Solon accuses ABS-CBN as pro-Noynoy, pro-Poe, Robredo in 2010, 2016 presidential polls

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker opposing the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise accused the network giant of being politically biased and partisan towards certain political candidates during the 2010 and 2016 presidential elections.

SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday accused the ABS-CBN as “pro-Noynoy Aquino” during the 2010 presidential elections while it was “pro-Grace Poe and pro-Leni Robredo” during the 2016 presidential elections.

He also pointed out that the network did not air then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential campaign advertisements despite receiving payment for the placements.

“ABS CBN has been biased and partisan in favor of particular candidates and against certain candidates during the 2010 and 2016 presidential candidates, contrary to the terms of its franchise and in violation of the Omnibus Election Code,” the lawmaker said during a House hearing.

“Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman ng marami, kung hindi man lahat,  kung paano naging pro-Noynoy Aquino ang ABS-CBN nung 2010 at pro-Grace Poe at pro-Leni Robredo naman nung 2016,” he added.

(It is not unknown to many that ABS CBN was pro-Noynoy Aquino back in 2010, and pro-Grace Poe and pro-Leni Robredo in 2016.)

The network was also set to air anti-Duterte advertisements funded by a certain former senator had it not been for the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by courts, Marcoleta noted.

The House panels on good governance and accountability and legislative franchises are tackling the 11 bills seeking to renew the ABS-CBN’s franchise, which expired last May 4.

The network has been off the air since May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order against it due to the lack of a congressional franchise.