With former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano stripping him of his chairmanship for the Commission on Youth and Sports Development, Valenzuela Representative Eric Martinez sought help from ABS-CBN with his dismissal.
Ironically, Rep. Martinez voted against the network’s franchise.
In an interview with ANC, anchor Christian Esguerra asked Representative Eric Martinez if he was proud of his decision to vote against ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
To which he responded after a pause, “Of course, you have to stand with what your decision is.”
Additionally, when asked what his reason for voting against the franchise, Rep. Martinez said, “Well, of course, there are so many reasons that I have to state. You know Chris, I just have to move, let’s just move forward with it, and I leave it at that. There’re so many things.”
Valenzuela City Rep. Eric Martinez was among the 70 congressmen who voted to kill the franchise of ABS-CBN. Was he proud of that vote? #ANCMattersOfFact pic.twitter.com/CIvYnWINSL
— Christian Esguerra (@IanEsguerra) October 14, 2020
ABS-CBN personalities reacted to this statement through Twitter.
On her Twitter account, actress Agot Isidro questioned his notion about moving forward. She also commented that employees of the network hold him accountable while lauding the anchor for asking the question.
“Move forward with this, Mr. Martinez? No can do! This issue will haunt you for the rest of your days. We will hold you accountable! Good job, Christian,” said Isidro via Twitter.
https://twitter.com/agot_isidro/status/1316179848079921152
Then, reporter Jeff Canoy noted the pause Rep. Martinez took before answering the question about him being proud of his vote.
“That pause tho,” said Canoy via Twitter.
That pause tho https://t.co/z02w8itHNw
— Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) October 14, 2020
Former ABS-CBN producer Nick Villavecer also commented, noting that he caused suffering to thousands of employees of the network. He also reprimanded the Congressman, noting that he should be ashamed.
“Uhm, sir, there’s nothing to be proud of when you caused the suffering of thousands. If anything, you have to be ashamed,” said Villavecer via Twitter.
Christian Esguerra: But are you proud of it (rejecting ABS-CBN’s franchise)?
Rep Martinez: Of course. You have to stand by [what] your decision [is].
Uhm, sir, there’s nothing to be proud of when you caused the suffering of thousands. If anything, you have to be ashamed. https://t.co/js6SqNNi9E
— Nick Villavecer (@nickvillavecer) October 14, 2020
ABS-CBN new media coordinator James Banaag also blasted Rep. Martinez’s audacity by comparing him to plastic materials fit for the rainy season.
“Sakto tag-ulan ngayon, saang materyales kaya gawa ang mukha niya.. para makapagpalagay sa bubong, ang kapal e,” said Banaag via Twitter.
Sakto tag-ulan ngayon, saang materyales kaya gawa ang mukha niya.. para makapagpalagay sa bubong, ang kapal e. https://t.co/v8eLk3mLh2
— James Banaag (@dearscarjames) October 14, 2020
During the congressional hearing for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, Congress led by Rep. Cayetano wasn’t able to find any legitimate violations of unfair labor practices, tax evasion, and franchise issues against ABS-CBN with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Labor and Employment, and National Telecommunications Commission.
