ABS-CBN denies its new sitcom glorifies squatting

The ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network defended yesterday its latest sitcom "Home Along Da Airport" over allegations of Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Edgardo Manda that it may glorify squatting along the airport.

In a letter to The STAR, Maloli Espinosa-Manalastas, ABS-CBN’s vice president for government and corporate affairs and public relations, clarified that the setting of the new show is not in a squatters area.

"The show’s setting is in a community near the airport wherein homeowners have ‘titled’ properties," Manalastas said.

In fact, ABS-CBN claimed that this was clearly presented in its pilot episode aired last Aug. 16.

The show, which stars comedy king Dolphy (as Kevin Kosme), followed the concept of its successful predecessor, "Home Along the Riles," which depicted typical Filipinos living along the railways.

For purposes of continuity and familiarity, the new sitcom opted to situate the Kosme family near the airport this time. But the house they moved into has a land title, Manalastas stressed.

"The family moved into an old abandoned house, which Azon (Nova Villa) inherited from her father. But unknown to her, her father also gave an adjacent piece of the property to Richie (Azon’s brother played by the late Babalu), who in turn gave it to his stepson Long," the letter said, recounting the show’s first episode.

While Manda has admitted that he has yet to view the episode when he wrote the executive producers of the show, he has urged the network to consider "what ill effects (the show) can wreak."

Manda said the show could affect the MIAA’s efforts to regain some 60 percent of its property from squatters.

"If there is one thing that will totally negate all our efforts to develop and maintain a world-class airport complex, it is more squatters," he added.

The ABS-CBN argued that just like its other programs, "Home Along the Airport" is a reflection of real life issues in society that Filipino viewers can identify and relate to.

"There is no way that this new format can be a grave threat to aviation security nor scare foreign investors away from the country," Manalastas said.

"ABS-CBN supports the government’s aggressive move to promote the Philippines in a positive light. The network will not in any way play around with storylines that will compromise peace and order, aviation security and Philippine tourism," she added.