Angel Locsin hits Jimmy Bondoc over post on ABS-CBN franchise renewal

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – She’s played the iconic Pinoy superhero Darna on screen. And in real life, actress Angel Locsin truly doesn’t back down in the face of what she believes is a wrong.

In a series of tweets, the actress criticized “Let Me Be the One” singer and Duterte appointtee Jimmy Bondoc after he said he was “eagerly awaiting [the demise]” of ABS-CBN, the country’s biggest entertainment companies. Under ABS-CBN are several TV channels, a movie production company, music recording companies, and artist management companies, among others. 

Bondoc, a singer who was appointed vice president for entertainment of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, said in a Facebook post: 

“I AM EAGERLY AWAITING YOUR DEMISE. I know how this sounds. And I know the nasty comments which are bound to come. I don’t care. If you think COMELEC is bad, wait until you see the real machinery that is known as “the biggest network.”

“This is not schadenfraude. This is hope! This is for real change. You have COUNTLESS VICTIMS, from sexual harassment to plain and simple bullying.”

“I am so happy that your time has come.”

President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to block ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, which is expiring in 2020. Locsin is an artist under ABS-CBN. (READ: Duterte’s ace against ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ biggest network)

Locsin, who plays Rhian Bonifacio on The General’s Daughter reminded the singer that thousands of jobs are at stake.

“Let me be the one to break this news to you so you don’t have to make excuses,” she began, playing on the lyrics of Bondoc’s hit song.

“The network might not be perfect but for you to be happy about thousands of people losing their jobs is pure evil. Maybe you’re just having a bad day. I will pray for you,” she said.

“Nung sumikat ka ba may na experience ka na sexual harassment? (When you became famous, did you experience sexual harassment?) If yes, I encourage you and all the victims to report this to the police. But generalizing that sexual favor is a prerequisite to success is just wrong.”

Let me be the one to break this news to you so you don’t have to make excuses. The network might not be perfect but for you to be happy about thousands of people losing their jobs is pure evil. Maybe you’re just having a bad day. I will pray for you

— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) May 22, 2019

Nung sumikat ka ba may na experience ka na sexual harassment? If yes i encourage you and all the victims to report this to the police. But generalizing that sexual favor is a prerequisite to success is just wrong.

— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) May 22, 2019

On Thursday, May 23, Bondoc took to Facebook to clarify his statement. Calling her “Mam,” Bondoc said:

“Why would I be happy for loss of jobs? That is a false assumption. Kayo po ang nag-generalize, hindi ako (You were the one who generalized it not me). When a network (any network) closes, it can mean a change of management or ownership.

“Ibig po sabihin (It means), deserving employees would probably be retained. Therefore, there is nothing in my post that connotes happiness over the termination of employees, but rather, the termination of the network’s system; Thank you for your prayers, although I am not having a bad day. But prayers are always needed especially if sincere.”

“Let me ask: if you acknowledge the imperfection of the network, do you have any comments on the acquisition of ownership by its current owners in light of the allegations that it was transferred to them to the disadvantage of the government?”

 

In a new tweet which she said would be her final statement on the issue, Locsin said to Bondoc: “As you said ‘when a network closes it can mean a change of management or ownership’ keyword is can. I’m speaking for the thousands of employees that will have no job security if this happens.”

“The assumption I gave I coming form your statement that you are excited for the network to CLOSE. I am not a lawyer nor am I a politician. I have no knowledge of how it was acquired.”

On allegations of sexual harassment and rigged contests, Locsin encouraged Bondoc to report it to proper authorities. “Don’t just rant on Facebook.Your rant discredits the artists the truly worked hard to get to where they are,” she said. 

“Magtulungan tayo at huwag magsiraan (Let’s help one another and not destroy each other). Let’s not wish ill of others rather let’s look for the proper solution. And yes, I was sincere when I said I will pray for you. Have a good day.”

Let this be my last statement about this topic pic.twitter.com/OlDHd3x9S8

— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) May 23, 2019

 

— Rappler.com