Filipinos online lament impact of ABS-CBN franchise application rejection

Alois Isinika

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‘I won’t be able to get updates on what’s happening around me [especially] during this typhoon season,’ says one Facebook user

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos online expressed their disappointment over the rejection of bills seeking to grant a franchise for ABS-CBN, citing impacts of the move to various sectors and communities across the country.

ABS-CBN would remain off-air after 70 lawmakers voted yes to the resolution rejecting the media giant’s franchise application, while 11 voted no. Two inhibited from voting and 1 abstained.

Rappler asked the netizens how the shutdown of ABS-CBN would affect their day-to-day lives.

 

No source of info, entertainment during pandemic

Netizens expressed their concern over Filipinos, especially those in remote areas, who have no means to access information and relief during crises, such as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

‘Beyond me’: Thinking about the 11,000 workers

Many expressed concern over the 11,000 workers who would lose their jobs following the denial of the franchise. It became a source of worry as the country recorded an all-time high unemployment rate in April 2020, with 7.3 million Filipinos jobless during pandemic.

 

Domino effect: The bigger picture

The impact of ABS-CBN’s prolonged shutdown on the Philippine economy was also pointed out by netizens.

 

Such speculations on the effect of the media giant’s shut down on investors were earlier dismissed by finance chief Carlos Dominguez III.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN CEO Carlo Katigbak said he would find an alternative to still be in service of the Filipinos.

Kapit lang, muling magliliwanag ang kwento ng bawat Pilipino, ” said Katigbak in a statement. (Keep the faith. The future will be brighter for the every Filipino.)

ABS-CBN has 24 hours to submit an appeal, said House legislative franchises committee chair and Palawan 1st District Representative Franz Alvarez.

How would the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise — or the continuous shutdown of the network — affect you? Let us know in the comments. — Rappler.com

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Alois Isinika

Alois Isinika is a former digital communications specialist at Rappler.