On Monday, June 13, rumors surfaced that ABS-CBN CEO Carlo Katigbak was trying to court presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to have ABS-CBN regain its franchise.
Although ABS-CBN experienced its first shutdown during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s era, Abante columnist Joe Barrameda revealed that Katigbak was spotted gracing the BBM Headquarters in Mandaluyong City. It was confirmed by a guard manning the establishment.
“May nagkuwento sa akin na noong isang araw raw ay namataan si Mr. Carlo Katigbak, big boss ng ABS-CBN, sa BBM Headquarters sa Mandaluyong City,” Barrameda said. “Nagtanong ‘yung nakakita kung sino ‘yung dumating. At binanggit daw ng guard na si Carlo Katigbak.”
Speculation was that the Kapamilya executive was courting the upcoming President to have ABS-CBN’s franchise license back as the reason for his visit.
But in 2016, former Kapamilya CEO Eugenio Lopez III paid a “courtesy call” to the newly-elected Pres. Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang.
In the meantime, the network remains off the air as the outgoing President Duterte shut it down in 2020 due to “multiple violations.” It was later on proven to be mere hearsays.
Currently, the Kapamilya Network relies on partnerships with other TV stations such as TV5 and GMA Network to have its shows aired on free TV. It also continues to expand its digital reach through different digital streaming platforms.
As of this writing, ABS-CBN has yet to release a statement regarding this matter.
