MANILA, Philippines — What initially appeared to be a setback for ABS-CBN following the collapse of its content partnership with TV5 turned into a major opportunity for ALLTV2, as the Villar-owned broadcasting network secured a much larger share of Kapamilya programming and strengthened its position in Philippine free-to-air television.
The fallout between ABS-CBN and TV5 in late 2025 paved the way for Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS), the operator of ALLTV2, to expand its existing relationship with the Kapamilya network. Through a new licensing agreement, ALLTV2 became the home of the Kapamilya Channel beginning January 2, 2026, carrying a broader selection of ABS-CBN’s entertainment and news programs.
The development marked a significant change in the television landscape, particularly for ALLTV2, which had previously struggled to establish a stronger identity in a highly competitive broadcasting industry.
FROM ABS-CBN’S BROADCASTING EXIT TO ALLTV’S ARRIVAL
The story traces back to 2020, when ABS-CBN was forced to stop its free-to-air television and radio broadcasts following a cease-and-desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Its franchise renewal application was subsequently rejected by the House of Representatives, leaving the country’s former broadcast leader without its primary terrestrial television platform.
In the aftermath, ABS-CBN explored alternative distribution arrangements to keep its programs accessible to Filipino audiences.
Meanwhile, AMBS entered the television industry after obtaining access to frequencies previously assigned to ABS-CBN. The company eventually launched ALLTV in September 2022, positioning itself as a new player in the Philippine broadcasting market.
Despite having the advantage of operating on Channel 2, the network initially faced the challenge of building a recognizable programming lineup and attracting a regular audience.
ABS-CBN AND TV5 PARTNERSHIP OPENED ANOTHER DOOR
Before ALLTV2 became a major destination for Kapamilya programming, ABS-CBN had already established a content-sharing arrangement with TV5.
The partnership began in 2021 and was formalized through a five-year content agreement signed in June 2023. It allowed selected ABS-CBN programs to reach free-to-air television audiences through TV5, giving the Kapamilya network another platform following its franchise loss.
However, ABS-CBN and TV5 encountered a major setback in December 2025 when TV5 issued a notice terminating their content supply agreement.
TV5 cited ABS-CBN’s alleged failure to remit its agreed share of advertising revenues on time, saying the outstanding amounts had affected its ability to meet its own financial obligations.
ABS-CBN acknowledged its obligations but disputed aspects of the claims, explaining that its financial difficulties were connected to the loss of its franchise and the resulting decline in revenues.
The termination took effect on January 2, 2026.
ALLTV2 SEIZED THE OPPORTUNITY
With the TV5 arrangement coming to an end, ABS-CBN moved quickly to secure another broadcasting platform for its programs.
On December 17, 2025, ABS-CBN announced that AMBS had obtained a license to air the Kapamilya Channel on ALLTV beginning January 2, 2026.
The agreement significantly expanded their existing relationship, which had started in 2024 with selected ABS-CBN programs, including content under the Jeepney TV brand, as well as It’s Showtime and TV Patrol.
Under the expanded arrangement, ALLTV2 gained access to several prominent Kapamilya productions, including:
- FPJ’s Batang Quiapo
- ROJA
- What Lies Beneath
- It’s Showtime
- ASAP
- TV Patrol
The arrangement gave ALLTV2 a much stronger programming lineup almost overnight, allowing it to carry established ABS-CBN entertainment franchises, dramas, variety programming, and news content.
For AMBS, the agreement provided an opportunity to strengthen its channel identity and attract viewers already familiar with Kapamilya programs.
For ABS-CBN, meanwhile, the deal ensured that its productions could continue reaching free-to-air audiences despite the end of its previous arrangement with TV5.
A MAJOR PROGRAMMING BOOST FOR ALLTV2
The arrival of the Kapamilya Channel transformed ALLTV2’s programming direction.
