ABS-CBN and TV5 joint venture. Illustration from INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Raffy Tulfo said on Wednesday that he does not see any issue with the merger between media giants ABS-CBN and TV5, which he described as a “dream team.”
The Kapamilya and Kapatid networks signed a landmark deal last August 11, elevating their existing block time agreement to a partnership.
“Sa ngayon, wala akong nakikita. Pero again, I have to study that. I have to ask questions from experts. Tignan kung mayroong violation. ‘Pag may violation, then it’s a different story. It’s a different ball game,” Tulfo said on ANC Headstart when asked if he sees a problem with the joint venture.
(As of now, I do not see anything. But again, I have to study that. I have to ask questions from experts. Let’s see if there is a violation. If there is, then it’s a different story. It’s a different ball game.)
Tulfo said the viewing public will benefit from the merger as both networks offer excellent news and entertainment shows.
“The best of two worlds joining together, at ang (and the) end result, dream team at sino ang makikinabang dito (and who will benefit this)? The viewing public,” the senator said.
“Makikinabang ‘yung viewing public kasi dalawang higante nagsanib pwersa,” he added.
(The viewing public will benefit because two giants combined forces.)
Aside from shows, ABS-CBN and TV5 provide opportunities for people through their contests which are aired on television, Tulfo noted.
Tulfo’s remark is in contrast with that of Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta who expressed belief that the deal must be reviewed.
A broadcaster prior to becoming a legislator, Tulfo’s popular public affairs program used to air on TV-5, while he also used to be news anchor in the Kapatid network.
On the other hand, Marcoleta is among the congressmen who pushed against the provision of a franchise for ABS-CBN, leading for the network’s cessation of broadcast on television and radio in 2020.