In an exclusive interview, Bagong Umaga actor Keempee de Leon admitted that the ABS-CBN shutdown saddened him. He then highlighted his years with ABS-CBN.
He also empathized with fellow Kapamilyas, who lost their jobs after the shutdown.
“Ako, personally, nalungkot talaga ako, Maraming nagtatrabaho sa ABS for how many years. So ilang dekada na tapos biglang sa isang iglap biglang nawalan ng trabaho, di ba? Iilan na lang yung natira. Medyo mabigat. Nakakalungkot at the same time,” said Keempee
“And lalo nga pag kami ni Cris nagtataping kami dun sa ABS kasi dun yung location. Yung sa mga offices na pati mga hallway na dinadaanan mo na pag pumupunta ako talagang alam mo maraming tao dahil nga may ganon, may mga restaurant at kung ano ano, di ba? Ang dami mong nakakasalubong, ngayon talagang wala eh parang tumahimik eh,” said Keempee.
He then added that he hopes and prays for the employees and the establishment to return and for ABS-CBN to operate again.
“But I am hoping and praying na makakabalik yan kumbaga we are in a new normal na nga lang pero, I’m praying and hoping na makabalik lahat nung tao na nagtrabaho sa ABS. Mabigyan ulit sila ng trabaho, and na mag-operate talaga ulit ang ABS-CBN,” Keempee added.
ABS-CBN suffered financial losses, which forced them to retrench employees, talents, and assets after the shutdown. As a result, many of the 11,000 Kapamilya employees lost their jobs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, many Kapamilya artists had to move networks to continue with their craft.
However, to this date, none of the allegations of tax evasion and unfair labor practices during the hearing had been proven by Congress.
Keempee, 48, returned to ABS-CBN after 16 years in 2018. He joined the cast of Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit. Now, Keempee continues to bring tears to Kapamilya audiences in the ABS-CBN’s hit teleserye Bagong Umaga.
