SONA 2020: Stars, netizens react to Duterte's ABS-CBN mention

MANILA, Philippines — Several Kapamilya stars and those watching out for ABS-CBN’s franchise denial were disappointed when President Rodrigo Duterte opened his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday by slamming Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon for defending the network’s owners, the Lopez family.

"In an interview, [Drilon] arrogantly mentioned among others that oligarchs need not be rich. Then, he linked the anti-dynasty system with oligarchy and the topic was my daughter and son. This happened after the [House] committee of franchise 70-11 to deny the grant of franchise to ABS-CBN," Duterte said in his speech.

Related: Duterte slams Drilon for defending Lopez family in SONA 2020

ABS-CBN stars shared their reactions over the mention.

"No senator or private company deserves to be mentioned at the opening of the President’s SONA. This is about the state of the country, where we are, where we are going, not about personal vendettas or feelings. People are hungry and jobless. People are looking for inspiration," said broadcaster Karen Davila on Twitter.

No senator or private company deserves to be mentioned at the opening of the President’s SONA. This is about the state of the country, where we are, where we are going, not about personal vendettas or feelings. People are hungry and jobless. People are looking for inspiration

— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) July 27, 2020

"Straight from the horse’s mouth. Justifying the closure of ABS-CBN by demonizing the Lopezes," said another broadcaster Ces Drilon, who were among those who lost their jobs due to the franchise denial.

Straight from the horse’s mouth. Justifying the closure of ABS-CBN by demonizing the Lopezes. https://t.co/wnMfOBzpNS

— Ces Oreña-Drilon (@cesdrilon) July 27, 2020

Drilon led a pre-SONA rally for the network's retrenched employees.

Related: Ces Drilon, retrenched ABS-CBN workers rally ahead of SONA 2020

Here are celebrities' and other Internet users' reactions:

ang SONA na walang sustansya.

ktnxbye

— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) July 27, 2020

This is dedicated to all Bible-quoting, God-loving DDS.

May you finally see the light. #SONAtotoo pic.twitter.com/XYfs9yssLJ

— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) July 27, 2020

abs cbn ang priority, sis, kung ako sayo covid, layas na, di ka priority #SONA2020

— ???????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????²? (@ocampotiiin) July 27, 2020

#SONA2020 pic.twitter.com/QdqneIv8XQ

— marufolk ?? (@kakiep83) July 27, 2020

The President started his 5th SONA, amid the increasing number of #COVID19 cases in the Philippines, with a rant against Drilon and Lopez family of ABS-CBN. #SONA2020

— KCed Basco (@cedrickkbasco) July 27, 2020

Akalain mo nga naman, uunahin talaga ang #Oligarchy at #ABSCBNFranchise sa #SONA2020? Veerus pa more.#SONAgKAISA

— JP Abecilla ???????????? (@jpabecilla) July 27, 2020

He said wala siyang kinalaman sa ABS CBN shutdown; but he discussed it first as his accomplishment lol. How can we even trust you, you two-faced man. #SONA2020 #SONAgKAISA #OUSTDUTERENOW

— RyeJidan (@RyeJidan) July 27, 2020

Btw, hindi niya ma-pronounce nang maayos ang word na "pamilya" kanina. ABS-CBN voodoo. #SONA2020 #SONAgKAISA

— Enzo De Borja (@EnzoDeBorja) July 27, 2020

Ngayon ko lang nalaman ang SONA pala ay naglalaman ng usapin tungkol sa mga isyung wala naman kinalaman sa pagpapaunlad ng Pili[pinas.

Drilon
Pinuri si Bong Go
Lopezez
ABS-CBN...

Really?

How about
Solution to Education
Proper guidelines about pandemic, etc.#SONA2020

— Yajieee?? (@xrjxxxxx) July 27, 2020