Image Capture from Random Videos/Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ Ad via YouTube- TV network defended self over controversial anti-Duterte ad
- It called the ad legitimate, said it was duty-bound to air it
- ABS-CBN also said the ad complied with election laws and passed its ethics committee
MANILA, Philippines – TV station ABS-CBN has defended itself over a controversial anti-Duterte commercial featuring children, saying it was “duty-bound” to air an ad which passed the guidelines of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
“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,” its statement on its website read.
According to the station, the ad— which was paid for by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV— was deemed compliant with “pertinent election laws” by its own ethics committee.
“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,” the network said.
The ad, which shows clips of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s vow to kill criminals, establish a ‘bloody presidency’, controversial rape remark, cursing of Pope Francis, and kissing a woman has been heavily criticized by his supporters for featuring children.
In particular, ABS-CBN has drawn most of the flak— with the mayor’s supporters accusing it of being biased and calling for a boycott of the station.
Government agencies, including the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), have also been called on to review the ad for any possible child labor law violations.
Aside from ABS-CBN however, other TV networks— GMA News and TV5— have also aired the ad since it first came out Thursday evening, May 5.
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