- President Rodrigo Duterte continued to threaten ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
- The threat became another reason why they continually update their internet application, iWant.
- The beef started when ABS-CBN didn’t air his political advertisement but broadcasted a controversial ad paid by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.
President Rodrigo Duterte has been threatening the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN Corporation. The media company’s franchise will expire in 2020. ABS-CBN seemed to be preparing for 2020, pointing out that the company has business aside from television.
Prepares of threats.
ABS-CBN is already venturing into other media platforms, including the internet. They already have a monopoly of cable television service providers, aside from Cignal. The threat became another reason why they continually update their internet application, iWant.
Earns a pass.
The President hosted a dinner with Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas on Tuesday, August 14. During his speech, he expressed that he is ready to move on and let the issue 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 it because let no man with no sin cast the first stone.”
Revives threat.
In November, President Rodrigo revived the threat and slammed ABS-CBN anew during a speech in Malay, Aklan. He addressed chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III for allegedly swindling him.
“Yung franchise ninyo, matatapos. But let me ask you questions first. Kasi ako talagamag-object na marenew kayo. Alam mo bakit? Magnanakaw kayo. Estapador. Ginawa ninyo sa amin, marami kami.”
During the May 2016 Presidential Elections, ABS-CBN didn’t air the political advertisement which the President already paid for. The network, however, aired the degrading and controversial political advertisement against him paid by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
