Investigative journalist Christian Esguerra has launched scathing remarks against his former home network, ABS-CBN, following the sudden removal of a youth debate show episode where he served as a guest.
The controversy stems from an episode of “YSpeak 2.0”—a program co-produced by ABS-CBN Studios and Caritas Philippines—where Esguerra offered blunt descriptions of various political figures.
During a segment, he labeled Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro as “talkative,” referred to Vice President Sara Duterte as “evil,” and questioned the senatorial credentials of Robin Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa—the latter currently evading an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for crimes against humanity.
The episode was abruptly taken down from social media platforms shortly after airing, prompting Esguerra to call out the organizers on his podcast, Facts First.
“Mukhang natakot yung mga organizers ng ‘Y Speak’ at ti-nakedown na lang at natakot sila sa possible backlash,” Esguerra said.
“Sa akin, very unfortunate. Kasi, na-censor na naman ako eh. Dati na akong nase-censor ng nung nasa ABS-CBN ako. Ngayon, na-censor na naman.”
While the veteran reporter clarified that his grievances do not apply to the network’s entire workforce, he argued that journalists are left helpless when media executives themselves allegedly succumb to political fear.
“I am not talking about the men and women who are running the newsroom. Dahil marami dyan, matapang eh. Meron ding mga duwag. Pero mas marami ang matapang,” Esguerra pointed out.
“Pero kung yung management mo, iba yung mensaheng ipinaparating doon sa newsroom, paano ka naman magiging matapang kung hindi ka naman nakakaramdam ng strong backing from your higher ups?”
As of press time, neither ABS-CBN Studios nor Caritas Philippines has issued an official statement regarding Esguerra’s allegations or the specific reason behind the episode’s removal.