MANILA, Philippines – The normally tightly-knit world of Philippine noontime television has been rocked by an unprecedented social media war, revolving around an unexpected and highly volatile feud. Veteran comedian and former Eat Bulaga! host, Anjo Yllana, has launched a blistering public attack against former Senate President and entertainment icon, Tito Sotto, along with other hosts of the long-running variety show.

The central question dominating online discourse is: Why has Anjo Yllana suddenly taken to social media to unleash such vitriolic accusations against his former colleague, Tito Sotto, and the collective of Eat Bulaga! hosts?

This escalating conflict has not only captivated but also deeply bewildered fans, given the long history Yllana shared with the show.

Setting the Record Straight: Yllana’s Departure from Eat Bulaga!

Before delving into the gravity of the recent accusations, it is crucial to clarify the circumstances surrounding Anjo Yllana’s departure from Eat Bulaga!

Contrary to swirling rumors suggesting he was terminated or phased out, Yllana’s exit was, in fact, a resignation. After a tenure spanning 21 years, he made the difficult decision to step down in 2020. His reason, which he later cited, was the lack of regular work brought on by the operational limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yllana resigned with a “heavy heart” to accept a new hosting position for a rival noontime variety program, Happy Time, on Net 25.

This factual background is important, as some online critics have attempted to dismiss his recent outbursts as the bitterness of a dismissed employee. Yllana’s move was a deliberate career transition, underscoring that his current dispute is seemingly rooted in issues beyond employment status.

The Unprecedented Accusations: Syndicate, Infidelity, and Scandals

The true catalyst for the current uproar was Yllana’s sensational series of revelations made during a recent live session on TikTok. The explosive claims he leveled against Tito Sotto and the co-hosts were not merely industry gossip; they were direct, aggressive, and highly damaging character assaults.

Foremost among his allegations was the claim that a “syndicate” was operating within Eat Bulaga!, and that Tito Sotto was one of its principal leaders. This is a severe, criminal-level accusation that strikes at the integrity of one of the Philippines’ most trusted and enduring television franchises.

However, the most personal and incendiary accusation was related to Tito Sotto’s private life. Yllana dramatically alleged that Tito Sotto has maintained an extramarital affair since 2013—a claim that, if true, would mean the affair has spanned approximately 12 years.

Taking the situation further into the realm of the sensational, Yllana also claimed that a woman who had been a girlfriend of his co-host and Tito Sotto’s brother-in-law, Vic “Bossing” Sotto, was simultaneously involved with Tito Sotto. These claims, blending professional misconduct with intensely personal and scandalous details, instantly put the feud in the public eye and prompted widespread condemnation regarding their appropriateness. Many observers have noted that these accusations go “below the belt” and have crossed the line from showbusiness rivalry into potential defamation.

Tito Sotto’s Stance: Maintaining the High Ground

The response from the veteran political and media figure, Tito Sotto, has been one of surprising restraint and measured dignity. Despite facing what can only be described as a barrage of character assassination, Sotto’s public statement was brief and dismissive.

“I will not dignify it. Don’t pay attention to it; he is just seeking attention,” Sotto stated. “Why should we entertain showbusiness and destructive mudslinging? Let us elevate the level of discussion.”

This non-confrontational approach has sparked a vigorous debate among commentators. Many believe Sotto’s choice to ignore the matter is a demonstration of maturity and an attempt to deny Yllana the spotlight he appears to crave.

However, others argue that such serious allegations should not be overlooked. Some netizens and industry observers feel that Sotto’s silence could be misinterpreted as tacit acceptance. They contend that given the damage these accusations inflict, not only on his personal reputation but also on his family name, Sotto should take decisive legal action. A demand for a public apology or a formal libel case would force Yllana to substantiate his claims with concrete evidence. As one commentator noted: “If I were in Tito Sotto’s position, I would not let such accusations slide, because it damages not only my name but my family’s name. I would file a case and challenge Mr. Yllana to produce his proof.”

Is It a Diversionary Tactic?

The aggressive timing and nature of Yllana’s revelations have also led to speculation about his motives.

One particularly intriguing theory circulating online, shared by a post from an individual named Jen Rosville, suggests that the entire uproar may be a “diversionary tactic” intended to shift public attention away from other, more serious issues. Specifically, the theory posits that the scandal is designed to overshadow investigations into a certain “flood control issue” where arrests and formal charges have stalled due to persistent interruptions.

While some believe this political angle is plausible, others quickly dismiss it. They point out that Anjo Yllana has a history of criticizing high-profile figures, including President Bongbong Marcos, which suggests he operates independently and is not aligned with any political maneuvers to distract the public.

A more direct assessment is that Yllana, whose current media presence is arguably less prominent than his Eat Bulaga! heyday, is simply orchestrating a controversy to generate buzz and regain relevance. By targeting a figure as iconic as Tito Sotto, Yllana has successfully placed himself at the center of a national conversation.

Collateral Damage: Vic Sotto and the Ultimatum

The fallout from Yllana’s live stream has also claimed other figures as collateral damage. Vic “Bossing” Sotto, who has maintained a dignified silence and continues his work on Eat Bulaga!, was inadvertently dragged into the mess when his name was linked to the alleged love triangle.

Despite these damaging insinuations, Yllana later appeared to clear the names of Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon concerning the purported “syndicate” within Eat Bulaga!, ultimately laying the blame squarely at the feet of Tito Sotto as the alleged ringleader.

The entire affair reached an unprecedented level of bravado when Anjo Yllana issued an ultimatum to Tito Sotto, giving him a one-week deadline to act—specifically, to stop the alleged “paid bloggers” from targeting him. Yllana’s open threat and the imposition of a deadline are highly irregular behaviors for a personal dispute, which typically should be resolved privately.

The overwhelming consensus remains one of disappointment. Yllana’s decision to air grievances so publicly—and so maliciously—after two decades of shared history with the Eat Bulaga! family, has been viewed by many as an act of profound ingratitude and a disregard for professional conduct. The public now awaits Tito Sotto’s next move: whether he will continue his dignified silence or challenge Yllana legally to uphold his name.