PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte said he is willing to strike a deal with ABS-CBN Corp. if the broadcast network would help him in his campaign for a shift to a federal system of government.

Mr. Duterte made the proposal during the PDP-Laban Christmas Benefit Dinner where he again slammed ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Gabriel “Gabby” L. Lopez III, whom he claims to have a debt to government.

“Kung magtulong kayo diyan sa (If you help in the) federal system campaign at gawain ninyong (and you make it a) slogan also for the unity and to preserve the republic, makipag-areglo ako (I will enter into a compromise deal),” he said.

“Just dedicate a portion of your time, your expensive and precious time on TV, help us promote federalism…I’m willing to shake hands with you,” he added.

Mr. Duterte has also accused Mr. Lopez of estafa for supposedly not airing his political advertisements during the 2016 election campaign.

The President had previously threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s television franchise.

“But kayo, may mali man rin kayo, may utang rin kayo sa gobyerno (you, you have also made a mistake, you also have a debt to government), do your part and maybe we can talk about it,” Mr. Duterte said.

“But most of all, try to be a part of an entity or hindi kailangan (it does not have to be under) PDP, promote something that will save and allow the country to prosper for our children.” — Rosemarie A. Zamora

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR