Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. executives have been summoned by the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City to attend mandatory mediation conferences following a P37.9 million estafa complaint filed by GMA Network, Inc.
According to a report by GMA Integrated News, the subpoena, dated May 5, 2025, directs TAPE executives Romeo Jalosjos Jr., Romeo Jalosjos Sr., Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos, Michael N. Magtoto, Zenaida Buenavista, and Malou Choa-Fagar to appear on May 22 and May 29 at 12:30 p.m. for mediation. The directive is by Department Circular No. 031, s. 2023.
“Failure to attend the mandatory mediation conferences will serve as a waiver of your right under the said Department Circular and the conduct of preliminary investigation shall proceed accordingly,” the subpoena states.
TAPE’s legal counsel, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque clarified in a statement to GMA News Online that the company only became aware of the complaint through media reports on May 22. They did not receive the official subpoena until May 23, after the first scheduled mediation.
“On May 22, TAPE just learned of the complaint via news and when we checked the docket section of the Office of the City Prosecutor, they said there was none. Then, on May 23, TAPE received the subpoena, so they were unable to attend,” Abraham-Garduque said via text.
She assured that TAPE intends to participate in the legal process and will attend the second mediation conference on May 29. Additionally, TAPE is scheduling a board meeting to potentially explore a settlement.
“We will schedule a meeting with the board of directors to discuss a possible offer of settlement, if there is any, because the purpose of mediation is to arrive at a compromise agreement and avoid proceeding to preliminary investigation,” she added.
GMA Network’s estafa complaint alleges that TAPE Inc. failed to remit P37,941,352.56 in advertising revenues. These funds were reportedly collected from clients and assigned to GMA under a 2023 Assignment Agreement. Despite repeated formal demands, the money was allegedly used for TAPE’s operational expenses, breaching the trust established in the agreement.