Donald Trump’s projected win dominates primetime news coverage

As American TV networks gradually declared Donald Trump’s election victory, Philippine TV networks brought the news to primetime. Major evening newscasts, including Frontline Pilipinas, TV Patrol, 24 Oras, and Agenda, reported on the development.

Citing reports from U.S. news outlets, local evening newscasts announced Trump’s imminent return to the White House. On GMA-7, anchor Vicky Morales delivered the update at 6:37PM, saying, “At kapapasok lang po na balita. Kabilang na rin po ang CNN sa mga media outlet na nag-project na nanalo na nga bilang U.S. president si dating pangulong Donald Trump.”

Similarly, while TJ Manotoc was delivering his taped report on TV Patrol, a headline on their lower-third graphic read, “Donald Trump magiging ika-47 pangulo ng Amerika ayon sa U.S. media.”

Since Tuesday, several local news outlets have closely followed the U.S. election. As reported yesterday, Cignal TV sent its officer-in-charge, Jove Francisco, to Washington, D.C., where he has been providing continuous updates across Cignal TV news channels, as well as TV5.

ABS-CBN has shown equal commitment, with Manotoc, its North America bureau chief, leading the coverage across all platforms.

Trump’s victory defied expectations, securing him not only the electoral votes but also the popular vote. By the end of the newscasts at 8PM Manila time, Trump had received 279 electoral votes, compared to Harris’ 233, confirming his victory.