Business magnate Manuel V. Pangilinan said that TV5 is open for a block time deal with rival ABS-CBN if the network will be forced to shut down on March 30, 2020.
“Setting aside politics, if they want to block time, we are prepared to talk,” Pangilinan told reporters.
“Of course politically, the President [Rodrigo Duterte] might say something so we are also reluctant,” he added.
ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal is in limbo after Duterte repeatedly threatened to block the broadcast giant’s franchise extension due to the network’s failure to air his advertisements last 2016 elections.
Online news site Bilyonaryo.com reported the possible deal between MVP and Lopez-controlled ABS-CBN — which would help the broadcast media giant to maintain its business if the network franchise will not be extended on March 30.
Pangilinan is no stranger with the Lopezes as MVP acquired several companies previously owned by the Lopez family such as North Luzon Expressway, Manila Electric Co. and Maynilad Water Services Inc.
However, Pangilinan noted he doesn’t want to be presumptuous if they [Lopezes] will come and talk to MediaQuest. He also reiterated that TV5 is not for sale.
“I don’t want to be presumptuous. We don’t want to think about it. It’s up to them, but we’re not offering them anything. We’re not suggesting anything to them so there are really no talks,” Pangilinan said.
