Kapamilya actress Toni Gonzaga finally spoke up about Congress’ rejection of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal application.
In a lengthy Instagram post, she expressed her grief over the ABS-CBN employees that were greatly affected by the retrenchment due to the company’s limited capacity to operate.
She said that it was very painful for her to know that many of the people that she used to work with are about to be laid-off.
“Every day ang sakit magbukas ng Viber dahil nagpapaalam na lahat ng mga katrabaho namin samin,” she said.
Saddened by the effect that it has brought to the innocent workers, she then called out to the people behind the dilemma, noting that their decision will never be forgotten. She also assured people that the problem will be temporary just like the power of the people in position.
She said, “Sa lahat ng nasa posisyon ngayon, hindi namin makakalimutan ang ginawa nyo sa mga trabahador ng ABS-CBN. Just like the positions of the people in power today, what we are going through will not last forever. Troubles come to pass, they don’t stay.”
However, she clarified that she is not blaming anybody for she respects the decision with all humility.
“This is to remind our kapamilyas, there is hope. There’s still tomorrow. We will not forget what the people who have power did to us and we respect their decision with all humility. This is a reminder to us that no matter who is in position. Jesus is still the King of Kings.”
She ended her statement by encouraging everyone to continue their fight for the company and that God will provide the rest.
“As one, we will also continue to stand up for our company who gave us so many opportunities to help our families. We don’t know what the future will bring. But we know God is holding us in the palm of His hand.”
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Toni Gonzaga together with her sister Alex was among the artists who rallied with the employees during the noise barrage protest which happened on July 18.
After Congress denied the network’s appeal for a new franchise the ABS-CBN company was forced to lay off workers effective August 31, leaving its long-time employees jobless amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to ABS-CBN, the retrenchment program will be the last resort to ensure that the remaining workers will still be employed and the company can continue its operations in other avenues.
In a statement issued on July 15, ABS-CBN said, “As much as it hurts us to implement this retrenchment program, this is the only way to ensure the continued employment of the rest of our Kapamilya.
“We are doing all we can to mitigate the pain that will be felt by those affected, including paying out separation and retirement benefits and providing job placement programs,” they added.
