ABS-CBN is now under fire after they announced that they will air a Chinese broadcast on their news channel.
Recently, the Network’s correspondent Chiara Zambrano received commendations for her bravery as she and her team were chased by Chinese naval forces along the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS).
However, after the Network’s announcement that it will air Chinese News TV (CNTV) during weekdays, it stunned the public. Now, they are facing criticism as many were disappointed about the move made by the Kapamilya Network.
Meanwhile, former Kapamilya employees also shared their resentment with ABS-CBN airing CNTV.
Former ABS-CBN producer Nick Villavecer questioned the move of the Network as it allowed the airing of a Chinese news program.
GUYS, BAKIT https://t.co/6D8tiglu8g
— Nick Villavecer (@nickvillavecer) April 14, 2021
Even former Kapamilya reporter Kevin Manalo was disappointed by such news.
“Oh no…,” wrote Manalo in his tweet.
Oh no…
— Kevin Manalo (@kevinmanalo_) April 14, 2021
In a series of tweets, TV host Kiko Rustia expressed his disgust over ABS-CBN’s decision.
Rustia, with a heavy heart, aired his frustration with the Kapamilya Network. The TV host, though fine with having a Filipino-Chinese program, stressed that the station’s airing of CNTV is a start of an invasion.
Hindi ko alam ano ang dahilan nyo para gawin to, pero nakaka bigat lang ng loob.
Ok lang kung Filipino-Chinese news program dahil Pilipino sila.
Pero para yung dayuhang mananakop ang bigyan nyo ng plataporma sa propaganda nila…di ko maintindihan.
Yan ba ay para sa bayan? https://t.co/ew6YQ34Enh
— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) April 14, 2021
Rustia then explained that his frustration is not because of racism. But because it is his way of protesting the Chinese propaganda which is aired on the Kapamilya Network. Since China is taking away the Philippines’ territories and resources, Rustia’s disappointment reached a new level after the same country has been threatening Filipinos, including a journalist of ABS-CBN.
Hindi to Sinophobia. This is me talking against China CCP Propaganda.
The same CCP that has been stealing our land, sea, and resources. The same CCP threatening Filipinos in our own territory.
— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) April 14, 2021
In his final tweet about the Network, he then questioned the integrity of the Network as he asked if ABS-CBN’s airing of CNTV is “in the service of the Filipino people.”
ABS totally missing the point.
Para sa bayan ba yan?
Is that 'In service of the Filipino'?
https://t.co/PYxDehMkvg— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) April 14, 2021
And to clarify, ABS-CBN News Chief Ging Reyes took to Twitter to air the network’s side. Reyes said that she understood the disappointment of the public. With the rift between the Philippines and China, the chief explained that ABS-CBN is hearing both sides.
Furthermore, Reyes highlighted that the Network, being neutral, condemns any form of racial discrimination.
I understand the concerns on Chinese incursions in the West Ph sea & many other issues related to the country’s relations with China. ABS-CBN News has vigorously covered these issues, in our pursuit of truth and public enlightenment. But we resist discrimination against any race
— GING REYES (@gingreyes) April 14, 2021
to provide a service to their local community, it’s time we considered embracing the diversity of this land we all call home. We have editorial control over their content, provide national news stories & ensure accuracy of the translation from Mandarin to English subtitles.
— GING REYES (@gingreyes) April 14, 2021
Although Filipinos are irate about ABS-CBN airing CNTV, its producer, the Horizon of the Sun Communications Inc., was the team behind the longest-running Filipino-Chinese lifestyle show, Chinatown TV. CNTV was also aired on the government station IBC-13 and the Iglesia ni Cristo-owned channel, NET25.
