Who Swayed Vice Ganda’s Choice? The Real Story Behind Her Remarks on ABS-CBN’s Comeback

It started as a seemingly ordinary entertainment interview, but within minutes, Vice Ganda dropped a revelation that sent shockwaves across Philippine showbiz and social media. Sitting in front of a panel of reporters, her tone was calm, but her words carried an undercurrent of both excitement and caution. The topic: ABS-CBN’s highly speculated return to free television.

For months, whispers about the network’s possible comeback had been making the rounds. Fans, employees, and industry insiders were desperate for answers. Yet, for the most part, the country’s top celebrities remained silent—until Vice Ganda spoke up. What she revealed wasn’t just a confirmation of rumors; it was a rare glimpse into the confidential conversations happening behind closed doors at one of the Philippines’ most influential media companies.

The Unexpected Question That Changed Everything

The moment came during a backstage interview after a taping of “It’s Showtime.” A journalist casually asked: “Vice, is ABS-CBN really coming back on air this year?”

Instead of brushing it off with a witty joke, Vice leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I didn’t want to talk about this before because I wanted to be sure,” she began. “But I’ve spoken directly with people who know exactly what’s going on.”

This was the first public acknowledgment that she had access to insider information. And not just any insiders—these were the top brass of ABS-CBN itself.

The Powerful Figures Behind the Scenes

Vice revealed that she had private conversations with Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes, a respected figure in the entertainment industry known for her strategic leadership, and Chairman Carlo Katigbak, the man who had become the face of ABS-CBN’s fight for survival after the network’s franchise renewal was denied in 2020.

According to Vice, both Vidanes and Katigbak gave her a clear picture of the network’s current status—not just in terms of operations, but also the legal standing of its broadcast license. The details, though confidential, were enough to reassure her that something big was indeed in the works.

“They told me exactly where we stand,” Vice said. “I know what’s real and what’s just rumor. And I can tell you… it’s not over. Not at all.”

The Weight of Her Words

In the entertainment industry, celebrities often have to walk a tightrope between telling the truth and protecting their network’s interests. Vice Ganda’s statement was not careless—it was calculated. Those who know her understand that she doesn’t speak publicly about sensitive matters unless she’s confident in her sources.

Within hours of her interview being published, social media platforms erupted. Hashtags like #ABSCBNReturn and #ViceGandaReveals began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans flooded the comments with emotional messages, many expressing hope for the return of free TV broadcasts.

But others were more skeptical, pointing out that the road to reclaiming ABS-CBN’s original broadcast license was still legally complicated. Some political analysts even questioned whether Vice’s revelation was timed to influence public sentiment ahead of upcoming political negotiations.

The Emotional Backdrop

Vice Ganda’s loyalty to ABS-CBN is no secret. She has spent over a decade as one of its flagship talents, hosting, performing, and becoming a household name largely thanks to the network’s platform.

When ABS-CBN was forced off the air in May 2020, Vice openly wept on live television. Her emotional monologue on “It’s Showtime” went viral, capturing the grief of thousands of employees who suddenly found themselves without work, and millions of loyal viewers who lost their daily connection to the network.

Those wounds have never fully healed. And so, when Vice hinted that the network’s story wasn’t over, it struck a deeply emotional chord—not just with fans, but with the entire entertainment industry.

The Industry Impact

If ABS-CBN were to fully return to free TV, it could dramatically shift the balance of power in Philippine entertainment. Competing networks have filled the void left by ABS-CBN’s absence, but none have been able to replicate the sheer cultural dominance it once held.

Advertising revenues, programming schedules, and celebrity contracts could all be reshaped by the network’s return. For Vice Ganda, this could mean not just a restoration of her home network, but also a revival of the television landscape she has thrived in for years.

The Questions That Remain

Despite the hope Vice’s comments have inspired, critical questions remain unanswered.

When will ABS-CBN make its official return?
Will it regain its original frequencies, or continue to operate through blocktime deals with partner networks?
How will political and legal hurdles be addressed?

Vice herself acknowledged these uncertainties, saying, “I can’t tell you everything now. Some things are still in motion. But I promise—when it happens, you’ll feel it.”

Public Reaction: Tears, Cheers, and Speculation

In the days following her statement, fans organized online “welcome back” campaigns, while former ABS-CBN employees shared emotional testimonies about what the network’s return would mean for them.

However, political commentators warned against premature celebrations. “It’s important to remember that there’s a difference between operational strategies and regaining a legislative franchise,” one analyst noted. “Vice Ganda’s optimism is inspiring, but the legal battle is complex.”

Still, the mood in fan communities is largely optimistic. The idea that one of the country’s most beloved comedians is speaking confidently about a comeback has injected fresh energy into the conversation.

A Carefully Orchestrated Hint?

Some industry insiders believe that Vice’s statement may have been part of a broader PR strategy. By allowing a trusted and beloved public figure to drop hints, ABS-CBN can reignite public interest while avoiding direct corporate statements that might trigger political backlash.

Whether intentional or not, the effect has been undeniable. The entertainment world is now buzzing with anticipation, and the network’s loyal audience is counting down the days to an announcement that could reshape Philippine media history.

The Road Ahead

As for Vice Ganda, she appears both hopeful and cautious. “I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that things can change overnight,” she told reporters. “But I also know that when you have leaders like Ma’am Cory and Sir Carlo, you can believe in the impossible.”

Her words left a lingering sense of suspense—one that seems perfectly designed to keep the public watching, waiting, and talking.

For now, the nation waits for the next chapter in ABS-CBN’s turbulent but resilient story. And if Vice Ganda’s confidence is any indication, that chapter might be closer than anyone dares to imagine.