MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III on Monday insisted that he has no allegiance with the United States, despite being a dual citizen on account of his being born in America.
At the continuation of the joint House panel hearing on the media network’s franchise, Lopez was again quizzed by Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta on the issue of his citizenship, asking him whether he is 50% Filipino or 50% American.
“I am 100-percent Filipino,” Lopez replied.
Marcoleta then followed up with another question: “Samakatuwid, wala po kayong allegiance sa American government (So that means, you have no allegiance to the American government?)?”
“Wala po,” the ABS-CBN official said.
During the last House hearing, Lopez and his lawyer sought to establish that he is a natural-born Filipino since he is born from Filipino parents, despite his being an American citizen.
On the question of his allegiance, Lopez said lawmakers should look at his public records to prove that he has served the Filipino people.
Lopez’s citizenship is being questioned by lawmakers for possible violation of ABS-CBN’s franchise, particularly the constitutional provision requiring owners of media entities to be wholly-owned by a Filipino.