Former Senate President Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon have faced the lawyers of TAPE Inc. in their first hearing this morning. The case involves a copyright dispute at the Marikina City Hall of Justice, filed by TVJ against Jon Jalosjos and Dapitan Mayor Bullet Jalosjos, executives of TAPE Inc.
Tito Sen arrived at the Marikina Hall of Justice a little before 8 o’clock, followed by Joey, while Vic did not attend. TVJ’s lawyers, Atty. Enrique dela Cruz and Atty. Isaiah O. Asuncion lll from DivinaLaw, were present.
The Jalosjos siblings did not show up, only their lawyers attended the hearing headed by Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque.
The hearing lasted for over an hour, from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., and TV reporters, online media, and print media surrounded Tito Sen and Joey to ask for statements.
Tito Sen said that the case they filed involves copyright, particularly about the ownership of the name “Eat Bulaga.” They claim that TAPE is deceiving people by using the name, and they insist that TAPE should change the name if they want to continue the show.
The case was filed in time for the upcoming 44th-anniversary celebration of “Eat Bulaga” on Saturday, July 29. Tito Sen admitted that they have been preparing for it for a long time.
The case also involves the use of “Eat Bulaga” footages by TAPE without permission. Tito Sen emphasized that it was wrong and a point of contention in the case.
TVJ is confident that they will win the copyright case and said that they are just speaking the truth.
The next hearing for TVJ versus TAPE is scheduled for Monday, July 31.
