Former Partylist Congressman Teddy Casino criticized politicians for their double standards after ABS-CBN entered into a joint venture with Prime Holding Inc. of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Casino took to Twitter on May 24 to slam the anti-ABS-CBN congressmen who previously made quite a fuss about the supposed ABS-CBN-TV5 deal but are now silent about the ABS-CBN-Prime Holdings deal.
“Originally, ABS-CBN was supposed to partner with Manny Pangilinan’s ABC-5, but attack dogs in Congress made so much noise that it was scuttled. A few months later, ABS-CBN partnered with Romualdez’s Prime Media. I’m sure the dogs are quiet this time. You’re too obvious,” Casino tweeted.
Originally, ABS-CBN was to have partnered with Manny Pangilinan’s ABC-5 but attack dogs in Congress made so much noise it was scuttled. Few months later, ABS-CBN is partnering with Romualdez’s Prime Media. I’m sure tahimik ang mga aso this time. Obvious kayo masyado. https://t.co/YneeZWnh4a
— Teddy Casiño (@teddycasino) May 24, 2023
On May 23, ABS-CBN announced the cancellation of one of its news channels, Teleradyo, due to significant financial losses caused by the pandemic and the non-renewal of its broadcast franchise.
However, in the same statement, ABS-CBN also announced its joint venture with Romualdez’s Prime Holdings Inc. to establish an independent company that houses DZMM and brings it back on the air.
In August 2022, ABS-CBN and MediaQuest Holdings, the parent company of TV5, signed a joint venture agreement that would have allowed ABS-CBN to acquire a 34.9 percent stake in TV5. However, the deal faced opposition from politicians like Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, causing its premature termination due to political concerns.
That’s why, in September 2022, ABS-CBN and TV5 mutually agreed to terminate the deal for fear of political repercussions.
Marcoleta was one of the key opponents of ABS-CBN franchise renewal in Congress, along with former Congressmen Mike Defensor and Boying Remulla.
Yet, with this recent joint venture between ABS-CBN and Prime Holdings, those loud voices of opposition in Congress seem nowhere to be found.
It’s understandable that they won’t bite the hand that feeds them pork barrel funds. Casino pointed out, it’s obvious.
