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Gilberto "Jimmy" Roy Duavit Jr. (born October 16, 1963)[1] is a Filipino businessman, philanthropist, producer, and writer. He is the president and chief executive officer of GMA Network Inc., one of the largest media networks in the Philippines. Duavit inherited the position from his father, Gilberto "Bibit" Duavit Sr., who was the network's founding chairman. Duavit first became involved with GMA in 1993 as a film producer for the network's production company, GMA Pictures, which was then named Cinemax Studios and later GMA Films. He produced some of the company's most successful films, including José Rizal (1998) and Muro-Ami (1999), both of which won the Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Picture successively. After his promotion as the network's vice president in 2000, Duavit became involved in the network's television production, having created the shows Liwanag ng Hatinggabi (1999–2000), Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw (2002–03), and Hanggang Kailan (2004).

Key Information

Since Duavit assumed the presidency from the network's longtime chairman Felipe Gozon in 2010, he and Gozon, who became CEO, have been attributed for the network's rise as one of the country's leading media networks.[2] Duavit concurrently served as GMA's chief operating officer until 2023. The network had won several Peabody Awards, Asian Television Awards, and the New York Television Festival awards during Duavit's presidency.[2] Duavit replaced the retiring Gozon as the company's CEO from January 2024, while the latter continues to serve as chairman and adviser of the Board of Directors[3]

Duavit is the thirty-seventh-wealthiest person in the Philippines, with a net worth of $440 million, according to Forbes.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Duavit was born on October 16, 1963, as the second eldest child of GMA Network chairman Gilberto Duavit Sr. (1934–2018) and Vilma Roy Duavit, the daughter of former Philippine Senator Jose Roy (1904–1986). His older sister, Judith Duavit Vasquez, previously served as a GMA board member. His youngest brother, Michael John Duavit, currently serves as a representative for Rizal's 1st district, which he has served for five terms since 2001, a position that his father and second youngest brother, Joel Roy Duavit, also served; Duavit Sr. served as the district's congressman from 1994 to 2001, while Joel served the position for two consecutive terms from 2010 to 2016.[5] Duavit graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy.[6][7]

Career

[edit]

Film and television producer (1991–2000)

[edit]

Since 1991, Duavit has served as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Film Experts Inc., a magnetic storage and optical disc manufacturer based in Makati.[3][8]

In 1995, the GMA Network launched Cinemax Studios with Duavit as one of the supervisors. In 1998, Cinemax Studios was renamed to GMA Films in order to avoid confusion with HBO's sister channel Cinemax, which had then recently entered into the Southeast Asian market.[9] Duavit was involved in the production of the studio's first films following the move, Sa Pusod ng Dagat and José Rizal, serving as the two films' producer. Both films were directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and were critical and commercial successes. José Rizal won all the 17 awards it was nominated for at the 1998 Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Picture.[10] The following year, Duavit produced another of Diaz-Abaya's films, Muro-Ami. Muro-Ami grossed ₱66,987,181 at the box office and won 13 awards at the 1999 Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Picture.[3][11]

In 1999, Duavit was elected to the GMA Network's board of directors.[3][8]

After the success of GMA Films in the late 1990s, Duavit ventured into television production at GMA Network. He conceptualized the horror drama series Liwanag ng Hatinggabi, which premiered on December 6, 1999. Duavit was inspired by the concept of magic realism, a style of fiction often associated with Latin American literature. The series was directed by Joel Lamangan and starred Lorna Tolentino, Angelika Dela Cruz, and Victor Neri in the lead roles. It ran for a total of 17 episodes until March 27, 2000.[3][12]

In 2000, Duavit collaborated again with Lamangan for the melodrama film Deathrow; Lamangan directed, while Duavit served as one of the film's producers.[13] The film was shown at the Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt, the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada, and the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.[3][14] It was awarded the Prix Du Meilleur Film Engage au Service d’une Cause (Prize for the Best Committed Film Championing a Cause) at the Brussels Independent Film Festival in Belgium for its depiction of capital punishment on juvenile offenders.[15]

