Comedian-host Vice Ganda has refuted allegations that It’s Showtime owes money to GMA Network, where the popular noontime program currently airs.
During the December 17 episode of the show, Vice Ganda addressed the rumors while praising the improvements made to the stage of Tawag ng Tanghalan, one of the show’s segments.
“Budgeted na tayo dito, umaasenso na tayo,” joked co-host Vhong Navarro (We have a budget now; we’re financially growing).
Vice Ganda chimed in, affirming:
“Let’s claim it, umaasenso tayo. At hindi totoong may utang ang Showtime sa GMA” (We are progressing, and there is no truth to the claims that Showtime is in debt to GMA).
Kim Chiu added, “Oo nga, sino ba kasi nagpakalat non?” (Yes, right, who even started that rumor?).
GMA’s Support
The hosts gave a special mention to GMA Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon, whom Vice praised for her support and generosity, hinting at an upcoming Christmas surprise for the show.
In a previous interview, Gozon also denied the debt rumors, stating:
“Wala silang utang. Sa ratings, wala kaming problema, kasi ang taas-taas ng ratings ng Showtime” (They don’t have any debt. We don’t have any problem with ratings because Showtime has very high ratings).
Historic Partnership
It’s Showtime began airing on GTV, GMA’s secondary channel, in July 2023 after ending its partnership with TV5. In March 2024, a groundbreaking agreement between GMA and ABS-CBN allowed the show to fill the prime noontime slot on Channel 7, marking a historic collaboration between the two rival networks.
Currently, It’s Showtime airs on multiple platforms, including free-to-air stations A2Z and ALLTV, the Kapamilya Channel, and online through Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC.
Vice Ganda’s response underscores the show’s success and continued growth despite persistent rumors, as it remains a staple in Filipino households.