The world of Philippine noontime television is once again embroiled in controversy—and this time, it’s a clash between two high-profile names: former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and actor-host Paolo Contis.

Sources close to the situation say that Isko Moreno has finally “lost his patience” over what he allegedly calls the continued “disrespect and degradation” of the once-iconic show Eat Bulaga!—a program that, for decades, defined the pulse of Filipino entertainment.

⚡ What Sparked the Anger?

Insiders revealed that Moreno, who once appeared as a guest and supporter of the original Dabarkads, expressed strong disapproval over recent segments and on-air behavior led by Paolo Contis, who took over as one of the main hosts after the controversial reformatting of the show under new management.

“Isko didn’t stay silent this time. He feels that Eat Bulaga’s original soul has been stripped away,” said one source familiar with the incident.

Apparently, the former mayor-turned-actor was particularly upset over what he described as “cheap humor and forced antics”, which he believes go against the legacy built by Tito, Vic, and Joey (TVJ), the original founders of the show.

😬 Paolo Contis Under Fire… Again

Paolo Contis has not been a stranger to backlash since stepping into the shoes left behind by TVJ and the rest of the original Dabarkads crew. Many fans criticized his brand of humor as “trying too hard,” “insensitive,” and “out of place.”

However, this time, it’s not just the fans who are speaking up—it’s industry veterans.

Moreno, who maintains close ties with several of Eat Bulaga’s former hosts, reportedly voiced his frustrations in a closed-door conversation with producers, hinting that “the show has turned into a mockery of its original purpose.”

“This is no longer Eat Bulaga. This is just noise,” Moreno allegedly stated.

🎤 Fans Are Divided

Social media exploded as soon as whispers of Isko’s comments leaked. The hashtag #RespectEatBulaga trended overnight, with fans both supporting and defending the two personalities involved.

One netizen wrote:
“Isko just said what many of us have been thinking. Eat Bulaga today feels like a parody of itself.”

While another tweeted:
“Give Paolo a break! He’s trying to revive a sinking ship—at least he showed up.”

The debate has sparked another round of painful nostalgia among long-time fans, who feel that the Eat Bulaga they grew up with is “officially gone.”

🎬 A Clash of Legacies

The issue goes deeper than personal disagreement—it touches the hearts of millions who grew up watching Eat Bulaga as a staple of Filipino family life.

Isko Moreno, a product of humble beginnings and no stranger to showbiz himself, reportedly sees the decline of Eat Bulaga as a “disservice to Filipino culture.” He believes that the current version fails to uphold the values of genuine entertainment, humility, and Filipino identity that once defined the noontime show.

“Eat Bulaga wasn’t just a show—it was a movement. What happened to that spirit?” he allegedly questioned.

😶 Paolo’s Silence—Strategic or Stubborn?

As of writing, Paolo Contis has not issued any public statement regarding Moreno’s reported frustration. Some say his silence is wise. Others believe it only adds fuel to the fire.

But sources close to the host claim that Paolo is “doing his best with what he was given.” He’s been working with a restructured team, a new format, and overwhelming expectations.

“He walked into a battlefield. No matter what he does, he’ll be compared to legends,” one TV insider said.

⚠️ The Bigger Picture: The Death of an Era?

This latest controversy begs the question: Is this the final nail in the coffin for the new Eat Bulaga?

With TVJ moving on to their new program E.A.T., and the public clearly split over the show’s current direction, many wonder if Eat Bulaga as we know it has truly ended—and if attempts to revive it are simply doing more harm than good.

📺 What’s Next?

As tension builds and more celebrities weigh in, the pressure is now on GMA Network and TAPE Inc. to respond—not just to Isko’s alleged criticism, but to the viewers who continue to tune in, hoping to see a spark of the original magic.

For now, one thing is clear: Eat Bulaga is no longer just a TV show—it’s a battleground for legacy, loyalty, and what it means to entertain with heart.

Stay tuned. This story is far from over.