GMA Network vice presidency and COO (2000–2010)

[edit]

On December 31, 2000, Duavit became the network's executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO).[3][8]

As COO, Duavit continued his work on writing television shows for the network. In 2002, he created the drama romance series Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw, starring Christopher de Leon, Alice Dixson, and Richard Gomez.[16] The series ran for a total of 200 episodes between July 8, 2002, and April 11, 2003. It was commercially successful through its run, resulting in GMA Network producing a sequel series, Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw Pa Rin. It replaced the timeslot of Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw and ran for a total of 93 episodes, concluding on August 22, 2003. Duavit served as producer for the sequel series.[17]

In 2004, Duavit created another drama romance series, Hanggang Kailan. Duavit collaborated with writers Jose Javier Reyes and Mark A. Reyes. The series reunited him with Tolentino since Liwanag Ng Hatinggabi and de Leon and Dixson since Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw. It premiered on March 8, 2004, and concluded on August 13, commissioning a total of 95 episodes.[18]

In 2007, the GMA Network announced it would offer its shares to the public from an initial public offering between ₱6.39 billion to ₱7.78 billion.[19] On June 28, the Philippine Stock Exchange approved the network's offering. On July 23, former Ilocos Norte representative Imee Marcos sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) contesting her claim of ownership to 28.35 percent of the network's shares held by the Duavit family. The shares were entrusted to Duavit's father, Gilberto Duavit Sr., by Marcos' father, former President Ferdinand Marcos, to whom the senior Duavit served as Assistant Executive Secretary for Social, Political, Legal, and Economic Affairs (1966–1970), Acting Executive Secretary (1969), and Senior Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development under. The junior Duavit's lawyer responded to Marcos' claims, saying that Duavit acquired the shares "on his own." Imee Marcos, citing a handwritten note given to her from the senior Duavit in 1983, stated that "Duavit did not own the shares but was merely the representative of a 'silent partner.'"[20] Thereafter, GMA counsel Atty. Gener Asuncion stated that the junior Duavit and his family "are the real and actual owners" and "have concrete proof of their ownership" of the network's shares. According to an official statement by the network, its owner in 1986 (when it was then called the Republic Broadcasting System), Loreto Feliciano Stewart (the wife of its co-founder, Robert "Uncle Bob" Stewart), "sought to recover the shares of the Duavits and asked for an injunction to prevent the registration of the shares in their favor but was rejected by the court. Stewart then gave a notice of dismissal of her complaint and the court dismissed it on November 28, 1986." Asuncion also stated that GMA Network would push through with its scheduled release of listed shares on July 30, following the SEC's approval of the network's registration statement and issuance of a "Securities for Sale" permit.[21]

Under Duavit's leadership as COO in the late 2000s, GMA began securing the media franchise of foreign shows in order for the network to adapt Philippine versions. In August 2007, GMA produced Celebrity Duets, which was the Philippine edition of the British reality singing contest Just the Two of Us, through a licensing agreement with FremantleMedia.[22] GMA purchased the rights to the Idol franchise from FremantleMedia to produce Pinoy Idol, which premiered in September. The franchising rights were previously used by the Associated Broadcasting Company (now the TV5 Network) to produce Philippine Idol.[23] The network also produced Philippine versions of telenovelas that year, most popularly Marimar starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, which was based on the 1994 Mexican series of the same name.[24] That year, the network also produced Philippine versions of Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan (based on the Japanese tokusatsu Space Sheriff Shaider) and the game shows Kakasa Ka Ba sa Grade 5? (based on the American game show Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?) and Whammy! Push Your Luck (based on the American game show Second Chance).[25]

GMA Network presidency (2010–present)

[edit]
Duavit (second from the left) standing beside COMELEC chair George Garcia during the GMA Network–COMELEC partnership launch on November 11, 2024, ahead of the 2025 midterm election.

