Gus Abelgas Opens Up About the Devastating Impact of ABS-CBN Closure
GUS ABELGAS – For the first time, Gus Abelgas spoke candidly about the struggles he faced after ABS-CBN lost its franchise.
Veteran broadcast journalist Gus Abelgas opened up about the painful chapter in his life following the shutdown of ABS-CBN, revealing how deeply the network’s closure affected him both professionally and personally.
In the latest episode of fellow Kapamilya broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano’s vlog, aired on Saturday, February 14, Gus spoke candidly about the impact of the network losing its franchise. For more than three decades, he dedicated his career to ABS-CBN, becoming one of its most recognizable faces in investigative journalism.
Reflecting on that difficult period, he admitted, “Ayaw ko sanang aminin…pero nasira ‘yong buhay ko halos sa pagkawala ng ABS-CBN dahil ang ABS-CBN, ito ang naging buhay ko halos sa buong career ko.”
His words underscored how intertwined his personal and professional life had become with the network. He added, “At dito ako nagkaroon ng buhay na maayos at dito rin ako nagkaroon ng partner. Napakahalaga talaga…dito nagsimula ang lahat. Kaya nakakapanghinayang,” highlighting that ABS-CBN was not just his workplace but also where he built a stable life and found his partner.
When ABS-CBN was declared without a franchise, Gus immediately searched for a new job. The timing made the situation even more challenging, as it coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite his fears, he pushed forward. “Takot din akong makalabas. Pero siyempre siguro talagang kapalaran na natin. Nangyari na ‘yan; let’s admit it. Talagang ganyan,” he shared.
In May 2020, the 25-year legislative franchise of ABS-CBN Corporation officially expired after 70 congressmen voted against granting a new franchise. The network also faced criticism from former President Rodrigo Duterte for not airing his campaign ads in 2016. The network’s management later apologized and explained that there were limitations in accepting local advertisements.
Today, Gus has returned to the Kapamilya channel through his crime docu-drama program “Scene of the Crime Operatives” or “S.O.C.O.,” marking a meaningful comeback after one of the most challenging periods of his life and career.
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