ABS-CBN defends its “anti-Duterte” TVC

Television network ABS-CBN said it was “duty-bound to air a legitimate ad” after gaining criticisms from public for airing an “anti-Duterte ad.”

A 30-second political advertisement against Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was aired on ABS CBN on Thursday night. It is said that the “anti-Duterte ad” was produced and paid for by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

In a statement released by ABS-CBN on that same night, the network said it had nothing to do with the production of the political ad and that it is just airing the ad as it was “duty-bound to air legitimate ad.”

“The controversial political advertisement being talked about in social media, which aired on ABS-CBN, was produced and paid for by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Prior to the airing, ABS-CBN’s ethics committee reviewed the content of the material, which complies with the requirements of pertinent election laws,” ABS-CBN said.

“By airing the said commercial, ABS-CBN is being consistent with COMELEC guidelines, which prohibit radio or television stations to discriminate in the sale of air time against any political party or candidate. We are duty bound to air a legitimate ad,” the network added.

Before its airing on ABS-CBN, an audio version has already been airing on radio stations. Meanwhile, another “anti-Duterte ad” also started airing on its rival network GMA-7 on Thursday at the same night.

On Thursday prior to the airing of the ad, Cayetano cautioned the public regarding the possible airing of multi-million pesos worth of negative ads against his running mate Duterte. He warned the public against anti-Duterte television advertisements which would be aired on ABS-CBN.

After citing a reliable source, Cayetano said that other TV networks rejected the offer to air the “anti-Duterte ad”, but ABS ABS-CBN’s ethics committee allegedly “blindly approved” the deal.

Some netizens recall irony in Duterte’s previous political ad – Duterte Para sa mga Bata – where he also used children to inform voters that children are his top priority.

Source: KAMI.com.gh