In October 2010, Duavit was elected president of the GMA Network by the network's board of directors.[3][8] Duavit served the role alongside his concurrent role as the company's COO.[26]

Under Duavit's presidency, the network produced the country's first historical drama series, Amaya (2011–12), set during the pre-colonial period of the Philippines.[27]

In February 2012, Duavit led the signing of the network's three-year deal with Fox International Channels.[28] The deal allowed Fox cable channels in the Asia Pacific to air GMA media across the region. GMA media that Fox has re-aired since the deal was signed include the shows Wish Ko Lang! (2002–2020), Pinoy Abroad (2005–06), Encantadia (2005–06), Pinoy Meets World (2006–2009), Super Twins (2007), Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita (2008), Dyesebel (2008), Darna (2009–10), Stairway to Heaven (2009), Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (2009), and Trudis Liit (2010); and the films José Rizal (1998), My Best Friend's Girlfriend (2008), When I Met U (2009), Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie (2009), and Temptation Island (2011).[29]

In February 2012, amid reports that business tycoon and TV5 Network chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan had announced a possible merger deal between the two networks,[30] Duavit initially stated that the GMA Network would not be offered to any party with interest in acquiring it.[31] However, he later clarified that the network is sellable but only if the offer price would interest the network's shareholders. He also disclosed that, in 2001, GMA and TV5 (then the Associated Broadcasting Company) had reached a memorandum of understanding for the latter to acquire the former, with a price and sale of the majority having already been reached. However, the agreement was never finalized because of issues encountered by MediaQuest Holdings, the parent company of TV5.[32]

In April 2012, Duavit reported that the network had reached a consolidated revenue of ₱13.083 billion in 2011, despite the loss of ₱2.054 worth of revenues from campaign advertising for the 2010 Philippine general election, the European debt crisis, and the "slow" economic recovery of the U.S. from the Great Recession. He described the network's performance as "fairly competitive", noting a "significant, single-digit increase" in the first quarter of that year than the previous year.[33]

In March 2013, Duavit announced that the GMA Network would depend on internal financing for its estimated ₱1 billion capital expenditure program for the year as per tradition, dispelling appeals that the network should utilize external financing such as fundraisers to source its program. He stated that the network would utilize its program mainly for the establishment of additional stations in rural areas "where close to half of all television viewers reside." He also added that over ₱100 million of the program would be used to fund equipment for the network's coverage of the 2013 Philippine general election.[34]

In August 2015, San Miguel Corporation CEO Ramon S. Ang alleged that GMA executives embezzled his corporation's ₱1 billion down payment for its acquisition of 34 percent of the network's stakes that failed. While Ang filed charges against Gozon and several other GMA executives for syndicated estafa, Duavit was excluded from the charges as he pledged to return his portion of the ₱1 billion.[35]

In July 2016, Duavit's father, Gilberto Duavit Sr., was elected to the board of directors of the GMA Network, serving alongside him.[36][37] The senior Duavit served as member until his death in December 2018.[38]

In January 2019, it was reported that 88.4 percent of GMA's sales in 2018 were sourced from advertising. As such, GMA fell behind its main competitor in the media industry, ABS-CBN, which generated a total of ₱29.5 billion that year. ABS-CBN had extended its revenue model to other business segments that counterbalanced decreasing advertising revenues, resulting in a large percentage of ABS-CBN's revenue to be attributed to its involvement in the customer experience sector. GMA generated a total revenue of ₱11.1 billion, which was ₱11.4 billion behind ABS-CBN. In response, Duavit and other GMA executives partnered with Pangilinan's PLDT to shift to digital broadcasting. On January 9, GMA and PLDT executives signed a "technology, content, and distribution" agreement for PLDT to assist in the enhancement and innovation of the media network's digital transition.[39][40]

