worldwide. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News