Kapamilya artist Aljur Abrenica was bashed by netizens because of the statement that he released regarding the ABS-CBN network shutdown.
In a recent statement during a zoom conference for the movie Escape from Mamasapano, Aljur confirmed his support for the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, however, he was also quick to add that he’s not keen on fighting for the network. He stated that he supports the Kapamilya network even though he is not vocal about it.
“Hindi naman sa hindi ako vocal. Actually, pro-franchise po ako. Siyempre, [ABS-CBN is] my mother network now. Marami rin silang naitulong sa akin. Pero it’s beyond me. Ibig kong sabihin, their fight is their fight,” he said.
Abrenica said that he is thankful for ABS-CBN in providing help for his career and the many opportunities that the network has offered him. He mentioned that he supports the network and even stand for its franchise renewal.
But his words saying that the network’s fight is its own and that it is beyond him enraged the people online. Netizens say that the actor is not sincere with his gratitude because he failed to stand with the network in his statement. They say that he was insensitive considering that thousands of employees will be retrenched next month.
Even ABS-CBN’s head writer Keiko Aquino expressed her dismay over the artist’s mindset.
She replied to Abrenica’s statement, saying, “Hindi ka na nga magaling, sana naging mabuti ka na lang.”
The head writer pointed out that Abrenica should have at least shown sympathy and compassion for the sake of the Kapamilya employees who suffered greatly with the network’s shutdown. That instead of playing safe by avoiding the issue, the actor should have at least been kind with his words as he is a public figure. She also belittled the actor’s talent in the industry saying that he does not excel in the acting field.
Keiko Aquino created many screenplays of Filipino movies and shows that people enjoyed watching. Some of her famous films include No Other Woman (2011), Praybeyt Benjamin (2011), Momzillas (2013), Trophy Wife (2014), Ex with Benefits (2015), and The Gift (2019).
She even worked on the TV series Darna (2009-2010) for 28 episodes.
Abrenica is the husband of Kylie Padilla that’s why people believed that he played safe with his words because his father-in-law, Robin Padilla, is a devoted Duterte supporter.
This is not something new for the actor because people say that he has the knack of making people dislike him and turning them off. They say that he can really be quite arrogant and feeling entitled.
Kapamilya star Liza Soberano even expressed her disbelief regarding Abrenica’s statement. In a tweet, she could only say “Ouch” to the actor’s remark that the network’s fight is only theirs and that it is beyond him.
Ouch.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) July 24, 2020
Abrenica’s statement was met by criticism from ABS-CBN supporters because people expect ABS-CBN stars would have a strong stand about the issue. The network provided them many opportunities regarding their career that’s why people believe that it is only natural for the talents to support their home network.
If Kapuso stars like Janine Gutierrez and Jennylyn Mercado can make a strong stand and support ABS-CBN, then Kapamilya stars can at least do the same.
Abrenica first appeared on the fourth season of StarStruck which is a reality-based talent show of the GMA network and won the “Ultimate Hunk” title.
Throughout his career in GMA, he was part of the lead cast of All My Life, The Last Prince, and Machete, among others. He also starred in the film Nandito Ako…Nagmamahal Sa’Yo, produced by Regal Films. Abrenica joined in a GMA Christmas Reality show, Puso Ng Pasko: Artista Challenge.
After ten years, Abrenica felt dissatisfied so he left and moved to ABS-CBN where he was given some soaps.
In August 2017, Abrenica signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN and got his first lead role in the network with Asintado. He will star along with JC de Vera in Boracho Films “Escape From Mamasapano” which is based on true events that occurred in 2015.