According to the general information sheet the GMA Network submitted to the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2019, Duavit owns 0.08 percent of the total 4,007,017 shares that the network listed. His shareholdings comprise 4,007,006 common stocks and 12 preferred stocks.[41] The network listed 12.5 billion authorized capital stocks, which is divided into 5 billion common stocks with par value of ₱1 each and 7.5 billion preferred stocks with par value of ₱0.20 each.[42]

Under GMA Network Inc., Duavit also serves as the chairman of GMA Pictures and GMA Worldwide (the network's trans-Pacific broadcaster targeted for Overseas Filipinos); president and CEO of Scenarios Inc. (set production and design), Script2010 Inc. (events management), and RGMA Marketing and Productions Inc. (music production); and president of Citynet Inc. (television production) and MediaMerge Corporation.[43]

In July 2021, GMA Network launched GMA Ventures, which focuses on investing in startups, and named Duavit as the vice chairman of the firm.[44]

In December 2023, GMA chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon announced his retirement from the chief executive role and named Duavit as his successor. The leadership change, which took effect in January 2024, sees Gozon retain his role as the company's chairman and adviser.[3]

Philanthropy

[edit]

Duavit is the president and a trustee of the GMA Kapuso Foundation, the network's civic engagement arm.[3][1]

He is a trustee of the Guronasyon Foundation Inc., an organization based in Binangonan, Rizal, to support teachers from the province.[8] He is also a board adviser of the HERO Foundation.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

Duavit married Rosanna Lopez, daughter of former Manila mayor Mel Lopez, on November 19, 1994. They currently reside in Quezon City with their twin sons, born in 2001.[45]

Through his mother's side, he is cousins with singer Kevin Roy, lead singer of the rock band Razorback, as well as Karl Roy, lead singer of the bands P.O.T. and Kapatid, who died on March 13, 2012, from pulmonary edema.[46]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Credits
1998 My Guardian Debil Executive Producer
Sa Pusod ng Dagat Producer
José Rizal
1999 Muro-Ami
1999–2000 Liwanag ng Hatinggabi Developer, Executive Producer
2000 Deathrow Producer
2002–03 Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw Creator
2003 Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw Pa Rin Producer
2004 Hanggang Kailan Creator, Producer
2009 Manila Skies Associate Producer

Awards and recognitions

[edit]

Duavit has won the Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Picture twice consecutively for José Rizal (1998) and Muro-Ami (1999), as producer of both films.[11]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gilberto Duavit Jr.

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. (born October 16, 1963) is a Filipino media executive serving as president and chief executive officer of GMA Network, Inc., the largest broadcaster in the Philippines by revenue. The son of GMA co-founder Gilberto M. Duavit Sr., he joined the family-controlled company and rose to become president in 2010 before succeeding Felipe L. Gozon as CEO in January 2024. Duavit also chairs the network's production subsidiary and has led Film Experts Inc., a film production and distribution firm, since 1991, contributing to award-winning Philippine cinema. As a philanthropist, he presides over the GMA Kapuso Foundation, the company's social arm focused on disaster relief and community development, and supports education initiatives through trusteeships at organizations like the Guronasyon Foundation.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Gilberto Roy Duavit Jr. was born on October 16, 1963. He is the son of Gilberto M. Duavit Sr. (November 29, 1934 – December 14, 2018) and Vilma Roy Duavit. His father was a Filipino who graduated from the , served as a member of the for Rizal's 1st district, and co-founded , Inc., acting as its chairman from 1974 to 1976 and later as a director; Duavit Sr. contributed to the network's early development alongside partners Robert Stewart and Romy Jalosjos. Duavit Jr. has siblings including Judith Duavit-Vasquez, Joel Roy Duavit—a Rizal board member—and Michael John "Jack" Duavit.

