Random developments

President Duterte, on most occasions, devotes a significant portion of his off-thecuff speech on ABS-CBN. His latest tirade sent social media on a frenzy, naming actor Gabby Concepcion, though, all the while, he meant Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, the top honcho of the “Kapamilya” network.

But, he charmed his way through his captive audience, seemlessly correcting himself on the third mention. Prior to the alleged non-airing of his political ad during the presidential campaign, the chief executive chronicled the network’s reported financial liability.

This impassioned attack has lighted a spark in the market. What gives?

Will there be a “knight in shining armor” for ABSCBN?

The franchise of the “Kapamilya” network is up for renewal next year.

I’ve done a bit of crowdsourcing to determine the pulse of a cross section of the people – from millennials to entreprenuers and market analysts – on the topic. The outcome is unanimous: The network will remain in the hands of its current owners.

Here are some of the interesting comments on the ownership:

“I don’t see them being sold.”

“May not. The masses happened to like ABS-CBN brand. Masses are delighted with the ABS-CBN teleseryes, mov- ies.”

“If ABS-CBN does not change I won’t be surprised if the heat turns up. They might just reprogram.”

This one is from a millennial, who believes the “stars” have aligned and re-aligned and could be the “knight in shining armor” of the network. “ABS-CBN has all the stars in our planet now,” the general viewers will “have a lot to say” if this happens.

On the issue of its franchise renewal, the common reply is: It’s up in the air. Iffy.

“There’s a big chance their franchise might not be renewed.”

***** Received from my wall: An update on the Union Bank of the Philippines’ succession planning.

There’s another candidate on who may possibly succeed as president/chief operating officer of the bank should Edwin Santiago fills the vacuum with the scheduled retirement of current Chairman Justo Ortiz two months from now. Described as the “dark horse” is Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, senior executive vice president, chief technology and, operations officer, and chief transformation officer. Aguda is a techno savvy. Before joining Union Bank in August last year, he was the Globe Telecom’s chief information officer and SVP of information systems group.

The bank insider says that should Union Bank explore the borderless world of information technology, there’s a possibility that Aguda may edge out SEVP Eugene Acevedo and Jose Emmanuel “Toto” Hilado.

“If we become digital fast, he could be our future CEO by-passing the two.”

We’ll keep posted on how this will unravel.

Talk back to me at sionil731@gmail.com.