Senator Grace Poe has revealed that even GMA Network is in support of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
In an ambush interview with the press during the surprise birthday party of her sister Lovi Poe, the Senator revealed that even rival network GMA Network favors the renewal of the Kapamilya network’s franchise.
“Alam mo, ‘yung mga kapatid natin, kaibigan natin sa GMA, nakakausap ko. Sila ay supportive rin. Kasi sa industriya, ‘di ba, ayaw mo naman na wala kang pagkakataon, ‘di ba?” as quoted by Vinia Vibar.
Just recently, former Kapuso journalist Michael Fajatin came out on Facebook supporting ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
In his Facebook post, Fajatin said there is no perfect media company and no perfect government but broadcast media are important in disseminating valuable information to the people. It also showcases people’s culture, beliefs, and characters and they are instrumental in uniting a nation towards its common goals.
“Wala pong perpektong media. Wala ring perpektong gobyerno. Lahat po tayo nagnanais na gawin lamang ang tama at natututo sa ating mga pagkakamali.
“Ako po ay sumusuporta na palawigin pa ang prankisa ng ABS-CBN,” he wrote.
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Meanwhile, aside from GMA Network, the senator also admits that the majority of the senators are also supportive of the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“Well, ako, makakapagsalita lamang para sa Senado. Marami akong mga nakausap na mga kasama natin doon. Suportado naman nila ang pagre-renew nito. Pero siyempre, kikilatisin din mabuti ang magiging kasunduan sa franchise.” said Poe.
However, she added that the ball is still with congress.
“Ang Senado, kahit na i-approve namin ‘yan, ‘pag ito ay hindi gumagalaw sa Kongreso, wala ring mangyayari,” she added.
Senator Poe also floated an alternative for ABS-CBN once deliberations on the renewal bills don’t finish on time.
According to her, ABS-CBN can secure a probational franchise at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) while the Congress is still deliberating on the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bills.
“Kung nag-expire na ang prangkisa, at hindi pa tapos ang franchise deliberations at option ng ano mang prangkisa na suspinde muna ay humingi ng probational permit to operate mula sa NTC. Ang tanong, bibigyan ba sila ni Mr. (Gamaliel) Cordova ng permit to operate temporarily, probationary? ‘Yun ang ginagawa ng maraming nag-expire na pero di pa tapos ang prangkisa, probational permit to operate,” said Poe.
