“The shows we produce remain important and relevant,” Katigbak tells Senate committee

Philippines broadcast network ABS-CBN’s life-or-death fight entered a critical battle this week with the opening of hearings that will determine whether the network will be allowed to remain on air – or not. 

The 65-year-old network’s broadcast franchise expires on 30 March. Renewal initiatives have been running for about six years. 

The struggle to stay on air ramped up as it became clear that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte may make good on its threats of annihilation for, among other things, alleged bias against him by ABS-CBN owned media outlets. Duterte’s ire goes back to 2016 when, among other complaints, he accused ABS-CBN of not airing an ad he had already paid for.     

While ABS-CBN has strong support in various quarters, including those who say press freedom is in jeopardy if ABS-CBN goes away, it’s not clear whether this is powerful enough to head off the Duterte-driven onslaught.    

In an address to the Senate Committee on Legislative Franchises as it started its hearings on Monday morning, ABS-CBN president and CEO, Carlo Katigbak, emphasised the media company’s decades-long commitment to public service. 

Speaking as ABS-CBN employees, talent and supporters gathered in prayer for a successful outcome, Katigbak cited a Pulse Asia survey that showed 70% of all  Filipinos tuned in to ABS-CBN last year. 

In addition, more than three million Filipinos overseas tuned into the international service “to stay in touch with home or to help ease the pain of their loneliness and sacrifice,” he said.   

“That to us is a validation that the shows we produce remain important and relevant to the public,” Katigbak said. 

 “In the last 25 years of our existing franchise, we believe we have delivered a service that is meaningful and valuable to the Filipino people,” Katigbak said. 

He added that the ABS-CBN Foundation supports programmes that, for instance, have provided relief for victims of disasters and rescued thousands of children from child abuse, and given them new hope in life.

At the same time, Katigbak acknowledged “that we are not a perfect organisation”. 

“Where we have shortcomings, we acknowledge them, and we work to correct them,” he said. 

He also rejected charges that ABS-CBN had broken the law or violated the provisions of its franchise. 

“We welcome the opportunity to shed light on the issues that have been raised against us,” Katigbak told the Senate committee.

Monday’s address followed a series of public messages, posted on social media, about ABS-CBN’s service to the Philippines’ public over more than six decades. 

“The core of ABS-CBN is public service,” a widely shared Instagram post from Katigbak said. 

“We have made our share of mistakes and we are ready to rectify whatever shortcomings we may have. This is part of our journey towards becoming a better company,” he said. 

“To my fellow employees in ABS-CBN, my Kapamilya, thank you for the hard work and sincerity in continuing to render service to the country. I know how hard it is for you to work while worrying about your job and the welfare of your families. I promise we will do everything we can so that ABS-CBN can continue to operate.”

For months, supporters have pointed out the dangers inherent in shuttering a major media platform. 

On Monday, the Philippine Competition Commission estimated that broadcast rival GMA could take up to 55% of the local media market share should ABS-CBN go off air. 

The commission warned of a negative impact on consumers should a major player be eliminated.  

ABS-CBN currently splits the local market with GMA Network, with a smaller share held by TV5. GMA’s franchise was renewed in 2017.