ABS-CBN primetime series ‘Sigabo’ has become the subject of online discussion after viewers claimed that a scene from its latest episode appeared to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
The controversy stemmed from Episode 13, which aired on July 8, featuring what appeared to be a wedding scene involving a Filipino-Chinese couple. Shortly after the episode aired, clips from the sequence circulated on social media, with several netizens questioning its visual quality and speculating that AI technology had been used.
Some viewers also expressed concern that increased reliance on AI could diminish opportunities for artists and production professionals, while others argued that practical production constraints should also be considered.
Several netizens said they were disappointed because ABS-CBN has long been recognized for producing visually polished primetime dramas.
One viewer commented that the sequence looked “more like an AI-generated TikTok clip than a snippet from a primetime show,” while another suggested it would have been better to omit the scene entirely if it could not be executed convincingly.
Came across these scenes sa Sigabo the other night. Na-notice ko agad na may sudden change sa frame rate, video quality, and even the lens used. Unnatural din ang movements.
As someone who uses AI at work, I knew at a glance that these were AI-generated.
I have mixed feelings. pic.twitter.com/sRoETnKYBA
— Ronald Suria ♎ (@iamronaldsuria) July 8, 2026
tangina dont support #cocomartin #sigabo they use AI almost every ep they have grabe asan na yung gusto mag deliver ng raw performance sa mga televiewers kung puro AI kayo pic.twitter.com/SYRCvmfK2l
— gay sensei (@makogie23) July 9, 2026
The first and true home of AI-nobela. #Sigabo #BloodvsDuty https://t.co/UXWBkkPxVp
— Ctrl-Alt-Delete (@CtrlAltDel000) July 10, 2026
AN OPEN FAN LETTER TO ABS-CBN STUDIOS, DREAMSCAPE ENTERTAINMENT, AND CCM FILM PRODUCTIONS ABOUT THE USE OF AI IN COCO MARTIN’S SIGABO@ABSCBN @DreamscapePH @CocoMartinCCM pic.twitter.com/nCkI8LPhw0
— Coco Martin (@idolcocomartin) July 9, 2026
However, it is important to note that there has been no confirmation that artificial intelligence was actually used in producing the scene. The online discussions are based solely on viewers’ observations and speculation.
As of this writing, ABS-CBN, CCM Film Productions, and Coco Martin, who serves as the show’s creator, writer, and director, have not issued any statement addressing the circulating clip or the allegations.
Produced by CCM Film Productions and Dreamscape Entertainment, ‘Sigabo’ stars Coco Martin and Julia Montes. The action-drama series follows Gabo, an ex-convict wrongfully imprisoned who seeks to rebuild his life while confronting new challenges after regaining his freedom.