Professional Career

Film and Television Production (1991–2000)

Duavit entered the film production industry in the early 1990s, focusing on Philippine cinema through affiliations with emerging studios. By 1993, he had begun producing films for GMA Network's nascent movie division, initially operating as Cinemax Studios, which laid the groundwork for what would become GMA Films. His role involved overseeing production processes, including the transition of the studio's branding in 1998 to GMA Films to distinguish it from the international Cinemax channel. In 1998, Duavit produced two landmark films marking GMA Films' entry into feature filmmaking: the adventure drama Sa Pusod ng Dagat, starring and , and the epic historical biopic , directed by and featuring in the title role. achieved critical acclaim, securing the (MMFF) Award for Best Picture that year, with reported earnings exceeding 30 million pesos and praise for its portrayal of national hero José Rizal's life amid Spanish colonial rule. These productions highlighted Duavit's emphasis on high-production-value narratives blending commercial appeal with cultural significance, co-produced with partners like Felipe L. Gozon and Menardo Jimenez. The following year, in 1999, Duavit produced Muro-Ami (also known as Sa Pusod ng Dagat internationally), another Diaz-Abaya-directed film starring Montano as a young pa-aling fisher diver exploiting coral reefs. This adventure drama addressed child labor and environmental exploitation, grossing over 61 million pesos at the and winning the MMFF Best Picture award consecutively for GMA Films. Duavit's contributions extended to television through GMA Network's early content development, though specific credits from this period emphasize his film leadership; by 2000, he produced Deathrow, a thriller directed by Wenn V. Deramas, further solidifying his reputation in . These efforts during 1991–2000 established Duavit as a key figure in revitalizing local film production amid competition from imported content, with his projects collectively earning multiple Gawad Urian nominations for technical achievements.

Executive Positions at GMA Network (2000–2010)

In November 2000, Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of GMA Network, Inc., a major Philippine broadcasting company. This followed his earlier involvement with the network's production arm since 1993 and his entry into the company in January 1999. Prior to the formal EVP role, Duavit had joined GMA's executive committee in August 2000. As EVP and COO, Duavit managed the operational facets of GMA Network's television, radio, and emerging digital initiatives during a decade marked by intensifying competition with rivals like . His responsibilities encompassed overseeing content production, broadcast operations, and internal efficiencies, though specific performance metrics from this period, such as revenue growth or audience share gains, are documented in GMA's annual reports rather than individualized attributions. Duavit's in this capacity supported GMA's expansion into international markets and digital platforms by the late 2000s, aligning with the network's strategy to diversify beyond television. He retained the COO title alongside his EVP position until October 2010, when the board elected him as the company's President and COO, succeeding in the presidential role amid a transition.

Presidency of GMA Network (2010–2023)

Gilberto Duavit Jr. was elected president and chief operating officer of GMA Network, Inc. by the board of directors in October 2010. In this role, he directed the company's day-to-day operations, including oversight of content production, marketing, and subsidiary entities such as GMA Holdings, Inc., GMA Productions, Inc., and GMA New Media, Inc. Duavit continued to serve alongside chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, focusing on operational execution while contributing to strategic decisions through his position as chairman of the executive committee. During Duavit's presidency from 2010 to 2023, maintained its status as the leading free-to-air broadcaster in the by revenue. The network navigated competitive pressures, including the 2020 regulatory denial of ABS-CBN's broadcasting franchise, which allowed GMA to capture additional in primetime programming and viewership. Under his operational leadership, GMA expanded its digital initiatives, reinforcing its dominance in both traditional broadcast and emerging online platforms. Duavit also chaired GMA Network Films, Inc., supporting the production of theatrical releases and telefilms that bolstered the network's content ecosystem. Financial performance reflected resilience, with the company reporting steady growth in core revenues from and diversified media ventures despite economic fluctuations and industry shifts toward streaming. His tenure emphasized cost efficiencies and content , positioning GMA for sustained in the Philippine media landscape through 2023.

