THE Court of Appeals has dismissed the petition filed by Edu Manzano who sought the reversal of a trial court ruling that dismissed his P2. 6 million claim against ABC Development Corporation (TV5).

Manzano inked a three-year contract with TV5 from September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2014, wherein he was guaranteed a minimum talent fee of P63 million. The deal included on-camera acting, costume fittings, on-air appearances, pre-production meetings, mall shows, rehearsals, make-up calls, among others.

TV5 proposed a new game show called “Quiet Please” which required contestants to complete challenges with the least noise.

The actor’s camp turned down hosting the show, stressing it was “not in keeping with Manzano’s personality and image.”

Manzano’s decision prompted the management of TV5 to deduct P2.6 million from his talent fees.

The seasoned TV host claimed the deduction was arbitrary as TV5 failed to justify the basis and computation for the deduction.

He filed a case with the Makati City regional trial court after the Philippine Mediation Center failed to resolve the spat. The RTC eventually denied his case because of his supposed non-compliance of the agreement.

This prompted Manzano to elevate the denial with the CA.

But the CA ruled: “After going over the evidence on record, the Court agrees with the ruling of the RTC that Manzano has unreasonably withheld his consent to participate in the show.”

“Obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the contracting parties and should be complied with in good faith,” it added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas