A day before members of a committee in the House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on the ABS-CBN franchise, a senator called on his House colleagues to only change the previous franchise if they had issues with how the media giant was being run rather than closing down “an institution.’’
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri made the call on Thursday as the Legislative Franchise and Good Government committees wrapped up their franchise application hearings on the network.
He expressed disappointment at the thought that ABS-CBN would not receive a new franchise and leave its 11,000 workers unemployed.
And at the fact that the network would no longer raise billions of pesos in taxes once it shuts down. In addition, many people in the far-flung areas of Mindanao would lack a source of news and entertainment.
Recommendations
The joint House committees ended the hearings on Thursday and formed a three-member technical working group (TWG) to draft its recommendations on the franchise application of ABS-CBN. So, these could be presented to the members before the voting.
The 46 members of the Legislative Franchise Committee. And then, 32 of its ex officio members which include Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano also join to vote on the franchise proposal.
In addition, the chairman of the franchise committee, Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, told that the TWG should present its recommendation on Friday whether to bring the matter to a vote.
“Depending on the recommendation the vote may or may not happen,” he said.
‘Look for Other Jobs’
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said members of the House should vote by their conscience. And also, it should not be influenced by politics or other factors.
Overall, he also urged network staff to find jobs elsewhere should it close.
“I’m not going to tell them to rebel and run amok. Could not be that. They could look for other jobs so they could live with their families, “he added.
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