Philippine TV networks report on the 2024 U.S. elections

Today, November 5, marks Election Day in the United States, widely regarded as one of the most important elections in modern history. While news in the Philippines remains largely focused on domestic issues, local networks are still closely tracking the matchup between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump.

In previous election cycles, ABS-CBN was at the forefront, with extensive and comprehensive coverage on its news channel ANC, TFC via Balitang America, and its other platforms. As the leading news source of our kababayans in the U.S., ABS-CBN was often the go-to, and they treated each U.S. election with significant importance, often deploying their global reporters across North America. However, this landscape changed after their franchise renewal was denied in 2020, forcing them to scale back their resources.

Despite the obvious setbacks, ABS-CBN still seems to be committed to covering the election. North America bureau chief TJ Manotoc is still leading the effort, this time doing live reports from Washington, D.C. for both TV Patrol and ANC programs. TFC reporter Steve Angeles has also begun contributing.

Other local networks are also stepping up their coverage. Cignal TV, for one, recently dispatched its senior editor and officer-in-charge Jove Francisco. He has since been doing live reports not only on One PH and One News programs, but also on TV5’s Frontline Pilipinas, also live from Washington, D.C.

GMA-7, while lacking a U.S.-assigned correspondent team, is also covering the election through its Manila-based reporters. JP Soriano, for instance, reported on the election in Tuesday’s 24 Oras. Raffy Tima did the same on Monday.

Similarly, the newest kid on the block, Bilyonaryo News Channel, has also provided coverage with taped pieces from Mai Rodriguez and Eugene Adalia, along with analyses from guest experts like Dindo Manhit, Professor Clarita Carlos, and Walden Bello across various BNC programs like Agenda and At The Forefront.

The network’s foreign affairs editor and public affairs anchor, Jamela Alindogan has additionally filed special reports on the positions and policies of both Harris and Trump.

The outcome of the U.S. elections is expected to have a significant impact on the Philippines, especially concerning the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. As experts often say, what happens in the U.S. frequently mirrors or influences what unfolds here. The media should continue watching.