CEO Role and Recent Developments (2024–present)

Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of GMA Network, Inc. effective January 1, 2024, succeeding Felipe L. Gozon, who retired from the CEO position but continued as chairman and adviser. Under Duavit's leadership, GMA Network maintained its dominant position in Philippine broadcast television while advancing in digital media, outperforming competitors in audience share and engagement metrics throughout 2024. In early 2025, the company shuttered three subsidiaries—RGMA Network, Mediamerge, and Digify—absorbing a P130 million loss as part of operational streamlining following the leadership transition. Duavit attributed a decline in advertising revenues to existing programming and announced plans for more responsive content across broadcast and online platforms to address market shifts. At the 2025 annual stockholders' meeting, Duavit emphasized GMA's digital progress, reinforcing the network's strategic pivot toward integrated multimedia operations.

Business Leadership

Strategic Achievements and Market Impact

Under Gilberto Duavit Jr.'s leadership as president from 2010 to 2023 and subsequent CEO role starting in 2024, GMA Network solidified its position as the ' leading broadcaster by , achieving consolidated revenues exceeding ₱20 billion in both 2022 and 2023 despite global advertising challenges. This growth reflected strategic investments in content production and distribution, enabling the network to command a dominant share of traditional television viewership while expanding into digital platforms. Key innovations included the 2021 launch of GMA Ventures, a arm focused on investing in media-related startups, with Duavit serving as vice chairman to foster diversification beyond core broadcasting. The network emphasized multi-platform content strategies, resulting in a 14% increase in online subscribers and a corresponding 14% rise in digital revenues by mid-2025, as audiences shifted toward streaming and consumption. These efforts culminated in a tripling of to ₱2 billion in the first half of 2025, driven by election-related advertising surges and enhanced digital monetization. Market impact was evident in GMA's retained dominance over competitors, including through exploratory partnerships like potential expansions with to broaden audience reach and content syndication. Duavit's oversight of programming overhauls and online expansions addressed declining linear TV ratings by prioritizing "responsive" content tailored to fragmented viewer preferences, thereby sustaining advertiser appeal and revenue resilience in a competitive landscape. This approach not only preserved GMA's top market position but also positioned it for long-term adaptability amid digital disruption.

Challenges in Revenue and Competition

In 2023, under Gilberto Duavit Jr.'s leadership as president, experienced a sharp decline in financial performance, with falling to ₱3.17 billion from ₱5.44 billion in 2022 and overall revenues dropping 14 percent, primarily due to the absence of political advertisements that typically surge during election cycles. This downturn persisted into 2024 after Duavit's transition to CEO, as consolidated after tax decreased 35 percent to ₱2.065 billion, with revenues slipping 5 percent to ₱16.24 billion amid a challenging market and weaker program performance. Duavit attributed part of the ad revenue dip to insufficiently engaging current programs, prompting announcements of a comprehensive 2025 programming overhaul to align content more closely with audience preferences in both traditional broadcast and digital formats. The network's reliance on cyclical election-related ad spending exacerbated revenue volatility, as evidenced by the lack of such boosts in non-election years like 2023 and 2024, contrasting with surges in election periods such as the first quarter of 2025, when profits quadrupled to ₱801 million driven by campaign ads. This dependency highlighted broader structural challenges in sustaining steady growth amid economic pressures and shifting viewer habits toward digital consumption. Competition remained fierce despite GMA's market dominance following ABS-CBN's 2020 franchise revocation, which initially bolstered GMA's position but did not shield it from industry-wide ad revenue pressures. Rival broadcaster , operating through cable, streaming, and digital channels, continued to vie for dollars, contributing to mutual revenue contractions in periods like mid-2024, where both entities reported declines amid reduced overall media spending. Emerging digital platforms and streaming services further eroded traditional TV audiences, forcing GMA to invest in online adaptations while grappling with ratings drops and the need to diversify beyond broadcasts.

