With a vote of 70-11, ABS-CBN went off the air last July 10 after the House Committee on Legislative Franchises denied the 25-year franchise application of the network.
Almost 11,000 people were working at the network then. As a result of its inability to go on-air, ABS-CBN had no choice but to retrench most of its employees.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel as ABS-CBN was able to create a deal with ZOE Network to be able to broadcast some of their programs. Adding to that, they also explored the digital platform. This means that the network is slowly getting back at its feet.
With this slow but sure progress of ABS-CBN, some retrenched employees have expressed their gratefulness to the network as they were called to return.
Jon Montesa, who was among those who were laid off during the period where the Kapamilya network couldn’t operate shared the news that he is now returning to ABS-CBN which he considered his ‘home’.
In his tweet using #BabalikDinAngABSCBN, he posted a screenshot with a caption saying that God reminded him that He’s more powerful than the 70 congressmen. The second screenshot was him informing his mother that he’ll be returning to ABS-CBN.
God's way of reminding me that he's more powerful than 70 congressmen. Unti-unti, #BabalikDinAngABSCBN.
How it started How it's going pic.twitter.com/2XnTyG97XO
— Jon Montesa (@iMelAljon) December 5, 2020
During the month of August, the network began its retrenchment program and Montesa was among those who were included. Luckily for him, through the advancement of technology, ABS-CBN decided to switch to the digital platform which in turn gave them the chance to broadcast their programs.
Adding to the good fortune that the Kapamilya network is receiving and continuing to receive, they also had a contract with ZOE Network which allowed them to broadcast some of their programs on free TV. And as a result of this fortuitous event, Montesa received the wonderful news of returning to the Kapamilya network to work.
Adding to the wonderful news that Montesa shared, he also spilled some information regarding the project that he’ll be working which is a film under the Star Cinema titled “Princess (Daya)reese” starring Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber.
Thank you so much sa suporta, mga Kapamilya! Since this is blowing up, I would like to ask you to please support my first project with ABS-CBN Films, Princess (Daya)Reese starring Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber. Streaming on OTT and Cable platforms on Jan. 1, 2021. Hugs! 💝💚💙
— Jon Montesa (@iMelAljon) December 6, 2020
