- Rep. Alfred Vargas favors ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
- Senators Sotto and Recto positive about ABS-CBN franchise renewal.
Congressman Alfred Vargas has shared his sentiments about the impending franchise renewal of media giant ABS-CBN.
In an interview with the press, Vargas was asked about his take on the franchise renewal woes being faced by the Kapamilya network.
According to the Congressman, he hoped that there would be a positive outcome because he’s concerned with a lot of jobs at stake with the network’s franchise renewal.
“Syempre para sa akin eh marami pa ring trabaho ang nabibigay ng network and sana maayos. And then kasi naman ang concern ko maraming mawawalan ng trabaho and sana kung ano man yung problema, sana ano man ang mangyari eh maayos pa rin in the end, dahil ano yan eh, kumbaga institusyon, institusyon,” said Vargas.
Vargas was a former Kapamilya actor. He started his career in 2001 as part of Star Circle Batch 10 along with Bea Alonzo, Dennis Trillo, Nadine Samonte, and TJ Trinidad among others.
His first Kapamilya series was the original Pangako Sa ‘Yo starring Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa where he played Dyno Zuryete.
Meanwhile, asked about his take on the President’s opposition to the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, Vargas said while he respects the President, Congress is still a collegial body and they will have to vote for it as a body and no one person can dictate on it.
“Well syempre lahat tayo nakikinig sa pangulo di ba? And syempre kung anong sabihin ng pangulo merong bigat yun at nirerespeto natin yun, kaya hangad natin na sana maayos na lang kung ano man yung problema, kung ano man yung di pagkakaunawaan,” he said
“Yes it’s a collective decision always. Alam mo naman pinagbobotohan yan palagi, so kung ano man hindi yan decision lang ng iisa lang, boto yan ng buong kongreso,” he explained.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is due to expire in March 2020. Until now its franchise renewal bills are still pending in Congress, allegedly because of President Rodrigo Duterte’s opposition to it.
But some just like Vargas, some senators also optimistic that it will be renewed in due time.
Senators Tito Sotto and Ralph Recto are both positive that there is still time for the franchise renewal bills to be discussed and passed before the March 2020 deadline.
“Yes, there’s enough time. If we receive it by (February), it can be passed within that month.” said Senate President Sotto.
Senator Recto also shared the view of the Senate President saying it can be done and he’s supportive of the renewal because ABS-CBN has done a lot of service to the Filipinos worldwide.
“Yes, it can be done. I support its renewal. I also understand the concerns of the President. Overall, ABS-CBN deserves a renewal of its franchise. They have served the Filipino well. They employ people, pay taxes, they do a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) inform the public and have done public service well, etc. They are part of the Filipino household,” said Recto.
