ABS-CBN back on Channel 2

(UPDATE) TAKEN off the air by the Duterte administration in 2020, many of the ABS-CBN shows will return to free TV, after the Lopez-owned network signed a content deal with Advanced Media Broadcasting Systems (AMBS) owned by billionaire and former Senate president Manny Villar.

Earning the ire of then-president Rodrigo Duterte, the network was stripped of its congressional franchise in 2020, resulting in the migration of some of its shows to other TV networks.

With the agreement, All TV — the official name of the AMBS TV station — will host ABS-CBN’s “Kapamilya” shows under the Jeepney TV brand.

“I know there are some who feel some pain over our return to our former channel, a home that was once ours. But in all humility, let’s try and put all of the past behind us and embrace, instead, our mission to serve the Filipino wherever they may be,” said ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak.

Even before the official partnership was sealed Tuesday, All TV already started airing “TV Patrol,” ABS-CBN’s longest-airing newscast. This served as the kickoff of the list of top-rated ABS-CBN content that All TV is scheduled to carry.

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Also present at the contract signing were (from left) Katigbak, Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. president and CEO Paolo Villar, ABS-CBN Chairman Mark Lopez, Villar Group Chairman Manny Villar, All Value Holdings Corp. president and CEO Camille Villar and Senator Mark Villar.

“There’s been a persistent clamor for [TV] Patrol’s credible news and information to reach the audience it once had. I hope that by working together with All TV, we are once again able to deliver this service to all our kababayan (countrymen),” Katigbak added.

All TV took over ABS-CBN’s former frequency — Channel 2 on analog and Channel 16 on digital — since its official launch on Sept. 22, 2022. It premiered with original content from the likes of Willie Revillame (“Wowowin”), Toni Gonzaga (“Toni” and “Toni Talks”), Anthony Tabierna (“Kuha ALL!”) and the trio of Ruffa Gutierrez, Ciara Sotto and Mariel Rodriguez (“M.O.M.”).

However, most of these shows ceased airing as early as February 2023. A quick scan on All TV today will see reruns of old local TV series.

All Value Holdings Corp., which owns AMBS, said it was looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with ABS-CBN.

“There’s not much to say except that we are very very happy that we’re finally here, we are finally going to start our partnership and we look forward to more collaborations ahead,” said All Value Holdings Corp. president and CEO Camille Villar.

Present at the contract signing were chairman of Villar Group Manny Villar, Sen. Mark Villar, and Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. president and CEO Paolo Villar. Representing AMBS were its president Maribeth Tolentino and its CFO Cecille Bernardo.

(From left) ABS-CBN’s Group CFO Rick Tan, chief operating officer Cory Vidanes and CEO Carlo Katigbak ink content agreement with AMBS’ president Maribeth Tolentino and CFO Cecille Bernardo on April 23.

Joining Katigbak in representing ABS-CBN were network chairman Mark Lopez, chief operating officer Cory Vidanes, Group CFO Rick Tan, and chief partnership officer Bobby Barreiro.

Katigbak also took the opportunity at the contract signing to thank their new partners “for believing in us even if it took a while to get where we are now.”

“[Former] Senator Manny [Villar], when we met a few months ago, I was very touched by what you told me. You said that the magic of ABS-CBN storytelling lies in our character and our soul as an organization. I think it’s this insight that made us believe you truly saw us as a valued partner in growing this business and your very sharp understanding of ABS-CBN gave us the confidence that this is going to be a very successful partnership,” Katigbak said.

Since its shutdown in May 2020, ABS-CBN has partnered with digital platforms and TV channels — including TV5 and GMA— to provide content.

ABS-CBN currently airs its primetime shows, including hit series “Batang Quiapo” and “Can’t Buy Me Love,” on TV5.

In 2023, the network partnered with its erstwhile competitor GMA where stars from both networks joined forces for the drama series “Unbreak My Heart,” which was aired on the former’s prime time block.

Most recently, ABS-CBN partnered again with GMA to air the noontime variety program “It’s Showtime” Monday through Saturday.

Its latest partnership, however, will feel a little more like a homecoming as its programs will be airing again on Channel 2.

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