With ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bid denied by Congress, rumors circulated that some Kapamilya talents plan to switch to another network.
Among the reports is Kapamilya actress Julia Montes. In an interview with Inquirer Bandera, Julia Montes’s handler Mac Merla clarified these allegations.
He clarified that they had no idea of the rumors of a transfer, “Buti pa sila alam nila. Ako, kausap ko lang si Julia kani-kanina lang wala kaming kaalam-alam, wala rin kaming napag-uusapan tungkol sa paglipat ni Julia.”
Julia just made her comeback in the action-drama series 24/7 after her last afternoon series Asintado in 2018.
She even showed and expressed her support for ABS-CBN when it was ordered to shut down by the National Telecommunication Commision last May 5, 2020.
On her current action-drama series, Merla confirmed that there is still no advisory on the show’s plans and future due to COVID-19 pandemic and franchise renewal.
“Hindi ko lang sure if shelved na talaga. Ang alam ko postponed muna ang taping dahil nga sa mga nangyayari.”
Recent articles suggest that the ABS-CBN management had an emergency zoom meeting on Wednesday, July 1, which advised everyone to stop producing ABS-CBN Current Affairs programs.
While they were grilling our bosses at the hearing today, we were told at past noon that there will be an emergency meeting. “You will hear a lot of bad news today,” my boss warned. And bad news it is: ABS-CBN's Current Affairs division will temporarily STOP production.
— Nick Villavecer (@nickvillavecer) July 1, 2020
ABS-CBN has been losing financially since its shutdown on May 5. According to the report, ABS-CBN workers decided to reduce their salaries by 50% to help the organization continue to operate.
However, they were further reduced to 25% or just cash assistance due to the continued blow to their finances with the delay of their franchise.
Apart from the current affairs shows, there are also reports that the production of some entertainment programs have also been halted.
ABS-CBN has already suspended the management / talent contract of their artists, while those who belong to Star Magic will still be handled by the talent management arm of the network.
