Former ABS-CBN News Bureau Chief Ging Reyes has spoken out after ex-ABS-CBN reporter-turned-politician Sol Aragones publicly endorsed Congressman Rodante Marcoleta, one of the principal figures behind the network’s 2020 shutdown.
In a Facebook post on May 4, Reyes expressed her dismay just as the nation nears the fifth anniversary of ABS-CBN’s forced closure.
“The month of May is always eventful. More so this year, with the upcoming elections. For me and thousands of kapamilya, marking 5 years since ABS-CBN’s broadcast shutdown brings back painful memories. That wound was deep. Apparently, not for everyone. ”
Her message was accompanied by a screenshot from X (formerly Twitter), shared by satirical account The Professional Heckler, highlighting the controversial endorsement.
Aragones, who served as a reporter for ABS-CBN from 1998 until her departure in 2012 to enter politics, recently aligned herself with Marcoleta’s senatorial campaign — a move that many former colleagues and netizens find deeply ironic and upsetting.
Marcoleta was a vocal opponent of the network during the congressional hearings that resulted in the non-renewal of its franchise, leading to the layoff of thousands and the shuttering of a key independent media outlet.
The endorsement comes just days before May 5, a date that has become symbolic for many Filipinos as a reminder of the suppression of press freedom.
On that day in 2020, ABS-CBN went off the air after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order following the expiration of its franchise. The action was widely criticized both locally and internationally as a politically motivated move under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, who had repeatedly threatened the network over its critical reporting and an unaired campaign ad.
Since the shutdown, figures like former Vice President Leni Robredo have emphasized the consequences of ABS-CBN’s absence, especially in times of disaster. The network had long played a crucial role in delivering information to remote areas and mobilizing relief efforts.
While Aragones has yet to respond to the backlash, Reyes’ post has been met with a wave of support from fellow journalists, former colleagues, and media advocates — all reaffirming the lingering pain and outrage over the events of 2020.
As the 2025 midterm elections draw near, the endorsement reignites conversations about accountability, loyalty, and the long-term implications of silencing independent media voices in the Philippines.
