Aljur Abrenica brings issue with GMA to court

After eight years of being a Kapuso star, actor-singer Aljur Abrenica now wants to leave his home network.

Aljur filed a complaint for judicial confirmation of rescission of contract against GMA 7 in Quezon City Hall of Justice on Tuesday, July 24. He wants to cut his contract, which will expire in 2017.

“Ayaw ko po talagang umabot sa ganito. Ako po yung huling tao na magdedesisyon na malagay sa ganitong kalagayan. Pero hindi ako nabigyan ng pagpapahalaga at respeto sa career na gusto kong mangyari,” Aljur told reporters.

While Aljur admitted that filing a complaint against GMA, where he first started his career, is a hard decision, Aljur said he has to make a legal action because of their differences in “artistic direction.” Aljur denied that he has already received offers from other networks.

“Pinagisipan ko ng mabuti. Napakahirap sa kung ano man ang posibleng mangyari. Para sa akin, worthy ang gagawin ko ngayon. Kasi bilang isang seryosong aktor at musikero, marami pa akong gustong gawin. Lahat naman tayo ang gusto ay mapabuti tayo. Marami tayong gustong tulungan at marating. Para sa akin, hindi na nagaakma yung direction na gusto nila sa akin at direction na gusto ko sa akin,” he said.

Aljur’s legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, told reporters that they also tried a way to discuss matters with GMA. Aljur’s camp is still hoping for a “fruitful dialogue” amid the filing of complaint.

“Para hilingin sa korte na sabihin sa GMA, na payagan na siyang irelease sa contract. Hindi po kami nakikipagaway. Hindi kasi sila magkasundo as to whether or not they should be released. Para korte na ang magsabi na karapat-dapat na siyang i-release,” Topacio said.

He added, “Pinadalhan namin sila ng formal letter to sit down and know what the real problem was, but they insisted on the contract. So wala na kaming choice. Ikinalulungkot ni Aljur na humantong na dito. We are not closing the door for a fruitful dialogue with GMA. Sana po kung mamamagitan ang hukuman, magkaroon ng magandang solusyon ang maliit na misunderstanding na ito.”

Topacio said that his client wants to grow as an artist.

“My client is not a piece of meat. Hindi pwedeng ipagawa sa kanya yung mga bagay na ayaw niyang gawin,” Topacio said.

Amid the legal battle, Aljur said that he is very grateful to GMA, which gave him many opportunities. He won the “Ultimate Hunk” title in talent search “Starstruck” in 2006. His last teleserye was “Kambal Sirena” with Louise delos Reyes.

“Sa kabila ng lahat, dasal ko na may matutunan ang dalawang panig at pinagdarasal lalo na pagkatapos ng lahat ng ito ay magkaroon pa din ng magandang relasyon,” Aljur said.

GMA has also released a statement regarding Aljur’s complaint.

“GMA Network has not yet received a copy of the complaint filed by Mr. Aljur Abrenica. A statement will be issued when we have received and reviewed the contents of the complaint.”