Several netizens contradicted Suzette Doctolero’s claim that Maria Clara at Ibarra (MCAI) was at a disadvantage in rating comparison since its rival program, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo (FPJBQ), simultaneously aired on five different channels.
On Thursday, February 16, Doctolero tweeted about the unfair TV rating comparison resulting in FPJBQ beating MCAI.
The Kapuso writer argued that MCAI is at a disadvantage since FPJBQ airs on five different channels (TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, and Cinemo), while the Kapuso series is only airing on three channels: GMA, Pinoy Hits, and a delayed telecast on GTV.
“3 laban sa 5 na simulcast, aba’y dehado tayo mga kapuso pero laban pa! o susugurin na naman ako tiyak ng mga …. Sweet na tao. MCAI mamaya ha.”
https://twitter.com/SuziDoctolero/status/1626072474613075969
However, several netizens disagreed with the Kapuso writers’ statement, noting how large the GMA Network’s reach in the country compared to the combined reach of TV5, A2Z, cable channels, Kapamilya Channel, Cinemo, and JeepneyTV.
In his tweet, @VanDCruz urged Doctolero to seek advice from their data team to see the current uneven playing field in Philippine TV favoring GMA Network.
“Paano naging dehado eh kahit pagsamasamahin ang reach kung san ineere yan eh hndi pa din papantay sa reach ng GMA. Check nyo mam sa data team nyo. GMA pa rin ang may pinakamalawak na reach sa ngayon. So hindi po kayo dehado.”
https://twitter.com/VanDCruz/status/1626103076087296000
Currently, GMA Network has a total of 67 stations nationwide, 52 of which are analog TV stations and 15 are digital terrestrial stations.
TV5, on the other hand, consists of 17 analog TV stations (eight network-owned and nine affiliate stations) and 14 digital terrestrial stations (11 network-owned and four affiliate stations). While A2Z Channel 11 has one analog and two digital terrestrial stations in the country.
Former Kapamilya employee Jon Montesa also reacted to Doctolero’s statement, saying, “May amnesia ba siya? Nabura na ba sa alaala niya ‘yung ABS-CBN shutdown, which automatically made them number 1 by default? Bitter naman masyado.”
May amnesia ba siya? Nabura na ba sa alaala niya 'yung ABS-CBN shutdown which automatically made them number 1 by default? Bitter naman masyado. https://t.co/pLpR0INzWM
— Jon Montesa (@iMelAljon) February 16, 2023
@jrockerem also noted GMA Network’s bigger reach than TV5 and A2Z.
The netizen also noted that Doctolero might be hurting because, even with FPJBQ‘s limited reach, it still beats MCAI.
“3 na multicast* Kayo ang may pinakamalawak na reach ngayon kaya lang bat ganun ang ratings niyo Ang sakit matalo ng may limited reach lang noh? Ramdam na ramdam ko ang PAIT. Eh kasi namin dinagdag na yung delayed telecast talo pa rin sa ratings.”
https://twitter.com/JrockerEm/status/1626080259337768960
