“As much as I wanted to believe I was a pillar of the network, everybody is dispensable”, Kris Aquino on leaving ABS-CBN

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino on Monday has finally broken her silence regarding rumors of leaving ABS-CBN, her home network for more than 20 years.

In a three-part Instagram post, Kris recalled the time she returned to ABS-CBN in 1996 up until her last show which is Kris TV. Kris recalled that she was supposed to renew contract with ABS-CBN in February 2016 but she needed time to regain her health.

Read related story: Kris Aquino to leave ABS-CBN; cites health as reason

According to Kris, “Our agreement was we’d talk when I got back. That is the risk of taking time for yourself- when you come back there’s no guarantee that a space will be held for you. We spoke in July but there was no definite show & no assured time frame of my return on air.”

She added that “I perfectly understood- as much as I wanted to believe I was a pillar of the network, everybody is dispensable. And I say that with no bitterness- just HONESTY. So to all of you saying please don’t leave- it wasn’t a choice that was just mine to make. I take my share of the responsibility. And I say that w/ so much gratitude in my heart. ”

Read related story: Is Kris Aquino moving back to GMA 7 this time?

Part 1: I want to tell you our truth & I pray you’ll understand… 20 years ago, I went back to ABS CBN after a year w/ GMA (Star Talk & a Viva produced afternoon talk show). It started w/ Today w/ Kris Aquino & ended w/ Kris Tv. We had a memorable, excellent run. ABS saw me through my worst & my best. I had the chance to be part of career defining shows like TWKA, The Buzz, Game KNB, Deal or No Deal, PGT etc & had iconic movies like Feng Shui & Sukob. We were set to renew our contract February 2016, it was a generous, less demanding agreement but at that time there was a threat to my life we needed to take seriously, I had to regain my health, and I needed time for my family & me. We didn’t sign then, I went to Hawaii, came back to campaign, then left again. Our agreement was we’d talk when I got back. That is the risk of taking time for yourself- when you come back there’s no guarantee that a space will be held for you. We spoke in July but there was no definite show & no assured time frame of my return on air. I perfectly understood- as much as I wanted to believe I was a pillar of the network, everybody is dispensable. And I say that with no bitterness- just HONESTY. So to all of you saying please don’t leave- it wasn’t a choice that was just mine to make. I take my share of the responsibility. And I say that w/ so much gratitude in my heart.

A photo posted by Kris Aquino (@kriscaquino) on Sep 11, 2016 at 9:27am PDT

In her second post, Kris confirmed the talks she had with APT’s Tony Tuviera (producer of Eat Bulaga).

Part 2: Where am I now? Boy Abunda reached out to Mr. T- Tony Tuviera on my behalf. I had an excellent experience coproducing My Little Bossings w/ MZET, OctoArts, & APT. Our plan was initially just a digital initiative- I know you miss my #foodtrips & my #cooking #recipes #roadtrips & #travel… But maybe my guardian angel in heaven (could it have been you, Mom?) was working overtime & what was an attempt at something new & experimental, evolved into a vision & a presentation that felt perfect for who I am now & for our TV collaboration. Mr. T actually remembered coming to our home in Times Street in 1986 to meet my Mom to produce a show for me when I was 15 years old. 30 years after- dumating na ang TAMANG PANAHON.

A photo posted by Kris Aquino (@kriscaquino) on Sep 11, 2016 at 9:30am PDT

In her third post, Kris Aquino thanked ABS-CBN for all that was and also thanked her new-found family in APT Entertainment.

Part 3: My sons & I leave today for a little over a week- advanced making up on my part because I have an exceptionally full work calendar until Christmas. They had so much of me for 4 months- so we’ll be adjusting… When we come back, the unit I’m renting from Tito Manolo & Tita Maritess Lopez in Rockwell will be ready (I believe that is proof enough that there is no bad blood between the owners of my former network & me.) This is the 1st & last I shall say about this chapter of my life. You deserved the true story & I gave you my truth, so that we may all move forward… So here’s a shoutout of THANK YOU to the Kapamilya Network ABS-CBN for all that was, and here’s a shoutout of THANK YOU to my new APT family for all that will be. And most of all my THANK YOU to all of you for allowing me to just be me.

A photo posted by Kris Aquino (@kriscaquino) on Sep 11, 2016 at 9:35am PDT

ABS-CBN responds to Kris Aquino’s statements

ABS-CBN stressed that Queen of All Media Kris Aquino would always be a Kapamilya despite her transfer.

ABS-CBN immediately released a statement just hours after Queen of All Media Kris Aquino made her departure from the network official.

“We thank Kris for the many years that she has been a Kapamilya bringing joy, hope, and inspiration to our viewers worldwide. She will always be a Kapamilya and we wish her well in her new journey,” ABS-CBN Corporate Communications head Kane Errol Choa said in a statement.