From Accusation to Armistice: An Unexpected Ceasefire

The explosive feud between actor and former host Anjo Yllana and Senate President Tito Sotto has taken a bewildering turn. Just days after Yllana’s viral accusations—which included claims of a “syndicate” within Eat Bulaga and allegations of Sotto’s marital infidelity—the actor has swiftly backed down, claiming his incendiary remarks were merely a “bluff” (biro-oblaff in the vernacular) and a tactic to provoke a reaction.

In an interview with PEP.ph, Yllana clarified that the issue has been resolved, citing a “ceasefire” agreement following a heated discussion with Sotto’s younger brothers, Vic Sotto and Maru Sotto. Yllana admitted that political motivations drove his initial outburst. He claimed to have been severely attacked by online bashers—who he believed were Sotto’s trolls—for his comments against the current administration, leading to a fiery exchange with the Sotto siblings.

Yllana conceded that he understood the brothers’ anger, particularly since their elder brother, the Senate President, had been personally targeted. However, he maintained that he did not start the conflict; he was merely defending himself against relentless online attacks.

The “Misunderstanding” and Lingering Doubt

Following their intense conversation, the parties reached a temporary truce. Yllana explained that they concluded the whole affair was rooted in a “misunderstanding and miscommunication.” Vic and Maru Sotto reportedly assured Yllana that Senate President Sotto does not employ a troll farm.

Despite the reconciliation, Yllana’s acceptance of this assurance remains lukewarm. While he claims to prefer ending the issue for the sake of peace, his public retraction has failed to silence his critics, who view his abrupt about-face as an act of cowardice driven by fear of a lawsuit. The shift from aggressive accuser to peacemaker is interpreted not as a sign of maturity, but as a desperate retreat when confronted with the legal consequences of his actions.

Allan K’s Fiery Condemnation: The Betrayal of ‘Utang Na Loob’

The strongest condemnation of Yllana’s actions came from his former co-host and fellow Eat Bulaga pillar, Allan K (Allan Quilantang). Allan K took to social media, launching a barrage of consecutive posts that not only refuted Yllana’s claims but fundamentally questioned his character.

Allan K’s critique centered on the Filipino concept of “utang na loob”—a debt of gratitude. He passionately condemned Yllana for speaking ill of the people and the program that had provided him with a livelihood for two decades.

Allan K declared: “His words are pure lies. Why would a person, after benefiting from someone or a program, then resort to destroying them? When someone’s request, big or small, is denied, you can expect them to become an enemy or bear a grudge. That is the character that frightens you… It’s all because of money. Audiences are smart; they know who to idolize. Eat Bulaga would not have lasted this long if there were a syndicate.”

The veteran host specifically targeted Yllana’s claim of a “mafia” within the show, highlighting the hypocrisy of a person who spent twenty years as a “Dabarkads” (a host on the show) only to criticize it upon leaving. Allan K stressed that the trust placed in Yllana by Tito, Vic, and Joey (TVJ)—the pillars of the show—was invaluable and that Yllana had recklessly destroyed it.

The Showbiz Code: Breaking the Bridge

The public and various showbiz commentators echoed Allan K’s sentiments, framing Yllana’s actions as an unforgivable betrayal. Commenters sarcastically questioned why Yllana would “break the plate he ate from” or “burn the bridge he might need to cross someday.”

Commentary from vloggers revealed several theories about Yllana’s true motive:

Desire to Return: Some speculated that Yllana, who resigned from Eat Bulaga in 2020 to host a rival noontime show, was desperately trying to gain attention or leverage a return to the long-running program, a move many found ludicrous after his destructive accusations.
Political Frustration: Others pointed to his failed political bid for vice mayor in Calamba, suggesting his public outbursts stem from personal and political frustration, making him unfit for public office.
Desperation for Attention: Many dismissed him as a “has-been” actor (laosang dip) resorting to desperate measures to stay relevant.

A particularly pointed comment summed up the core betrayal: “You ate from the plate of Eat Bulaga. You were treated well by all the Dabarkads, especially Tito, Vic, and Joey, for two decades. The friendship you both protected, which money cannot buy, you destroyed.”

The Boy Who Cried Wolf: A Moral and Legal Defeat

Yllana’s defense—that he was merely “bluffing” or trying to scare Sotto—was met with universal derision. Critics argued that after publicly destroying the image and integrity of a national figure and his family, a simple “bluff” is insufficient. It exposed him to criminal charges like cyber libel and the potential for moral and civil damages.

The fear of legal repercussions is widely believed to be the true reason for his quick surrender. As one commentator observed, Yllana “chickened out” because he knew he lacked the “receipts” (evidence) to back up his claims.

Furthermore, Yllana attempted to draw sympathy from the DDS community, claiming he was targeted for his political stance. This was also refuted by pro-DDS bloggers, who correctly asserted that they are “intelligent enough to discern” and would not blindly support someone engaging in baseless character assassination.

The final consensus among observers is that Yllana has become “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”. After shattering the reputation of Tito Sotto and his family, he immediately surrendered, confirming his claims were fabrications. His actions serve as a painful lesson in the entertainment industry: the value of loyalty, gratitude, and the enduring consequences of breaking faith with those who helped build your career.