Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos gave a message to solons who oppose the franchise renewal of the ABS-CBN network.
Last July 10, 2020, it can be recalled that ABS-CBN was forced to shut down after 70 lawmakers voted to deny its franchise bid. However, Senate President Tito Sotto filed a new bill in hopes of the reconsideration of the franchise of ABS-CBN.
Additionally, Santos also filed a bill with the same intention of seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
According to an article by Inquirer, Santos explained that she filed the bill because she believes that giving ABS-CBN a franchise is the right thing to do especially in this COVID-19 pandemic.
“I refiled the bill for the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise because I believe that it is the right thing to do. During this pandemic, the network would be a big help to Filipinos in many ways,” she said.
With regards to other members of the House of Representatives who oppose the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, the actress-politician said that she respects their decision as she noted that respect is important among the Members of the House.
However, Vilma also mentioned that she is hoping that the House would give ABS-CBN another chance and resolve the issues that the network is facing.
“To my colleagues in the House who are against the renewal of the franchise, I understand their position. What is important, as Members of the House, we must respect each other’s decision or position in every issue. We’re all friends. At the end of the day, we should act as statesmen. We should respect the decision of the leadership.
“As a policymaker, I am hoping that we can give the Kapamilya network another chance.
“Kung may mga issue man ang ABS-CBN, naniniwala ako na may solusyon para sa mga ito,” she said.
Before she entered politics, Vilma Santos was a well-renowned actress who has gained various recognition in acting like being the first Filipina actress to be bestowed the title of Enduring Grand Dame of the Philippine Film Industry by a foreign critic at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.
She previously starred in various ABS-CBN films Everything About Her (2016), The Healing (2012), In My Life (2009), and Dekada ’70 (2002).
