Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party List Representative Domeng Rivera expressed dismay on the rejection of ABS-CBN application for franchise.
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises opted not to grant ABS-CBN another franchise to continue broadcast operations.
“CIBAC Party-List is one of the principal co-authors of the measures seeking to grant ABS-CBN legislative franchise for another 25 years. To see the vote results denying ABS-CBN another chance to serve our people, be a steady source of vital information and news to Filipinos here and abroad, and provide our kababayan with entertainment, joy and inspiration they need is really saddening and heartbreaking. It is hard to imagine that we will wake up in the days to come and not see nor hear anymore the TV and radio programs that for decades have become part of ourselves and of the Filipino culture,” said Rivera.
CIBAC also echoes worries and concern over the welfare of around 11,000 families who will be in limbo and whose breadwinners will be rendered jobless especially during this COVID-19 pandemic after the franchise bill reaches a dead end at the Lower Chamber.
“The massive unemployment created by this denial of ABS-CBN bid for a new franchise and the uncertainties it will bring to thousands of families are serious blows to our already contracting and grappling economy. The government must make sure and act with urgency that it will take concrete steps to catch and aid those who will be displaced by this development,” according to the CIBAC solon.
