HATE AND SARCASM: Joey De Leon’s Intense Rant Against Paolo Contis in the Middle of the Eat Bulaga War

With each passing day, the conflict between the original geniuses of television and the company that continues to claim their beloved title is intensifying. The battle for ownership of the name Eat Bulaga —the longest-running noontime show in Philippine television history—has not only remained in court, but has also escalated into intense personal battles taking place on social media and even on air.

In the latest episode of this seemingly endless telenovela , a Genius Master vented his anger and frustration. Joey De Leon, one of the pillars of Tito, Vic, and Joey (TVJ), directly slammed the host of Tape Incorporated’s current Eat Bulaga , Paolo Contis, for allegedly showing gross disrespect to their 44 years of hard work.

This situation is not just an issue of ownership or copyright ; it is a clash of morality, of respect for history, and of the meaning of delicacy. It is a wound that seems unwilling to heal in the hearts of viewers who believe in the rights of TVJ.

The “Insult” That Ignited Anger

This new flare-up started with a statement from Paolo Contis. As their program continued on the rival station, netizens could almost feel Contis’s anger and frustration as he fought for their right to the title Eat Bulaga .

Contis’ emotional outburst and insistence that the title was theirs—described by TVJ and their supporters as a “power of lime”—is what ignited Joey De Leon’s anger. For netizens and the TVJ camp, Contis’ statement crossed the line of professional competition and entered the territory of vulgarity .

Why?

Eat Bulaga was not just built in a year or a decade. It is a product of the collective genius of TVJ and their original partners, a program that has lasted for 44 years. And, as Joey De Leon pointed out, if we go by logic, Paolo Contis was not even alive and was not on the face of the earth when TVJ conceived the concept and name of Eat Bulaga . Someone who is not part of the foundation and history of the program has the audacity to claim that they own the rights is, for many, a huge slap in the face to those who have suffered.

This is the heart of the issue: The disregard for origins and long history.

The Genius Master’s Intense Scramble

Henyo Master Joey De Leon did not miss the said disrespect. Known for his wit and quick wit and cryptic banat , Joey De Leon expressed his thoughts on his Instagram account, which immediately went viral on social media.

His message was simple but as powerful as a thousand words: “Well I don’t expect respect from respect” .

This line is a masterpiece of sarcasm and self-awareness . It implies that from the other side, he no longer expects any form of respect, because people who are disrespectful don’t even know how to give it. It is a straightforward statement that shows his acceptance of the fact that the opposing side seems blind and deaf to the moral high ground of the situation.

His use of words and letters has been admired by many. His words are not just simple banat; they are lines that evoke morality and remind everyone who really suffered and built the program. It is a verbal assault that is more powerful than any legal argument because it hits directly at the feelings and credibility of those being attacked.

The impact of his statement was electrifying . It gave new fire to the Dabarkads who support TVJ, proving that their idols are willing to fight for their rights, not only before the law, but also in the eyes of the public.

The Accusation of ‘Illegal Practice’

Tape Incorporated’s continued use of the title Eat Bulaga , even though they appealed the court’s decision, raises new questions about their intentions and respect for the legal process.

And here comes a more serious statement from the TVJ camp. According to the report, Bossing Vic Sotto, another pillar of TVJ, said that the continued actions of the other camp only show that they are “accustomed to Illegality” .

This accusation is profound and has far-reaching implications. From a current affairs and journalistic perspective, it points to a larger issue that goes beyond just the trademark . It’s about a pattern of behavior, where a corporation seems willing to cross moral and legal boundaries just to get what they want.

Their failure to give the respect demanded by TVJ is, according to their side, evidence of a habit of acting contrary to the law and morality. This is the emotional core of TVJ’s objection: It’s not just about money anymore, but about getting the dignity and respect they deserve as creators.

As Tape Inc. continues to use the title—which they are appealing—it shows a sense of entitlement that is making the Dabarkads even angrier. It is a game of chicken where Tape Inc. seems to be waiting for the moment when they will be forced to let go, instead of voluntarily paying homage to the previous creators.

The Hope for Copyright and the Sarcasm of Gratitude

The fight is not over yet. The “Legit Dabarkads” hope that the progress of the cases filed by TVJ against Tape Incorporated will be expedited, especially the copyright filing [01:58]. Once a final decision is made in favor of TVJ, the hosts of the other camp, including Paolo Contis, will have no choice but to completely change the title of their program [02:16].

Copyright will be the final nail in the coffin for the title issue. It will be the legal recognition that the creative genius and the name truly belong to TVJ.

Meanwhile, in the midst of this intense tension , Joey De Leon dropped one final, sarcastic punch . After all the backlash, all Joey De Leon could say about Tape Incorporated’s continued use of the Eat Bulaga title was gratitude [02:25].

“Thank you for the show because it promotes Eat Bulaga ,” he said.

This sarcasm is not only funny; it shows TVJ’s confidence . By continuing to use Tape Inc. as the name, it seems like they are making their opponent a promoter for a brand they no longer own. For Joey De Leon, while they are using the title, they are continuing to strengthen the legacy and recall of the original Eat Bulaga which is now on TV5.

This is a smart move — using a negative situation to focus attention back on them.

Conclusion: A Fight With an Emotional Heart

The conflict between TVJ and Tape Inc., exacerbated by Paolo Contis’ statements, is a reflection of a larger theme in show business and the corporate world : the value of legacy versus corporate greed , and the importance of respecting creative pioneers .

While Paolo Contis remains silent during Joey De Leon’s banat [02:25], his silence speaks loudly. In the end, it’s not just about the title, but about the moral battle that says: A victory is worthless if it is achieved by ignoring the roots and trampling on the hard work of others.

For the Dabarkads, this fight is an emotional rollercoaster . But with every episode of Henyo Master, there is new hope and proof that the original and legit Eat Bulaga will not be defeated. The public awaits the final decision, which will surely change the landscape of noontime television in the Philippines. Every moment proves that 44 years of history cannot be paid for with any price, and true respect is not easily given—especially if you don’t know how to give it. This event is a lesson to all: Ownership is not only legal , it is moral .