Media Rights Disputes

In 2004, filed a criminal complaint for against executives and employees of , Inc., including Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. in his capacity as executive vice president, alleging unauthorized use of ABS-CBN's news footage depicting the arrival of Filipino hostage Angelo dela Cruz at on July 22, 2004. The footage, obtained by GMA via a feed subject to a "No Access Philippines" embargo restricting its domestic broadcast, was aired by GMA's news program without ABS-CBN's consent, prompting claims of violation under Section 177 of Republic Act No. 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the . ABS-CBN asserted that the material, involving creative elements such as filming, editing, and graphics, constituted protectable copyrighted work, while GMA defended the broadcast as a good-faith news reporting act under a valid subscription agreement with international wire services like and . The case progressed through multiple levels of review, highlighting tensions over the copyrightability of news footage and the applicability of in . The prosecutor's office initially found only against two GMA news staffers—Grace dela Peña-Reyes and John Oliver T. Manalastas—for direct control over the newsroom broadcast, clearing Duavit Jr. and other executives due to lack of evidence of personal involvement. The Department of Justice (DOJ) initially dismissed the charges in 2005 citing good faith, but reversed course in 2010 to include all respondents; the Court of Appeals then reinstated the dismissal, emphasizing for short news excerpts. The , in G.R. No. 195956 decided on March 11, 2015, ruled that news video footage is copyrightable as an original work but affirmed infringement as a malum prohibitum offense requiring no intent, with as an to be litigated at trial rather than during preliminary investigation. It reinstated charges solely against dela Peña-Reyes and Manalastas for their operational roles, dismissing claims against Duavit Jr. and other senior executives like Felipe L. Gozon for insufficient proof of active participation or , thus only where direct negligence was evident. Ultimately, on September 29, 2021, the Regional Trial Court Branch 93 acquitted even the remaining GMA personnel, finding the prosecution unable to establish guilt beyond and upholding GMA's access rights under its wire service subscriptions as negating infringement. This resolution clarified boundaries in Philippine media law, prioritizing empirical proof of unauthorized fixation and reproduction over presumptive executive liability in broadcast rights disputes.

Estafa Proceedings Against TAPE Inc.

In May 2025, GMA Network Inc., under the leadership of president and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr., filed a criminal complaint for estafa (swindling) with abuse of confidence against several officers of Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.), including Romeo "Romy" Jalosjos Sr. and family members such as Jalosjos Jr., as well as other executives like Mario "Choa" Enrile, John Matthew Fagar, and others. The complaint, lodged with the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office, alleged that TAPE executives misappropriated approximately P37.94 million in advertising revenues intended for GMA from programs produced by TAPE, such as Eat Bulaga, claiming the funds were not remitted despite trust-based agreements between the companies. GMA's filing emphasized that the executives abused the confidence placed in them through long-standing production partnerships, converting the funds for personal use without authorization. The case stemmed from audits revealing discrepancies in ad revenue collections and remittances dating back several years, with GMA asserting that TAPE failed to account for or forward the specified amount despite repeated demands. TAPE Inc., known for producing variety and game shows aired on GMA channels, had a history of collaboration with the network, but the complaint highlighted alleged breaches in duties under Philippine , where estafa requires elements of deceit, damage, and abuse of confidence. On October 20, 2025, the Prosecutor's Office dismissed the complaint, ruling that there was no evidence to establish for estafa, citing insufficient proof of intent to misappropriate or direct conversion of funds by the accused. Prosecutors noted that the transaction records and remittances appeared to reflect standard business practices rather than criminal deceit, and GMA was given 10 days to seek review or refile if new evidence emerged. As of the dismissal date, no further proceedings had been initiated, though the case underscored ongoing tensions in the Philippine media industry's revenue-sharing arrangements amid competitive pressures.

