FACT CHECK | Claim that report lied about Duterte using his powers to target ABS-CBN is false

(July 29, 2022) – A pro-administration vlogger on Friday claimed that a news organization lied when it mentioned in an article that former President Rodrigo Duterte admitted to using his presidential powers to target ABS-CBN.

This claim is false.

CLAIM:

In his vlog posted on Youtube on Friday, Sangkay Janjan TV commented on a recent article by CNN Philippines about the resolution filed by Rep. Rodante Marcoleta seeking an investigation into the alleged franchise violations of ABS-CBN.

John Anthony Jaboya, the vlogger’s real name, disputed a portion of the article that recalled how Duterte admitted to using his “presidential powers” against the media giant before stepping down from office.

“Ayan na, nagsisinungaling na (ang CNN Philippines),” said Jaboya in his 12-minute vlog. “Si President Duterte, very vocal siya na talagang may mali ang ABS-CBN. Pero ang sabihin dito na in-admit daw ni Duterte na ginamit niya ‘yung kanyang kapangyarihan bilang presidente laban sa kumpanya, ibang usapan na ‘to.”

Jaboya went on to further claim that CNN Philippines may face charges for allegedly spewing baseless accusations against Duterte.

He also added that ABS-CBN did not pay its taxes, a reason why it was shut down in May 2020.

In addition, he claimed that the owners of ABS-CBN will once again face lawmakers because of the measure filed by Marcoleta.

RATING: False

FACTS:

Duterte said the claim that CNN Philippines mentioned in the article during the oath-taking of newly elected officials of his hometown in Davao City last June 27. Other media organizations also reported on the same remark.

“Kaya tinira ko talaga sila (ABS-CBN),” said Duterte. “Talagang I used the presidential powers to tell Congress that you are dealing with scoundrels, and if you continue to kowtow with them, kawawa ang Pilipino.”

READ: ‘TINIRA KO TALAGA’ | Duterte admits using power to attack ABS-CBN, rehashes false claims

Vera Files also published a fact-check report on this quote of Duterte, pointing out that the former tough-talking leader flip-flopped from his previous “neutral” stand. It mentioned the claim of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Duterte himself two years ago.

“Truth to tell, I have kept a healthy distance from (the issue). They are deliberating in Congress, the lower House, and the Senate. And there’s a plan that they would pass a joint resolution,” said Duterte in February 2020.

FROM VERA FILES: Duterte admits using ‘presidential powers’ vs ABS-CBN franchise renewal, contradicting previous neutral stance

Despite his supposed neutral stance, Duterte, who’s known to contradict his previous statements, has repeatedly castigated ABS-CBN in his speeches as he rehashed false accusations about the media network’s taxes. He even said he would ensure that he would not allow it to air even if it gets a fresh franchise.

Jaboya was also wrong in claiming that ABS-CBN did not pay its taxes. As CNN Philippines correctly put in the article, both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue have already debunked this.

He was also mistaken in assuming that the officials of ABS-CBN will face another legislative inquiry due to Marcoleta’s filed resolution. It is not automatic since it needs to be approved first by the House of Representatives.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

Jaboya has repeatedly been flagged by News5 and other news organizations due to his gimmick of spouting dubious claims on various issues. Rappler published an investigative piece on how he gets away with lies, hate, and propaganda.

Other fake news peddlers have also continued to spread false claims about ABS-CBN.

Earlier this month, the Makabayan bloc filed a measure seeking a fresh 25-year franchise for ABS-CBN. It will have to hurdle panel deliberations before reaching the plenary.

Jaboya’s video has garnered more than 82,000 views, 10,000 likes, and 387 comments as of writing.

He is the vice president for internal affairs of the United Vloggers and Influencers of the Philippines, a newly formed group looking to gain access to covering the administration.

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This piece is republished with permission from News5 Digital.