House Minority Leader Benny Abante argued that the ABS-CBN broadcasted TV shows that do not preserve Filipino cultural values and morality on Monday.
One case mentioned by the official was Anne Curtis’ controversial ‘Diamonds’ number for her 28th birthday performance on ASAP. It can be recalled that the celebrity went trending for donning a black strapless dress with a high-slit, which the audience deemed provocative.
Abante has also cited a few ABS-CBN shows that showcased unconventional scenes that can be found on national television. Among those are James Reid and Nadine Lustre’s “steamy car love scene” in “’Til I Met You.”
“’Til I Met You” has amassed attention back in 2016 following the scene. Some netizens called out the production for airing sensual material knowing that younger viewers can easily access the channel.
Some cases that were also used were “Pangako Sa’yo” for its language as well as the “degrading” scene in “It’s Showtime” back in 2014.
“Are we to assume that if given another 25 years, these are the type of programs you will continue to air?” Abante questioned at the joint House panel hearing for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal. “Have you forsaken contemporary Filipino cultural values and morality in favor of ratings?
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Chief of operations for broadcast Cory Vidanes told the panel that the network observes the requirements that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) requires.
“We tell stories that teach life lessons, and our stories embody Filipino values, hard work, honesty, respect, resilience, and most of all love for fam, country and God. Ang sentro ng aming mga kwento ay ang pamilyang Pilipino,” Vidanes told the attendees of the hearing.
“If there are infractions, we correct them right away and definitely we apologize to the audience,” she said.
Moreover, during the same hearing, ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes assured that while the network has committed mistakes, they always aim to present balanced news reporting.
“Since our return to air in 1986, we have endeavored to perform our duty as a news organization. As professional journalists, we strive to keep biases in check and to report on newsworthy events, persons and issues in an accurate, fair and balanced manner,” Reyes said. “Like other departments in our company, we are not perfect. No news organization is perfect. Despite cautiousness and vigilance, we admit that we also make mistakes.”