In light of the issue regarding ABS-CBN franchise renewal, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III stated that there’s still a possibility to renew for another 25 years. If they receive the proposal by February next year, it can be passed in just one month.
Sotto said in a text message, “Yes, there’s enough time. If we receive it by (February), it can be passed within that month.”
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto echoed Sotto’s words in proclaiming that the giant network’s franchise can still be renewed, despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s warning last December 2, 2019.
Recto firmly supports network renewal. “Yes, it can be done. I support its renewal. I also understand the concerns of the President. Overall, ABS-CBN deserves a renewal of its franchise. They have served the Filipino well. They employ people, pay taxes, they do a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) inform the public and have done public service well, etc. They are part of the Filipino household.”
Thousands of employees and their future
Thousands of the giant network’s employees are now starting to raise concerns and worries about their future if Congress fails to grant the network’s request for franchise renewal. Almost the majority of employees who are raising their concerns are aged 35 years old and above which Associated Labor Unions Trade Union Congress of the Philippines Alan Tanjusay confirmed.
He said, “Some of them came to me and said they are seriously worried every day about losing their jobs. Particularly worried are those employees who are above 35 years old who think that they might unable to get decent jobs because they think they are old and past age qualifications.”
In line with this, Defend Job Philippines humbly reminded President Duterte to set aside personal and political issues and prioritize thousands of people working in ABS-CBN.
“Being vital in operating for the next 25 years, the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN will save the jobs and source of livelihood of more than 10,000 Filipino workers and their families. President Duterte should rethink his threat to veto the franchise of ABS-CBN and let the company smoothly operate for the sake of its workers.”
