GMA Network First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan says that the new GMA-Network powered digital channel, I Heart Movies, will have no problems.
In an interview, Abacan said that he is confident that their channel would not encounter problems they abide by the law, and they have cleared the channel launch with the proper authorities.
“I don’t think so. Wala, kasi sumusunod naman kami sa batas. That’s what I know; I don’t think there should be a problem.”
“Inayos namin ito, we cleared everything with the proper channels; to the proper authorities.”
As for their availability, Abacan says that they will also be available for other digital boxes aside from GMA Affordabox.
“It is a digital channel. Actually, you could watch it for free.”
“It is for free as long as you have a digital signal wherever you are, masasagap mo ‘yung I Heart Movies, the same way we would be running another channel.”
In 2020, The Federation of International Cable TV Associates of the Philippines, alongside ANAKALUSUGAN Rep. Mike Defensor, Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla, and SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, used the allegations of illegally having additional digital channels against ABS-CBN as one of the talking points in the denial of their franchise renewal.
I Heart Movies launched this April 5, 2021. Filipino viewers can now catch a vast selection of movies on Channel 5 in GMA Affordabox and GMA Now. They also have plans of expanding to other digital boxes in the future.
