Duterte on ABS-CBN: 'Let it pass'

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has mellowed down on broadcast giant ABS-CBN, whose franchise he had threatened to block after accusing its owners of swindling and favoring his political rivals.

Duterte said he was hurt when the network reported about the allegations of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that he has billions in hidden wealth during the election season.

He also claimed that ABS-CBN did not air his political advertisement but did not return the money he paid for the air time.

But Duterte, who cursed former ABS-CBN chairman Gabby Lopez a number of times in his previous speeches, is now ready to move on from the issue.

“That was really hurting. Sometimes, I blurt it out but I’ve learned to live with it, actually. Sometimes, I become temperamental. But let’s just understand each other, and let it pass. I said because let no man with no sin cast the first stone,” the President said during a dinner with members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas in Malacañang last Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Duterte said he was not in favor of renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN, which will expire in 2020.

House Bill 4349, which aims to renew the ABS-CBN’s franchise for 25 years is still pending at the committee level.