GMA Network is taking advantage of ABS-CBN’s shutdown to pounce on the network it has struggled to bring down in the ratings game through the years.

Politiko has obtained a message sent by a top GMA boss to the news division, discouraging Kapuso journalists from expressing support for the beleaguered ABS-CBN.

The GMA boss reminded the news team that ABS-CBN remains a competitor so reporters shouldn’t wear their “friendship hats” when covering the Kapamilya network’s franchise problem.

“Hindi naman siguro tamang para tayong supporters nila, just as we do not expect ABS to be supportive of GMA – should we face an issue,” the boss said.

The GMA executive said the Kapuso network “cannot go wrong in just being in the middle, and sticking to the facts.”

With ABS-CBN unable to broadcast on free television, the GMA boss said the Kapuso network “will practically be the sole news source” of the country and “setting the news agenda.” She said everyone on the news team should be careful as they’re bound to be easy targets for criticism while their Kapamilya counterparts have a limited reach.