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MANILA, Philippines – Star Magic’s talent head and TV director Johnny Manahan penned a letter to urge the House of Representatives to vote in favor of granting media giant ABS-CBN’s a franchise. Manahan’s statement comes as House committees are set to resume its hearings on ABS-CBN’s appeal for a new franchise.
A vote – on whether the bill can move forward or not – is expected to happen this week.
took to social media on Sunday, July 5 to urge the House of Representatives to grant media giant ABS-CBN a renewal of its network franchise.
In a letter posted on Star Magic’s social media accounts, Manahan shared how he started his career with the network, the challenges he went through after the network was closed in 1973 due to Martial Law, and how he joined in “liberating” the network during the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
Manahan also singled out the “Gang of 4,” who he said “want to finish the long run of the ABS-CBN Corp. with their niggling, petty-fogging and hair-splitting, they have unearthed technicalities that only a talmudic scholar or medieval philosopher would appreciate.”
He was likely referring to SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta, Cavite 7th District Representative Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, Cavite 4th District Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr, and Anakalusugan Representative Mike Defensor, who’ve led in grilling executives of the network during the House hearings.
“ABS-CBN is not perfect. No one said it was. It is open to criticism and is willing to correct mistakes and take concrete steps to improve itself. So let us not throw away the baby along with the bathwater!!!” Manahan said.
“It was right to bring to light the true conditions of the workplace and the pittance received by technical crews and artists working 22-24 hours per day. You got that right Cong. Mike! I hope you, Cong. Boying and your fellow lawmakers in the committee and in the House as a whole appreciate the ABS-CBN record of Entertainment and Public Service and find it in your hearts to grant a re-issue of the ABS-CBN franchise. Millions of people around the world depend on it,” Manahan added.
Manahan ended his letter on a foreboding note: “The Marcoses stole ABS-CBN from the Lopez family in 1973! Please do not steal it again!!!”
Groups such as the Makati Business Club earlier called on the House to grant the network its franchise.
ABS-CBN signed off on May 5 after the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order because Congress failed to act on its franchise extension. The House, on June 29, resumed hearings to discuss the network’s franchise. On June 30, however, the NTC issued two more orders to force ABS-CBN to shut down SkyDirect and TV Plus services.
ABS-CBN, the country’s biggest media corporation, employs nearly 11,000 employees. The company earlier said it might have to begin laying off workers beginning August.
The House will resume its hearing on the network’s franchise on Monday, July 6. – Rappler.com
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