Drowning in Debt, Denied Work: Ken Chan Left Hanging, Harboring Resentment Toward GMA-7?

Ken Chan in 2021

Date: September 14, 2026 (based on SNN upload date)

Source Reference: Bulgar Online / Showbiz Now Na (SNN) via Cristy Fermin and Romel Chika

​The entertainment world is currently abuzz with reports regarding the alleged deep resentment of Kapuso actor Ken Chan toward his home network, GMA-7. This comes after news surfaced that he supposedly asked the network for assistance and work, only to be turned down due to his ongoing controversies and financial debts.

​During a recent episode of the Showbiz Now Na (SNN) vlog hosted by veteran columnist Cristy Fermin and Romel Chika, it was revealed that they gathered information from sources in Thailand regarding the actor's current situation.

​According to Nay Cristy, Ken Chan is not actually working full-time at a restaurant abroad; instead, he only takes on occasional or "on-call" sideline jobs in catering because he does not possess the proper work permit.

​Aside from this, reports emerged that Ken allegedly tried to reach out to a high-ranking network executive at GMA-7 to plead for a project and a chance to work again. However, according to the source, the executive's response was: 

"Ayusin mo muna ang mga problema mo, bayaran mo muna ang pagkakautang mo."

​While the network executive's advice to first face his problems and settle his financial obligations properly—such as arranging a deed of assignment or installment payments—may hold truth, the actor was reportedly left disheartened. According to those who heard him, Ken felt aggrieved because he felt abandoned by the network when he needed help the most, especially given that the shows entrusted to him as a Kapuso performed well in the ratings.

​The program then compared this situation to the experience of other artists, such as Archie Alemania, who was reportedly dropped from Kapuso shows when he encountered legal issues. They contrasted this with ABS-CBN's system, where talents are typically still given work and support until they resolve their personal issues.

​As of this writing, the management of GMA-7 remains silent regarding the issue.