Malacañang emphasized that the House Committee decision to reject the franchise renewal application of ABS-CBN is not a “dictator move.”
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque enlightened that what happened to ABS-CBN is different from what happened during the Martial Law period when networks with franchises were closed. ABS-CBN’s franchise has lapsed and was not renewed.
Roque insisted that President Duterte remains neutral on the issue and respects the decision of lawmakers. He assured that affected employees of the network may receive assistance from the government.
“Well, maski po tayo’y manghinayang, tapos na po ang boksing. Dumaan na po sa proseso, sang-ayon po sa saligang batas. Wala na po tayong magagawa. Let’s move on (Even if we feel regret, the boxing match is over. It has undergone process in accordance with the law. We can no longer do anything. Let us move on),” Roque claimed.
“Sigurado po ako na lahat po ng mawawalan ng trabaho sa ABS-CBN ay pwede rin pong kumuha ng benepisyo na ibinibigay natin sa lahat po ng nawawalan ng trabaho (I am sure that all workers of ABS-CBN who will lose their jobs can avail of benefits being given to all who lost their jobs),” he added. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
