ABS-CBN’s news channel ANC has come under fire after a significant error occurred during its live coverage of Gloria Romero’s wake on January 28, 2025.
The network mistakenly labeled an elderly guest as Flora Gasser, a veteran actress who passed away over two years ago.
The blunder, which went viral, happened while ANC was interviewing a guest at Romero’s wake. The ticker on the screen incorrectly identified the interviewee as Flora Gasser – PH Actress, despite Gasser having passed away on November 19, 2022. Viewers quickly noticed the error, expressing shock and disappointment on social media.
Netizens criticized ABS-CBN’s oversight, questioning the network’s editorial standards and fact-checking procedures.
“Grabe, sino ba ang nag-check niyan? Halata namang wala nang double-checking,” tweeted one user.
“Hindi pa nga tayo naka-move on sa sablay na report ng TV Patrol, may ANC pa ngayon,” commented another, referencing the earlier backlash regarding TV Patrol’s poorly received coverage of Romero’s wake by guest reporter Jarren Garcia.
Huy sino yung ininterview ng ANC na si Flora Gasser e matagal na siyang wala na rin?
— Hedwig Snatchedt
(@iamjosel) January 29, 2025
this is so unserioushdjdwjj pic.twitter.com/RUmxxeDfcf
— raven (◜◡◝) (@chowmowan) January 29, 2025
Dead Actress Flora Gasser REINCARNATED and CAME BACK TO LIFE to attend Gloria Romero’s wake
Ginagawa niyo @ANCALERTS trewww pic.twitter.com/izu5kiXWUz
— Toni Flower (@momshiedivine) January 29, 2025
anc resurrecting flora gasser for a quick interview https://t.co/zuqScgEcrq pic.twitter.com/Kev1Kvx3K9
— thonter (@thonterthomas) January 29, 2025
Many expressed frustration that such a mistake occurred at a solemn event honoring a highly respected figure in Philippine entertainment. Some accused the network of prioritizing ratings over journalistic integrity.
Despite the controversy, a number of celebrities and fans gathered to pay their respects to the late Gloria Romero, who passed away on January 25 at the age of 91. Romero was a celebrated icon known for her roles in films such as ‘Dalagang Ilocana,’ ‘Tanging Yaman,’ ‘Magnifico,’ and ‘Rainbow’s Sunset.’
Among those present were Barbie Forteza, Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Daisy Romualdez, Tirso Cruz III, Leo Martinez, Nova Villa, Celia Rodriguez, and former President Joseph Estrada.
Romero’s family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and love they have received. They continue to honor her legacy as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema”, whose career spanned more than seven decades.
As of press time, ABS-CBN has yet to release an official statement addressing the incident. However, insiders have indicated that the network is reviewing its processes to ensure that similar errors do not happen in the future.
This incident has drawn renewed scrutiny toward ABS-CBN’s newsroom operations, particularly as it follows another heavily criticized report involving the network’s flagship news program, ‘TV Patrol’.
