ABS-CBN on ‘anti-Duterte’ TVC: We are duty-bound to air legitimate ad

SCREENGRAB FROM YOUTUBE

Television giant ABS-CBN has said it was “duty-bound to air a legitimate ad” after the network was criticized for airing an “anti-Duterte ad.”

On Thursday night, a 30-second political advertisement against Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was aired on ABS-CBN.

In a statement released that night, the network said it had nothing to do with the production of the political ad, and that it was “duty-bound to air a legitimate ad.”

“The controversial political advertisement being talked about in social media, which aired on ABS-CBN, was produced and paid for by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Prior to the airing, ABS-CBN’s ethics committee reviewed the content of the material, which complies with the requirements of pertinent election laws,” ABS-CBN said.

“By airing the said commercial, ABS-CBN is being consistent with COMELEC guidelines, which prohibit radio or television stations to discriminate in the sale of air time against any political party or candidate. We are duty bound to air a legitimate ad,” the network added.

It said the political was paid by Sen. Antonio Trilllanes IV.

Prior to airing with ABS-CBN, an audio version of the ad has been airing on radio stations.

Another ad about Duterte also began airing on rival network GMA-7 on Thursday.

On Thursday, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano warned the public regarding the possible airing of multi-million pesos worth of negative advertisements against his running mate Duterte.

READ: Cayetano warns of multi-million peso anti-Duterte TV ads

Cayetano cautioned the public against anti-Duterte television advertisements, which would be aired on ABS-CBN.

Citing a reliable source, Cayetano said the deal was rejected by other TV networks, but ABS-CBN’s ethics committee allegedly “blindly approved” the offer. CDG