A prominent scion of a major rival network has expressed strong support for ABS-CBN as it faces internal proposal for a total shutdown.
In a recent Facebook post, Butch Jimenez, son of GMA-7 executive Menardo Jimenez Sr., declared the Kapamilya network’s importance to the Filipino media landscape.
A photo of the Jimenez family with ABS-CBN President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo L. Katigbak accompanied the post.
Jimenez, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PLDT, began his message by mentioning his close ties to the Lopez family, who controls the embattled network.
“While I will not comment on the corporate intramurals between the Lopez families most of which are personal friends of ours on all sides, I will have to share a thought on ABS CBN,” said Jimenez.
His message comes amid recent revelations of a divide within the Lopez dynasty.
Reports indicate that Lopez Inc. President Federico “Piki” Lopez proposed shuttering ABS-CBN in 2025 due to mounting financial hurdles, a move reportedly rejected by other family members determined to fight for the network’s survival.
Read: ABS-CBN denounces "PR attacks" vs network amid family dispute
Jimenez’s statement emphasizes support for the rejection of the shutdown.
He continued, “Notwithstanding the fact that we have been competitors for decades, our family has always acknowledged and appreciated the service ABS-CBN has provided to the Filipino people.”
The business leader also argued that the network’s value transcends its financial difficulties.
“In my humble opinion, their existence cannot be measured only by pesos and profit. They may have lost a lot, but the Filipinos they serve have gained much more,” he said.
Read: ABS-CBN releases statement amid Lopez family dispute
butch jimenez FULL STATEMENT
Here is the full statement of Butch Jimenez, as posted on his Facebook page.
“While I will not comment on the corporate intramurals between the Lopez families most of which are personal friends of ours on all sides, I will have to share a thought on ABS CBN.
“Notwithstanding the fact that we have been competitors for decades, our family has always acknowledged and appreciated the service ABS CBN has provided to the Filipino people. In my humble opinion, their existence cannot be measured only by pesos and profit. They may have lost a lot, but the Filipinos they serve have gained much more.
“God speed to Team Kapamilya.”