KRIS Aquino recently explained why she thinks she cannot have a TV show in her former home network ABS-CBN.
At the press conference of her movie with Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto titled “I Love You Hater,” Kris was asked if she would also do a TV show following her movie comeback. This movie directed by Giselle Andres is produced by ABS-CBN’s film production outfit, Star Cinema.
Before answering, Kris narrated her conversation with her son Bimby, who expressed how much he missed the Kapamilya network, “Sabi ko, ‘We’re only visiting, honey.’ And sabi ko, ‘Don’t expect anything.’”
The TV host/actress/celebrity explained, “Ganito lang ka-simple kasi ‘yon, I know the realities of life and I also know that their franchise is at stake.
“I’m being so honest, diretsahan na ‘yan.
“Why would they risk it by giving me a show?
“Especially na kahit wala naman kaming issue ni Presidente [Rodrigo Duterte], hindi naman ako type ng mga supporters niya, so naiintindihan ko.”
The franchise being referred to is ABS-CBN’s right to operate TV and radio broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
The franchise of ABS-CBN expires in 2020, within the term of President Duterte who has said he would block the bill seeking the renewal of the Kapamilya Network’s franchise.
President Duterte accused the company of accepting money for a campaign ad that failed to air before the May 2016 elections, and then failing to return the money.
Here is the official statement that ABS-CBN released in June 2016 regarding its franchise renewal:
“ABS-CBN Corporation’s franchise to operate and maintain television and radio broadcasting stations will expire in 2020.
“ABS-CBN opted for an early renewal application in September 2014 and went through the normal legislative process. But due to time constraints, ABS-CBN later decided to withdraw the application with the intent of seeking renewal in the 17th Congress.
“Claims that the franchise will not be extended are purely speculative.
“For the franchise renewal, we believe that our government will uphold the ideals of democracy including the rights to freedom of speech and expression.
“ABS-CBN is committed to be in public service by providing news and information that matter to the Filipino, as wehave been doing for the past decades,” the station said in a statement.
Kris remained grateful because she still has a number of endorsements even though she does not have a regular TV show.
“They see me every night if they want to. I’m always online,” she said.
“And I have 53 brands supporting me. I would like to say thank you to them.
“I’m also a businesswoman.
“Alam ko naman na hindi ako kukunin for this movie had I not proven myself on digital.
“The role of my character, as they said, the digital empress.
“They wanted that and I was able to give it to them because I’m the embodiment of that.
“Nagawa ko dahil ako yung nauna, dahil nga walang choice, kailangang gawin.
“But I was able to do it because big businesses supported me and I wanna say thank you to them.
“Also, yung mga nasa likod [fans], kung wala namang nagtu-tweet, walang nagbu-view, at walang nagse-share, hindi ako nakaupo rito ngayon.”
When asked about the possibility of interviewing people again via her own talk show, she refused to give any details because, “I was forbidden to say more, I’m sorry.
“Sinabi ko nga, e, normally wala akong kinakatakutan pero ang kontrata at non-disclosure agreement kinakatakutan ko.”
Kris then dropped hints about plans for an online talk show.
“Yung hinihingi niyo will happen much sooner than you expect.
“It will just be happening in all of those things you are holding right now,” said Kris as she pointed at the smartphones being held by members of the press.
She promised, “Ang gusto niyo namang mangyari, mangyayari pero sa tamang panahon pa raw puwede sabihin kung kailan.” (Pep.ph)
