Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon has expressed support for the idea of granting ABS-CBN Corporation a new broadcast franchise—despite being one of the figures who previously opposed the media giant’s franchise renewal.
In a message to media reporters, Gadon said the return of ABS-CBN’s franchise could significantly help curb the spread of fake news in the country, which he claimed is largely being circulated by vloggers aligned with supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose allies played a key role in blocking ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal in 2020.
“Sang-ayon ako ngayon sa ideya na pinapalutang ng iba na ang ABS-CBN ay dapat bigyan ng prangkisa o ng bagong franchise,” Gadon said.
He added that the rise of misinformation online has made the presence of established media organizations more important than ever.
“Pero ngayon dahil sa dami ng mga DDS vloggers na puro fake news ang pinapakalat, na nakakalito sa ating mga kababayan. I would rather na this news would come from ABS-CBN or from other mainstream media.”
Gadon further stressed that mainstream media help balance the growing influence of social media operators spreading false information.
“Napakalaki kasi ng mga puwersa nitong mga DDS vloggers at itong mga socmed operators na puro kasinungalingan ang mga ginagawa kaya siguro dapat ng madagdagan ang ating mga mainstream media na magpapalabas ng mga legitimate news.”
The presidential adviser admitted that he previously supported the move to deny ABS-CBN a franchise, citing what he described as unfair reporting against the family of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. However, he now favors a franchise renewal—provided it comes with conditions.
“Siguro dito sa bagong franchise ay bigyan lang sila ng mga terms and conditions na hindi na nila gagawin yung mga ginawa nila dati na mga propaganda to destroy an image of a particular person,” Gadon added.
He clarified that regulation does not equate to censorship.
“Dapat ay hindi na nila gawin yun, at tsaka ang franchise to see to it that they will toe the line o kaya sumunod sila sa mga regulasyon hindi naman ibig sabihin ay sinisikil na ang freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Kundi yun lang ay regulated in the sense na hindi ka dapat manira.”
Previously, ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak had stated that applying for a new franchise was no longer part of the company’s plans.
However, on Wednesday, December 17, ABS-CBN confirmed its return to Channel 2 through a licensing agreement with Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS)—the owner and operator of ALLTV—allowing the Kapamilya Channel to air on free TV starting January 2, 2026.