Anti-Duterte ad causes uproar online
ABS-CBN News
MANILA - A television ad paid for by Senator Antonio Trillanes that targets leading presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte has drawn flak among netizens.
The ad shows children reacting to some of the mayor's controversial remarks and acts, including his cursing of Pope Francis and his comment about the rape-slay of an Australian missionary.
On Twitter, @ALEXASACLAO said, "ABS-CBN and GMA just aired anti-Duterte ads on TV. Both were funded by Trillanes' camp. Where did all that money come from?"
Some supporters of Duterte said the ad won't change their minds on who to support.
"GRABE NA HIGH BLOOD AKO SA ANTI DUTERTE ADS NI TRILLANES 👊 STILL DUTERTE," said @gayswiftie13.
"They thought making those ads will make us throw our faith to other candidates but no, it grew even stronger. DUTERTE TILL THE END," said SeanPepito
"Wow. Anti-Duterte ads showcasing pinoy's Crab Mentality at its finest. God bless the Philippines. #DutertePaRin!" said @roksanmarkes
Netizen @xflosive, however, said, "People scandalized by the Duterte attack ad but are not scandalized by his vulgarity? Come on. #PHVote"
In a statement, ABS-CBN said it had nothing to do with the production of the political ad, and that it was "duty bound to air a legitimate ad."
"The controversial political advertisement being talked about in social media, which aired on ABS-CBN, was produced and paid for by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Prior to the airing, ABS-CBN’s ethics committee reviewed the content of the material, which complies with the requirements of pertinent election laws," the company said.
ABS-CBN pointed out that Commission on Elections' (COMELEC) guidelines prohibit radio and television stations from discriminating against any candidate or political party in the sale of air time.
"By airing the said commercial, ABS-CBN is being consistent with COMELEC guidelines, which prohibit radio or television stations to discriminate in the sale of air time against any political party or candidate. We are duty bound to air a legitimate ad."
An audio version of the negative ad has been airing on radio stations.
A different negative ad about Duterte also began airing on GMA Network on Thursday.
Voters will go to the polls on Monday.
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