Joey de Leon made a joke about how the Eat Bulaga issue revived the popularity of television shows, including their competitors.
During the media conference for their upcoming new show, Joey said that their issue against Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.) revived the interest of the public to free television.
“In other words, sabi nu’ng anak ko nga, si Jako, ‘Niyanig niyo ang telebisyon. Matagal niyo nang ginagawang magpayanig, ginugulo niyo. Kayo ang pinakamalakas na earthquake, lahat ng sumunod aftershock na lang iyan.” said Joey.
“Ibig sabihin, nabuhay (ang telebisyon). Kami, oo, alive tayong lahat, pero mas alive kami sa 5. Alive ang TV ngayon. Biro niyo, nabuhay lahat, e. Lahat nagulantang, lahat nayanig. Masaya, kaya masaya. Good. Dapat nga magpasalamat sa amin yung ibang TV shows, di ba, nabuhay sila, e. Ang daming nabuhay, nagkahanapbuhay, alam mo na,” he added.
However, several netizens, including fans of It’s Showtime, negatively reacted to Joey’s comment.
“Parang below the belt ang dating,” netizen Antonio said.
“Yabang ni Joey de leon, iyakin nmn, nung gustong tanggalin ng mga Jalosjos,” netizen Ronald remarked.
The upcoming noontime show of TVJ on TV5 was set to start on July 1 and observers are excited to know if their new program would surpass their competitors when it comes to ratings.