Vice Ganda buy ABS-CBN remarks sparked public discussion after the comedian said he would purchase the network and eventually return it to its original owners if given the chance.

Comedian and television host Vice Ganda has once again sparked public discussion after saying he would buy ABS-CBN and eventually return it to its original owners if he had the financial means, a remark that resonated with many Filipinos still emotionally connected to the network’s shutdown. The statement, delivered during an interview segment, reflected both humor and sentiment, touching on the lasting impact of ABS-CBN’s closure on the entertainment industry and its audience.

Vice Ganda made the comment when asked what he would do if he suddenly had millions of dollars. In response, he said he would purchase ABS-CBN and, after some time, give it back to the Lopez family, who previously owned the media giant. While the statement was hypothetical, it quickly gained traction online, with many interpreting it as an expression of loyalty to the network that helped shape his career.

ABS-CBN, once the country’s largest broadcast network, went off the air in 2020 after its franchise renewal was denied by Congress. The shutdown resulted in thousands of employees losing their jobs and significantly altered the Philippine media landscape. For artists like Vice Ganda, who rose to prominence through ABS-CBN programs, the network’s closure remains a deeply personal issue.

Vice Ganda has long been vocal about his support for ABS-CBN and its workers. He has previously spoken about the challenges faced by employees after the shutdown and has used his platform to advocate for media freedom and job security. His recent statement, though made in a lighthearted context, underscored his continued connection to the network and its legacy.

Fans and supporters reacted strongly to the comment, with many expressing appreciation for Vice Ganda’s loyalty and acknowledging the role ABS-CBN played in providing entertainment, news, and public service. Others noted that while buying back the network may be unrealistic, the sentiment highlighted the emotional bond between artists, employees, and viewers who grew up watching ABS-CBN programs.

Media analysts say the remark reflects broader public nostalgia for ABS-CBN’s presence on free television, especially in rural areas where the network once served as a primary source of information and entertainment. The shutdown has often been cited in discussions about press freedom, governance, and the relationship between politics and media in the Philippines.

While Vice Ganda did not suggest any concrete plans or political statements, his words served as a reminder of the cultural significance of ABS-CBN and the enduring support it continues to receive from its artists and audience. Years after its closure, the network remains a symbol of both loss and resilience in Philippine media history.