Vice Ganda denies that It’s Showtime owes GMA money. Image: Screenshot from YouTube/ABS-CBN
Comedy host Vice Ganda has denied allegations that his show “It’s Showtime” was influenced by the GMA Network, where it is currently airing.
In the Dec. 17 episode, Vice Ganda refuted the debt allegations as he and other hosts praised the show’s “Tawag ng Tanghalan” segment for its glittering staging.”
“Budget na tayo dito (We have a budget here), umaasenso na tayo (We are growing financially),” Vhong Navarro said.
“Let us state that umaasenso tayo (we are making progress). In Hindi, totoong may utang ang Showtime sa GMA (the claim that Showtime is in debt to GMA is not true),” Vice Ganda stressed.
“Oo nga sino ba kasi nagpakalat non? (Yes, by the way, who spread this rumor?)” Kim Chiu said.
The host then paid tribute to Atty. Annette Gozon, GMA’s Senior Vice President for Talent Management, Programming, Global and Support Group.
“Bongga talaga ‘to si Ms. Annette (She’s amazing). I love you, Ms. Annette,” Vice Ganda said, adding that the executive had prepared a Christmas gift for the show.
In a previous interview, Gozon said “It’s Showtime” does not owe GMA any money and that they are in the process of renewing their contract with the network.
“Wala silang utang (They don’t have any debt). Sa ratings, wala kaming Problema, kasi ang taas taas ng ratings ng Showtime (When it comes to ratings, we don’t have a problem because Showtime has high ratings),” she said.
After officially ending its partnership with TV5, “It’s Showtime” will begin airing on GMA’s secondary channel GTV on July 1, 2023.