Ging Reyes, Sol Aragones and Rodante Marcoleta. Image: Instagram/@gingreyes; X/@hecklerforever8
Former ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes aired her disappointment over her former reporter Sol Aragones’ apparent endorsement of senatorial aspirant Rodante Marcoleta, who opposed the renewal of the media giant’s franchise in 2020.
Aragones, who is seeking the Laguna governor post in the May midterm elections, was seen raising the hand of the SAGIP party-list representative at what appears to be a campaign event. A screenshot of the event was posted by social media satirist The Professional Heckler, who criticized the journalist-turned-politician’s endorsement.
Incidentally, this came as the fifth anniversary of the shutdown of the Kapamilya network draws near. Marcoleta was one of the 70 members of the House of Representatives who voted to not renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“Hindi ka ba nandiring itaas ang kamay ng taong nasa forefront ng pagputol sa renewal ng franchise ng mother network mo? Ang bilis makalimot ng pulitiko ‘no?” the Professional Heckler said on X.
Reyes then reshared the post on Facebook, saying the month of May has always been eventful.
“The month of May is always eventful. More so this year, with the upcoming elections. For me and thousands of Kapamilya, marking [five] years since ABS-CBN’s broadcast shutdown brings back painful memories. That wound was deep,” she said.
“Apparently, not for everyone,” she further claimed.
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In the comments section, one Bryan Guarnes, who said he is also a former employee of ABS-CBN, came to the defense of Aragones and stressed that the latter was one of those who rallied for the network.
“I saw her break down in tears. I saw her lose sleep night after night. The shutdown of ABS-CBN hurt her deeply—because like us, it was ABS-CBN that molded her into the public servant she is today,” he said.
“She didn’t just speak in Congress—she fought with heart, with truth, with loyalty,” he further noted of the current Laguna third district representative.
Guarnes then argued that Aragones “welcomes everyone—no matter their color, no matter their political side—so long as they can help the Lagunense people.”
“I know some of us still carry the pain. I do too. But I also understand where Sol is coming from. She did what she could. She gave her all. And now, she’s choosing to fight again—this time, for the future of her province, for the people who deserve a chance at better lives,” he continued.
“I stand with my Kapamilya family. And I understand Sol Aragones. Because sometimes, fighting for what’s right takes on many forms. And sometimes… healing begins with understanding,” he added.
Guarnes’ sentiment, however, apparently did not sit well with former ABS-CBN reporter Niko Baua who underscored how he prefers “leaders who choose to value accountability and fighting for injustice.”
Image: Facebook/Ging Reyes
Image: Facebook/Ging Reyes
Image: Facebook/Ging Reyes
Image: Facebook/Ging Reyes
INQUIRER.net has reached out to Aragones for comment but she has yet to respond as of this writing.