Allegations of Political Share Acquisitions

In July 2007, , then a former representative of , publicly claimed ownership of approximately 28.35% of Inc.'s shares, asserting that these had been purchased by Gilberto Duavit Jr. in 1983 on behalf of the as a form of trusteeship or proxy holding. Marcos based her claim on a handwritten note allegedly provided by her mother, , suggesting the acquisition was linked to political arrangements during the Marcos era, when GMA's predecessor entities were under influence amid martial law-era media controls. Duavit Jr.'s legal representatives immediately countered that the shares were acquired independently by the Duavit family, without any trusteeship or political obligation to the Marcoses, emphasizing personal financial initiative rather than proxy arrangements. The Duavit family issued a statement clarifying that the disputed shares originated from holdings acquired as early as September 1974—predating the 1983 date cited by Marcos—and had remained in their continuous possession for over three decades, with no transfers or encumbrances tied to political figures. The claim surfaced amid GMA Network's preparations for an (IPO), prompting concerns over potential disruptions, though company executives affirmed the IPO would proceed unaffected, as shareholder records confirmed Duavit family ownership. No legal resolution or court validation of Marcos's assertion was reported, and subsequent disclosures, including a 2022 fact-check, affirmed that the held no stake in GMA, attributing the Duavits' holdings to longstanding independent rather than politically motivated acquisitions. This episode highlighted tensions over historical media ownership in the , where political families like the Duavits—who have their own congressional lineage—intersected with broadcast interests, but lacked substantiation for claims of covert political share transfers.

Philanthropy and Social Contributions

Involvement with GMA Kapuso Foundation

Gilberto Duavit Jr. serves as president and trustee of GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic organization affiliated with that coordinates social welfare initiatives in the . In this leadership position, he directs efforts centered on , healthcare access, and educational infrastructure to support vulnerable populations. The foundation's core programs under Duavit's oversight include Operation Bayanihan for rapid , such as distributing relief to over 50,000 victims of earthquakes in and on October 21, 2025, and assisting 8,000 families affected by Typhoon Ramil in on October 24, 2025. Health initiatives encompass the Kapuso Cancer Champions project, providing free to pediatric patients, as seen in treatments for 15 children on October 21, 2025, alongside bloodletting drives yielding 118 units for regional hospitals on October 25, 2025. Educational support features the Kapuso School Development Project, exemplified by classroom construction at Malitbog Elementary School in completed on October 27, 2025.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Gilberto Duavit Jr. is the son of Gilberto M. Duavit Sr., a , former congressman for Rizal's 1st district, and co-founder of , and his wife Vilma Roy Duavit. His father died on December 14, 2018, at age 84. He has siblings including Rizal Representative Jack Duavit and Michael John Duavit, both involved in business and politics. Duavit is married and resides in , .

Creative Output

Filmography and Production Credits

Gilberto Duavit Jr. initiated his production career with Film Experts Inc., serving as president and CEO from 1991, and collaborated with GMA Films—then Studios—beginning in the mid-1990s to produce key early releases. His direct credits include the studio's inaugural films Sa Pusod ng Dagat (1998) and (1998), followed by Muro-ami (1999) and Deathrow (2000). These projects earned critical recognition, with and Muro-ami each securing the Best Picture award.
YearTitleDirectorKey Cast/Notes
1998Sa Pusod ng DagatStarring and ; GMA Films' first production.
1998Historical biopic starring ; won Best Picture.
1999Muro-amiAdventure film starring ; won Best Picture.
2000DeathrowCrime drama screened at , , and International Film Festivals.
In television, Duavit conceptualized the 17-episode horror Liwanag ng Hatinggabi, which premiered on December 6, 1999, and starred , , and . As chairman of since 1995, he has supervised broader output, including subsequent films and series, though personal credits concentrate on these foundational works.

Awards and Recognitions

Notable Honors and Industry Accolades

As a with GMA Films, Duavit contributed to (1998), which won the (MMFF) Best Picture award. The epic historical drama, directed by , swept multiple categories at the 1998 MMFF, including Best Director, Best Actor for , and Best Screenplay. Duavit also produced Muro-Ami (1999), securing another consecutive MMFF Best Picture honor for GMA Films. The adventure drama, again directed by Diaz-Abaya, dominated the 1999 MMFF with 13 wins out of 14 nominations, including Best Director, Best Actor for Cesar Montano, and Best Child Performer. These back-to-back victories marked a significant achievement for Philippine cinema, highlighting Duavit's early role in elevating GMA's standards.

References

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