ABS-CBN Franchise earns a ‘pass’ from Pres. Rodrigo Duterte?

• During the May 2016 elections, ABS-CBN did not air President Rodrigo Duterte’s political advertisements.
• President Rodrigo admitted his hurt from a controversial political advertisement which ABS-CBN aired.
• The President, however, is ready to move on and let it pass.

During a dinner with Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted his hurt from a controversial political advertisement which ABS-CBN aired. Although he had been threatening to stop the corporation’s franchise renewal, he had since moved on and mellowed down from the issue.

The said ad featured children who questioned his capabilities as a leader.

History

During the May 2016 elections, ABS-CBN did not air President Rodrigo’s political advertisements. They, however, aired a controversial political advertisement against him which was paid by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. This caused a beef between him and the corporation became a frequent target of the President’s rants.

Rants.

The President accused the corporation’s of writing and publishing stories that defame him. He also called former ABS-CBN Chairman Gabby Lopez a “swindler” for not returning his advertisement money even if his political commercials didn’t air. The President also continued to threatened to file a criminal case against the Lopez family.

“Thieves.”

In early August, President Duterte stated that he is not in favor of the corporation’s franchise renewal which will expire on March 30, 2020. The President also called the Network owner thieves for tricking small people. In a speech he made on August 3, the President hoped that the franchise won’t push through.

“Now, ABS-CBN, their franchise is due for renewal. They sent emissaries to me. They sent Gabby (Lopez) away because nothing will happen. I will not talk to you, but I will also never intervene. But if I had my way, I would not give it back to you.”

Wrong allegations.

In the said dinner, President Rodrigo noted that his ad placement did not push through. He, however, was maligned and accused of stealing billions from people.

“Minsan sinobrahan… I will not say I am sorry but you should understand me. ‘Yung placement ko na hindi natuloy, tapos nababoy pa ako. Billions and billions sabi raw ng… Hindi naman totoo.”

The President, however, is ready to move on and let it pass.

“That was really hurting. Kaya minsan I blurt it out but I have learned to live with it actually. Kung minsan mag-init lang ang ulo ko… But let’s just understand each other, and let it pass. I said because let no man with no sin cast the first stone.”

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/entertainment/celebrity/abs-cbn-franchise-earns-a-%E2%80%98pass%E2%80%99-from-pres-rodrigo-duterte/ar-BBM4IZv?li=BBuSk52