Actor and former ‘Eat Bulaga’ host Anjo Yllana admitted that he does not know how he will pay the ₱3.5 million in damages awarded by the court to TVJ Productions, Inc., following the company’s legal victory in its case against him.
The admission came after the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City, Branch 279, ruled in favor of TVJ Productions in its petition for injunction and damages over Yllana’s allegedly defamatory statements made on TikTok and other social media platforms.
In its decision dated June 29, 2026, the court ordered Yllana to pay:
- ₱1 million in temperate damages
- ₱1 million in moral damages
- ₱1 million in exemplary damages
- ₱500,000 in attorney’s fees and litigation expenses
The court likewise issued a permanent injunction prohibiting Yllana, his representatives, and anyone acting on his behalf from publishing, broadcasting, sharing, distributing, or re-uploading the statements deemed defamatory against TVJ Productions and Eat Bulaga on TikTok or any other social media and digital platforms.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that freedom of speech does not extend to statements that unlawfully damage another person’s or entity’s reputation.
During an episode of Showbiz Updates, host Ogie Diaz revealed that he had spoken with Yllana regarding the court’s decision.
According to Diaz, the actor admitted that he remains uncertain about his next legal move and has no idea where he would obtain the money to satisfy the judgment.
“Honestly, hindi niya alam ang kanyang next move. Pero ‘yong mabayaran ‘yung ₱3.5 milyong damages, hindi rin niya alam kung saan hahagilapin,” Diaz quoted Yllana as saying.
What happens if damages remain unpaid?
Lawyer Regie Tongol, who explained the legal implications of the decision, said collecting the damages would only come into play once the judgment becomes final and executory.
According to Tongol, if a losing party fails to voluntarily pay a final monetary judgment, the court may issue a writ of execution authorizing the sheriff to satisfy the judgment through lawful means.
This may include levying non-exempt personal property or other assets belonging to the judgment debtor. In some instances, receivables such as talent fees may also become subject to execution in accordance with the Rules of Court.
However, Tongol clarified that certain properties are protected by law and cannot ordinarily be seized, including exempt property recognized under the rules. He also noted that Yllana still has the right to elevate the case to the Court of Appeals within the period allowed by law, meaning execution would generally not proceed while a timely appeal is pending.
TVJ Productions filed the case after Yllana publicly made allegations on social media, including claims that there was allegedly a “syndicate” operating within ‘Eat Bulaga’ and accusations involving Tito Sotto.
Following the favorable ruling, TVJ Productions released a statement describing the decision as a vindication of the integrity of the noontime program, its hosts, and its management.
“The Court’s Decision stands as a stern warning that social media cannot be used recklessly to destroy the rights of others,” the company said.
As of this writing, Anjo Yllana has yet to issue an official public statement regarding whether he intends to appeal the court’s ruling.