Instead of relying primarily on a developing lineup of its own offerings and selected acquired programs, the network gained access to a more extensive collection of established television productions.
One of the most significant additions was FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, which continued to attract viewers across multiple distribution platforms.
The inclusion of It’s Showtime and ASAP also strengthened ALLTV2’s daytime and weekend entertainment offerings, while TV Patrol provided a recognizable source of national news coverage.
By carrying familiar Kapamilya programs, ALLTV2 was able to offer viewers content with an established following while giving ABS-CBN another avenue to distribute its productions.
In February 2026, ABS-CBN held its All2gether Kapamilya: A Grand Pasasalamat celebration, recognizing the support of its viewers and partners, including ALLTV2.
The event highlighted the importance of the partnership in allowing the company to continue delivering its programs to Filipino households.
THE RETURN OF ABS-CBN AND TV5: DOES ALLTV2 STILL BENEFIT?
The broadcasting landscape changed again when ABS-CBN and TV5 resumed working together in 2026.
Their renewed cooperation became evident through the return of selected ABS-CBN programs to TV5, including the new primetime offerings Coco Martin’s Sigabo and Someone, Someday, which began airing across multiple platforms on July 27.
The two companies also entered a co-production agreement for the Kapamilya variety program ASAP XP, officially announced on October 11.
Beginning October 18, the Sunday musical program became available on TV5 alongside its existing broadcasts on ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and the network’s digital platforms.
This development demonstrated that the renewed relationship between ABS-CBN and TV5 did not automatically displace ALLTV2 from the Kapamilya distribution network.
Instead, the arrangement reflected a broader multi-platform strategy in which ABS-CBN programs could reach viewers through several television outlets.
ALLTV2 consequently retained its role as an important free-to-air platform for Kapamilya programming even as the ABS-CBN–TV5 relationship improved.
WHAT ALLTV2 GAINED FROM THE BREAKUP
The collapse of the original ABS-CBN–TV5 content agreement created several opportunities for ALLTV2.
First, it gained access to premium programming. The licensing agreement brought established Kapamilya programs to its Channel 2 lineup, significantly strengthening its entertainment and news offerings.
Second, it improved its competitive position. Carrying recognizable ABS-CBN productions gave ALLTV2 a stronger identity in an industry dominated by established broadcasters.
Third, it benefited from an existing audience base. Kapamilya viewers already familiar with the programs had another free-to-air destination where they could watch their favorite shows.
Fourth, it strengthened its relationship with a major content producer. The expanded partnership positioned AMBS as an important distribution partner for ABS-CBN’s television productions.
Finally, it gained a more sustainable programming direction. Rather than having to establish an entire lineup through original productions alone, ALLTV2 could complement its programming strategy with content from one of the country’s most established media companies.
However, the extent of these benefits in terms of advertising revenue, ratings, and profitability has not been publicly quantified. Access to popular programs does not automatically translate into financial success, particularly given the costs and challenges of operating a television network.
A NEW CHAPTER IN THE PHILIPPINE BROADCASTING LANDSCAPE
From ABS-CBN’s departure from free-to-air television in 2020 to ALLTV’s launch in 2022, the subsequent content partnership in 2024, and the expanded Kapamilya Channel arrangement in 2026, the relationship between the two companies has become one of the more notable developments in Philippine broadcasting.
What began as an opportunity for ABS-CBN to regain access to television audiences also became a significant programming breakthrough for ALLTV2.
Even with ABS-CBN and TV5 finding new opportunities to collaborate, ALLTV2 remains part of the Kapamilya network’s multi-platform distribution strategy.
The bigger picture is that the breakup did not simply create a vacancy in TV5’s programming schedule. It opened the door for another broadcaster to strengthen its position by providing a home for content that millions of Filipinos already know and follow.
For ALLTV2, the fallout between two major media companies became an unexpected opening to move beyond being a newcomer in the television industry and establish itself as a more prominent destination for Filipino viewers.
