Jimmy Bondoc, singer and senatorial aspirant, found himself in hot water after making positive comments about ABS-CBN during his guest appearance on ‘Harapan 2025’.
Bondoc’s statements drew ire from supporters of the network, who recalled his previous involvement in the push to deny ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal in 2020.
Bondoc reflected on his time with ABS-CBN during the Harapan 2025 interview, recalling his appearances on ‘ASAP’ as part of the ‘Sessionistas’ group.
“Alam n’yo, nung pumasok ako kanina d’yan sa ABS, naalala ko, nung nag-AASAP ako, I have fond memories. And I really believe that ABS-CBN Entertainment is still the best. It’s the best in the world,” Bondoc said.
He went on to explain that his previous criticisms of the network were not driven by hatred. “That comes from a place of truth, hindi hatred. And right now, I’m glad to hear na ang dami ng naka-rebound na mga workers from ABS-CBN,” he added.
However, many netizens pointed out his contradictory stance, especially given his vocal opposition to the network’s franchise renewal during the Duterte administration.
Content creator Ogie Diaz took to Facebook to criticize Bondoc, referencing the backlash from netizens who unearthed Bondoc’s old posts about the network.
“Naresibuhan si Jimmy Bondoc, paano yan ngayon?” Diaz quipped, noting that Bondoc’s critical statements about ABS-CBN remain public.
“Ang liit lang ng mundo. Magkikita at magkikita pa din. Kaso, buhay ang ebidensiya… Di na nakaupo si Digong, di ka na niya mababak-apan sa narrative mo, Jimmy,” Diaz wrote, referencing former President Rodrigo Duterte, under whose administration ABS-CBN lost its franchise.
Netizens also shared a past clip of Vice Ganda from Tawag ng Tanghalan, where the comedian referenced Bondoc’s involvement in the shutdown of ABS-CBN.
“Si Jimmy Bondoc ang naaalala namin siya, ‘yung gusto niyang ipasara ‘yung ABS,” Vice said, a line that quickly went viral on social media.
Ito yung naalala natin kay Atty Jimmy Bondoc who’s running for Senator this #2025electionspic.twitter.com/BSbYj4lcYh
— @pauloinmanila and 99 others (@pauloMDtweets) February 8, 2025
In 2020, Bondoc made headlines for his harsh criticism of ABS-CBN. In a Facebook post, he referred to the company as a “snake pit,” alleging political bias and labor violations. His stance at the time earned him criticism from many in the entertainment industry and ABS-CBN employees.
Netizens expressed mixed reactions to Bondoc’s recent comments, with many questioning his sincerity. Some accused him of changing his tune for political gain, while others criticized his attempt to downplay past remarks.
Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, hindi kami nakakalimot.
Hwag kami. pic.twitter.com/OgR6W7fbnW
— Rommel Lopez (@RommelFLopez) February 8, 2025
Buti na lang nauso ang mga resibo. Lawyer nga talaga ito. Nuknukan ng sinungaling. pic.twitter.com/tGJ4bIvMMY
— DAVAOMIGRANT (@nabunturanguy) February 7, 2025
Vice : Si Jimmy Bondoc, ang naaalala namin sya yung gustong ipasara ang ABS, yun ang naaalala namin sa kanya.
Yun ang naalala tuloy sa kanya. Yung gusto nyang masara ang ABS.Amplaskik, Jimmy Bondoc! https://t.co/BNc0WVPRuO pic.twitter.com/cazr8WEcU5
— Cookie Marten (@Cookie_Marten) February 8, 2025
Akala yata ni Jimmy Bondoc ganun ganun na lang makalimot mga tao hehe. Thanks sa pagpapaalala Vice Ganda!
— Kevin Manalo (@kevinmanalo_) February 9, 2025
Kapamilya, don’t vote Jimmy Bondoc.
Malaki atraso! https://t.co/72Ttigwwnh
— The BenchWarmer (@datumx11) February 8, 2025
As of this writing, Jimmy Bondoc has not issued any statement addressing the controversy. LionhearTV is open to publishing his response to the matter.
