ABS-CBN employees thanked the 'Brave 11' lawmakers who voted in favor of the broadcast network's new franchise on Friday. But they ask the other 70: how about the 11,000 jobs at stake? Photo by Leila Vicente Albani, ABS-CBN News
Several ABS-CBN employees and supporters participated in a noise barrage on Saturday to honor the 11 congressmen who voted in favor of the broadcast network's franchise, and denounced the lawmakers who rejected it.
On Friday, the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises voted 70-11 to reject a new broadcast franchise for ABS-CBN Corp., fulfilling a vow President Rodrigo Duterte had made to stop the network's operations.
Out of 85 panel members and ex-officio members present, only 11 congressmen voted against a drafting group's recommendation to deny a fresh 25-year license for the broadcaster.
Kapamilya actress Bea Alonzo was among those who participated in Saturday's noise barrage.
Some ABS-CBN employees are worried for their future following the development.
Adrian Villoso, who worked at ABS-CBN News for 20 years, said the network deserves a new franchise and he joined the event to express his disappointment.
"Baka isa ako sa mawawalan ng trabaho. Pinagkaisahan ang ABS-CBN. Umaapela kami na baliktarin ang yes nila," Villoso said.
"Sana binigyan ng pagkakataon ang ABS-CBN na baguhin kung ano man ang pagkakamali [nito,] he added.
Charmaine Ayos, TeleRadyo staff, said joining the noise barrage meant fighting for her job and her dream. Seeing the news Friday was painful, she said.
"Wala kang magawa kasi malayo ka. So [pumunta ako dito] para makiisa. Pangarap natin ito," Ayos said, adding that she is appealing for the lawmakers to rethink their decision.
"Sana makonsyensiya sila. Masyadong political ang nangyari."
Some residents also participated in the noise barrage. One of them was JM Adea, who professed to be a solid Kapamilya.
"Lagi akong nanonood ng ABS-CBN programs. Kaysa walang magawa, dito na lang muna," Adea said.
He added that he is one with the workers of ABS-CBN and all he could do is support the embattled media network for now.
In Bacolod, more than 30 cars held a similar noise barrage.
The vehicles drove around Provincial Capitol Lagoon before traversing the city's major roads.
The Negros Press Club said it sympathized with ABS-CBN's regional station employees in the city.
ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN franchise, franchise, noise barrage, franchise denial, press freedom