Vilma Santos expresses surprise over vote result to deny ABS-CBN franchise renewal

Vilma Santos-Recto, former actress and Batangas 6th district Representative said that she was surprised by the result of a House panel vote that effectively shut down ABS-CBN's radio and TV broadcast for good.

Photo credit: politics.com.ph

In an overwhelming 70-11 vote, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises adopted the report of its technical working group not to grant ABS-CBN a new franchise. 

ABS-CBN had been trying to renew its franchise since 2014, but faced several obstacles. Several months ago President Rodrigo Duterte said “If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (franchise), I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” (If you are expecting that your franchise will be renewed, I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out.)

Santos, a screen icon whose filmography includes ABS-CBN Films productions, co-authored one of several bills seeking the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, and was among the 11 lawmakers who voted in favor of it at the committee level.

Only the 46-member committee on legislative franchises, and 48 ex-officio members could vote on whether to approve the franchise bills for plenary deliberations. Not all of the authors were part of that count.

Santos pointed out that through the 12 hearings on ABS-CBN's franchise, government agencies cleared the network of violations, from tax compliance to broadcast practices.

Santos expressed that she was shocked with the result because during the hearing many supported the bill and fought for it. She wondered what happened that there were only 11 votes.

"Kaya tayo naninindigan — nakita naman po natin na 'yung mga iniisyu na violations, napatunayan din naman po ng national agencies na wala naman po talagang nalabag," (I stand firm because we all saw the violations that was issued and they were proven by the national agencies that none are violated,)

"Kung meron mang mga administratibong pagkukulang, ito naman po ay nako-correct. Meron naman po tayong proseso sa batas... Ang point ko, not to the extent na magsasara." (If there's an administrative shortcomings, it can be corrected. We have process for that...my point is, not to the extent of closing.)

Among Santos' immediate concerns following the decision, she said, was the job security of thousands of ABS-CBN workers during a pandemic that's already cost many their livelihood.

"There are people who thinks that the 11,000 employees are used as shield but let's face the truth, there are again an additional 11,000 who will lose their jobs in this time of crisis," Santos expressed.

Despite the result, Santos is still optimistic about the possibility of ABS-CBN being restored.