ABS-CBN promises: ‘Our service to you will continue’ amid TV5 partnership uncertainty

The network assures Kapamilyas it remains committed to delivering top shows like “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” despite possible end of its block-time deal with TV5.

“Our service to you will continue.”

ABS-CBN has assured its audience that its service will continue, following the announcement that its partnership with TV5 “may end.”

In its statement published on Dec. 4, the content and media company said: “We want you to hear this directly from us: ABS-CBN has received notice that our partnership with TV5 may end. While we are doing everything we can to resolve this within the short time we’ve been given, we want to be transparent with you about what’s happening.”

The two networks first entered into a five-year content agreement in June 2023, allowing ABS-CBN to provide programs for Filipino viewers across weekday, weekend, and Sunday primetime slots. 

Flagship programs under the deal include “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” “The Iron Heart,” “Dirty Linen,” and “The Tale of Nokdu.” Weekend and Sunday slots featured “Everybody Sing” and “ASAP Natin ‘To,” respectively.

The agreement also included a co-production arrangement for two new afternoon soap operas, “Pira Pirasong Paraiso” and “Nagbabagang Damdamin,” intended to be the first of several collaborative projects.

Challenges after 2020

“Since losing our franchise in 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, we have faced challenges unlike any in our history. We’ve had to rebuild from the ground up, operating at a loss while staying true to our mission. These financial constraints are real, but they have never diminished our commitment to you,” the statement said, explaining that the partnership with TV5 was part of its efforts to rebuild after losing its broadcast franchise.

Addressing reports about unpaid obligations to TV5, ABS-CBN added: “We know we have obligations to fulfill, and we’re working as hard as we can to honor them.”

The statement concluded: “But whatever happens, our service to you will continue. We will find ways to reach you, just as we found our way back to you after losing our franchise. ‘In the Service of the Filipino’ is our response, and we will strive to pursue this no matter the odds.”

Meanwhile, TV5 acknowledged the value of ABS-CBN’s programs to viewers but said the latter’s failure to meet its financial obligations has created difficulties for the Kapatid Network.

“Their failure to meet their financial commitments to us has made it very difficult for us to compensate our employees, talents, and partners who help deliver these programs to your homes,” TV5 said in a statement.
The network explained that the Content Agreement requires ABS-CBN to remit, on a timely basis, TV5’s share of revenues collected from advertisers. “These amounts collected, our share being held by ABS-CBN for TV5, have reached such material value as to severely affect TV5’s availability to settle its own obligations,” the statement said.

Despite repeated appeals, TV5 said, “ABS-CBN has failed to pay what is due. Neither have they given assurances, nor indicated, that they can or will.”

TV5 emphasized that it values the partnership. “To be clear… we understand ABS-CBN’s financial difficulties. But TV5 is also faced with its own challenges. We need the funds owed to us to continue serving you, our viewers. Our leniency and forbearance must now yield to the realities of this business,” the statement read.

History of support

The network also highlighted its history of support for industry peers. “When ABS-CBN lost its franchise in 2020, TV5 gave them a home. When ‘Eat Bulaga’ lost its home in 2023, we welcomed them into ours. We have always been a Kapatid to anyone in need,” it said.

On May 31, 2023, “Eat Bulaga!” hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon announced their departure from longtime producer TAPE, Inc. They launched a new noontime show on TV5 as “E.A.T.” on July 1. After winning a trademark case, the show reverted to the “Eat Bulaga!” name on January 6, 2024.

“To you, our viewers, rest assured that we are committed to serving you with the best programming, no matter what ensues from all these issues,” TV5 concluded.

 

 

ABS-CBN has received notice that our partnership with TV5 may end. While we are doing everything we can to resolve this within the short time we’ve been given, we want to be transparent with you about what’s happening.

ABS-CBN

 

 

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