GMA on Aljur’s complaint: Very unfortunate

GMA Network found Kapuso artist Aljur Abrenica’s complaint for judicial confirmation of rescission of contract “very unfortunate.”

The network expressed this sentiment in a statement it posted on GMA News Online on Tuesday, July 29. Kapuso  executives received a copy of Aljur’s complaint last Monday, July 28. The actor filed his complaint at the Quezon City Hall of Justice last Tuesday, July 24.

Artistic direction

Aljur, whose GMA 7 contract expires in 2017, told reporters on Tuesday, July 24, that his differences with GMA stem from “artistic direction.”

“Hindi ako nabigyan ng pagpapahalaga at respeto sa career na gusto kong mangyari.”

Aljur added, “Kasi bilang isang seryosong actor at musikero, marami pa akong gustong gawin.”

His legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio said his client is “not a piece of meat,” so the network cannot force the actor to do things he doesn’t like. Topacio claimed that they tried to discuss matters with GMA before they took legal action.

GMA’s full statement

However, the network said in its statement that GMA Artist Center practices a “consultative style of management,” so Aljur can assess all offers. The network added that it has “equally given him (Aljur) projects,” which includes lead roles in the primetime block.

Aljur’s last teleserye was “Kambal Sirena,” which ended late June.

The network’s full statement, as posted on GMA News online:

“GMA Network received yesterday the complaint filed by Aljur Abrenica for the rescission of his Management Contract and exclusive Network Agreement. Our lawyers will review this and answer accordingly in court.

“The Network considers this incident very unfortunate because GMA has greatly invested on Aljur, who is one of its prime artists.

“GMA Artist Center has not been remiss in its duties as his manager, practising a consultative style of management with Aljur. With his best interest in mind, this practice has accorded him every opportunity to personally assess all offers to reach a mutual agreement.

“GMA Network has equally given him projects, some of which were lead roles in the Network’s primetime programs.

“Aljur is a home-grown GMA talent who was discovered through the reality search, Starstruck, in 2007.

“Since then, he has been given numerous projects including Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?, All My Life, The Last Prince, Machete, Coffee Prince, Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko and Kambal Sirena.

“Likewise, GMA Network and GMA Artist Center have arranged major endorsements and corporate partnerships for Aljur.”