Some Kapuso celebrities have expressed support for rival network ABS-CBN amid the challenges it is facing regarding its franchise renewal.
Actor Dingdong Dantes said despite being competitors, GMA Network and ABS-CBN are still part of one industry.
“Magkaiba man ng bakod, we are one in the media industry,” Dantes started in his series of tweets on Tuesday.
“We have one love for the many talents and crafts under this Network, the products, and output of which, directly or indirectly, benefit the lives of millions of Filipinos,” he added.
Magkaiba man ng bakod, we are one in the media industry. We have one love for the many talents and crafts under this Network, the products and output of which, directly or indirectly, benefit the lives of millions of Filipinos.
— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) February 11, 2020
Dantes further noted that “this Congress is really paralyzed with inaction; and we should not be deserving to be called representatives of the people.”
“this Congress is really paralyzed with inaction; and we should not be deserving to be called representatives of the people.”
— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) February 11, 2020
The “Descendants of the Sun” star also quoted Buhay party-list Rep. Jose Atienza Jr. in his speech in the Congress, saying: “Inaction will only spell the weakening of the foundations of our democratic system.”
Rep. Atienza of @buhayparty_list in his speech yesterday at the Congress, said that: “Inaction will only spell the weakening of the foundations of our democratic system. If Congress will not take action, Rep. Atienza added:
— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) February 11, 2020
Dantes said he hoped the “true interests of the people, under the rule of law, will prevail over any other political agenda conveniently veiled as a countermeasure against alleged abuses.”
In the end, I pray that the true interests of the people, under the rule of law, will prevail over any other political agenda conveniently veiled as a countermeasure against alleged abuses.
— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) February 11, 2020
“I pray too that the government, thru Congress, will hear out its constituents. After all, Congress is supposed to represent our ‘voice.’ #NoToABSCBNShutDown,” he added in a now-deleted post.
While an exclusive TV talent of GMA Network, Dantes has been a frequent collaborator of ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema.
He most recently starred in the Kapamilya film Fantastica in 2018.
Comedienne Eugene Domingo, who also starred in some films produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema, also voiced her support.
“In the end, we are all family. I pray with you,” Domingo said in her post on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Z9RD_HlTj/?igshid=1xkumx4tl6fqv
Actress Aiko Melendez, who switched networks, said she remained thankful to the Kapamilya network.
In her Instagram post, the Prima Donnas star said she became a part of ABS-CBN for a long time and she did a lot of great projects.
“Ang tagal ko din naging parte ng ABS CBN, madami akong magandang proyekto nagawa sa kanila. Nagkaroon ng ibat-ibang papuri sa mga awards,” she said.
“Malaki ang naitulong ng ABS sa akin. Bagamat ako ay nasa GMA, hangad namen na maayos ang kanilang franchise dahil sa huli lahat tayo ay nasa iisang industry. Tayo ay magkapuso at magkapamilya,” she added.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8aWl3UJ4RH/?igshid=14f6iah34otwa
The eldest son of “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano, Paolo, also spoke of his support to ABS-CBN.
“I’m Kapuso but I support @ABSCBN,” the younger Valenciano tweeted.
I’m Kapuso but I support @ABSCBN pic.twitter.com/i2An1I9gof
— Paolo Valenciano (@paolovalenciano) February 10, 2020
Paolo was formerly a creative director of GMA Network’s variety show Studio 7.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith meanwhile agreed to her boss on ‘Decendants of the Sun.’
I second this, Big Boss ❤ https://t.co/on72OGvIuk
— Jasmine (@jascurtissmith) February 11, 2020
Another Kapamilya star turned Kapuso Eliza Pineda showed support.
I’m not affiliated with ABS anymore. But when this many people are opposing it, isn’t it time to reconsider? Gusto pa ba nilang mag rally ang mga tao? Millions will suffer? Personal agendas and prejudice should not be a part of running a government. #notoabscnbshutdown
— Eliza Pineda (@maelizapineda) February 12, 2020
Kapuso reporter JP Soriano bravely expressed his stand on Twitter.
I strongly stand with my fellow journalists at ABS-CBN whom I respectfully admired. #DefendPressFreedom https://t.co/bIgfCHZ1SL
— JP Soriano (@jpsoriano) February 11, 2020
These statements from Kapuso celebrities came as Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday to forfeit the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN.
In his petition, Calida argued that the network violated the terms of its franchise.
But ABS-CBN denied this, saying that everything they do “is in accordance with the law.”
“We did not violate the law. This case appears to be an attempt to deprive Filipinos of the services of ABS-CBN,” the Lopez-led network said.
Meanwhile, the SC required ABS-CBN to file its comments on the petition 10 days from receipt of the notice.
The 10-day period is not extendable.
Bills calling for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise remain pending at the Congress.
The network’s franchise will expire on March 30.
