President Rodrigo Duterte willing to shake hands with ABS-CBN on one condition: Help us promote federalism

President Rodrigo Duterte reveals his one condition before he agrees to settle his issue with ABS-CBN.

In an article published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer last December 14, Duterte said he will only agree to a compromise if ABS-CBN promises to help promote federalism.

He said in his speech during the PDP-Laban Christmas benefit dinner on December 12, "Kung magtulong kayo diyan sa federal system campaign at gawain ninyong slogan also for the unity and to preserve this republic, makipag-areglo ako."

Duterte has been vocal about his threat to block the renewal of ABS-CBN's TV franchise when it expires in 2020.

This was after he accused Channel 2 of not airing his campaign ad, which was already paid for during the 2016 presidential elections.

In his December 12 speech, Duterte slammed again the owners of the network, the Lopezes.

According to the President, he has not forgotten ABS-CBN's debt but he was willing to talk with the owners of the network.

"But kayo, may mali man rin kayo, may utang rin kayo sa gobyerno, do your part and maybe we can talk about it.

"I will go to you and say… Wala akong hingiin. Just dedicate a portion of your time, your expensive and precious time on TV, help us promote federalism, only the good ones. But if you think that it is not into your system, fine.

"Pero kung suportahan lang ninyo ang… Kayong mga network, wala kayo. Wala akong hingiin, ‘yan lang.

"And I said, I’m willing to shake hands with you."

He pointed out that he won't stop the Kapamilya Network from airing reports against corruption.

"You can continue with your criticisms about corruption. Pareho tayo ayaw ng corruption and wrongdoing."

On April 27, 2017, President Duterte first threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020.

ABS-CBN's application for renewal remains pending in Congress.

Channel 2 has yet to issue a statement regarding President Duterte's latest threat.

Aside from airing shows on television, the Kapamilya Network has made efforts to venture into the digital world, via its streaming service iWant, which offers digital shows and movies.

On April 21, 2017, Duterte approved the franchise renewal of rival network GMA-7.

The law extended the Kapuso Network's franchise for 25 years.

https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/28965/president-rodrigo-duterte-reveals-condition-before-settling-with-abs-cbn-help-us-promote-federalism