GMA files estafa case against TAPE over P37M misappropriation

GMA Network has filed a criminal complaint for estafa with abuse of confidence against TAPE executives over the misappropriation of P37,941,352.56.

The Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City now has an official complaint on file as GMA alleges that TAPE used advertising revenues collected from clients and assigned to GMA for operational expenses instead of transferring them as stipulated in a 2023 agreement.

GMA Network named Romeo Jalosjos Jr., Romeo Jalosjos Sr., Seth Frederick Jalosjos, Malou Choa-Fagar, Michaela Magtoto, and Zenaida Bautista as respondents in the complaint after sending multiple formal demands without success.

TAPE used to produce 'Eat Bulaga!' but lost legal cases against Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, leading TAPE to produce 'Tahanang Pinakamasaya' on GMA before discontinuing it last year due to low ratings.

Garduque assured that TAPE will respect any legal proceedings once they receive an official copy of the complaint.