Duterte to file multiple syndicated estafa vs ABS-CBN

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte said yesterday he would file charges of multiple syndicated estafa against ABS-CBN Corp. for allegedly failing to run his political advertisements during the election campaign last year even after he paid P2.8 million.

The President has been lashing out at the media company because of the matter and also because of its supposedly biased reporting against him, but this was the first time for him to talk about taking legal action.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for a housing project for the military and police here, Duterte said he was only able to gather money in the last weeks of his candidacy since it was only the time that his ratings picked up.

“Then money came, I pleaded to you because I did not have the money, I did not have any historical propaganda TV. I said, ‘Could you accommodate it?’” Duterte said, referring to ABS-CBN.

He was not given the chance, Duterte said, but his money was also not returned. He particularly addressed his grievances to ABS-CBN chair Gabby Lopez.

He said that the TV station did not only do it to him but also to other candidates like Sen. Francis Escudero, senatorial candidate Roman Romulo and his runningmate, Alan Peter Cayetano.

Duterte reminded ABS-CBN of its need for a franchise to continue its operations.

The President also repeated his allegations against the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which he said was being used by its owners to protect their interests.

He warned the courts and the judiciary to “come to your senses” and give back the Mile Long property in Makati City to the people.

Sunvar Realty Development Corp., which developed Mile Long, and the Inquirer are owned by the Rufino and Prieto families.

The President also accused Inquirer owners of not paying the right taxes for its donut business.

Flashing the “middle finger,” Duterte said “f*** you” as he described them as thick-faced and thieves only after money.

The President said certain media companies would invoke press freedom without respecting the freedom of other people, including politicians.