House committee rejects ABS-CBN franchise, actors and workers grieve over franchise rejection

ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ largest media network will stay off-air after lawmakers rejected its franchise application.

Photo credit: aljazeera.com

The committee members (regular and ex-officio) who were present, physically or through video call, cast the following votes: 70 to adopt the rejection, 11 to dismiss the rejection, 2 to inhibit, and 1 to abstain.

Vice Ganda was saddened upon hearing that the House Committee on Legislative Franchise had voted to deny the network's franchise application.

Many supporters and employees could not hold back their tears after hearing the news while some stood in shock.

Before the voting on the resolution took place, employees, supporters and several actors gathered in front of the network and held a program. They held a caravan to the House of Representatives at the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City in last-ditch hopes to convince the lawmakers to vote in favor of their franchise renewal.

Tarpaulins and balloons were strapped on cars that joined the caravan expressing support to the network. Among the network actors who joined the caravan were Kathryn Bernardo, Angel Locsin, and Piolo Pascual.

Some lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc joined the gathering outside the gate of the complex in support for the network.

Authorities, however, later dispersed the rally. 

An ABS-CBN executive also wished that they were given another chance.

"It looks highly political; highly, highly political. But, that being said, I respect their decision and I respect what they have done. I will accept it. It's painful, no doubt about it, but the law is the law," Ernie Lopez said.

With the House panel’s decision, ABS-CBN may be forced to lay off or terminate the services of several of its 11,000 employees and adjunct workers starting August. 

Senate Committee on Finance chair Angara said that the failure of ABS-CBN to secure a fresh 25-year mandate will not only affect 11,000 workers, but also other creative industries that have been producing output for the broadcast giant.

ABS-CBN can appeal the decision within the next 24 hours, according to House legislative franchises panel chair and Palawan 1st District Representative Franz Alvarez. If the network files a motion for reconsideration, the House committee will have to hold another hearing before ruling on the appeal.