The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) has ruled to dismiss the case filed against Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) by nine former employees who were previously part of the production staff of the long-running noontime show ‘Eat Bulaga.’
The NLRC’s decision, outlined in a 10-page document, determined that the complainants resigned from their positions voluntarily and without coercion from the company. The commission emphasized that dissatisfaction with salary or benefits does not constitute constructive dismissal and noted the absence of evidence supporting claims of harassment or abuse.
The complaint, which included allegations of non-payment of various benefits such as overtime pay, holiday pay, and 13th-month pay, among others, was found to lack legal grounds by the NLRC. Additionally, claims for separation pay, attorney’s fees, and damages were also deemed unsubstantiated.
Atty. Maggie Garduque, legal counsel and spokesperson for TAPE Inc., expressed the company’s satisfaction with the dismissal, stating that TAPE felt vindicated by the ruling. She underscored TAPE’s commitment to its employees and highlighted the company’s decision to continue airing ‘Eat Bulaga’ despite the departure of key personnel.
The case against TAPE Inc. comes amidst significant changes in the show’s landscape, including the departure of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ. Following their exit, TVJ filed a copyright infringement complaint against TAPE Inc. for the unauthorized use of the ‘Eat Bulaga’ name, a case in which the Intellectual Property Office ruled in favor of TVJ as the rightful trademark owners.
As a result, TAPE Inc. rebranded the show as ‘Tahanang Pinakamasaya,’ which concluded its run on air in March.
