Filipinos have shown their love and support for ABS-CBN and joined the call to bring the network back on air after the online petition launched by its employees has garnered over one million signatures in less than 24 hours.
In their “Ibalik ang ABS-CBN” petition on kapamilyaforever.com, ABS-CBN employees have appealed to the House of Representatives to immediately tackle and approve the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
“We are among the thousands who are worried and will be affected if ABS-CBN shuts down. We all have families who depend on our work,” the petition said. “We want ABS-CBN to continue its operations, not only because it serves as our main source of livelihood, but because for most of us, the company’s happy working environment and the management’s fair practices have encouraged us to continue to be in the service of the Filipino.”:
“We believe that your compassion and care for us workers will prevail and that you will listen to our call for the good of all,” it added.
The House of Representatives is set to start deliberations on ABS-CBN’s application for a 25-year franchise after it announced it would no longer tackle House Bill No. 6732, which would grant ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to operate until October 31.
ABS-CBN stopped its broadcast operations on May 5 to comply with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), which earlier stated it would give ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate following Senate Resolution No. 40, a letter from the House of Representatives’ committee on legislative franchises, and the Department of Justice’s advice.
After the shutdown, millions of Filipinos have been deprived of their access to news and information, especially those living in remote areas where ABS-CBN is the only channel available. Inquirer.net and Interaksyon.com have published reports about netizens who expressed concern that residents in some far-flung areas may have been unable to prepare for Typhoon Ambo because of ABS-CBN’s closure.
Sign and share the “Ibalik ang ABS-CBN” online petition on kapamilyaforever.com.
