Umapela ang vice chairman ng ABS-CBN na si Atty. Augusto “Jake” Almeda-Lopez sa Kongreso na pagbigyan ng mga mambabatas ang kanilang kahilingang makakuha ng bagong prangkisa.
Sa ika-pitong pagdinig sa Kongreso tungkol sa ABS-CBN franchise renewal bills ngayong Miyerkules, June 17, hiniling ni Lopez sa mga mambabatas na ipagkaloob sa kanila ang minimithing prangkisa.
Pahayag niya, “You know, ABS-CBN is fighting for its life.
“I think it’s my responsibility as senior member of the company to explain to members of this Congress that, really, I think we deserve the renewal of our franchise.
“And that if you don’t renew our franchise, you’re going to deprive the public with so much entertainment, news, and more or less the building of culture.”
Pakiusap pa ni Lopez, “So, I plead to the members of Congress to give ABS-CBN a chance to show its worth and contribution to the country.”
Habang nagsasalita si Lopez ay pinutol siya ni Cavite 7th District Congressman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla.
Saad ni Remulla, “We appreciate the remarks of the esteemed senior man of ABS-CBN but...
"I think his remarks are really appreciated, but we cannot afford the time anymore."
Pero muling nakiusap si Lopez sa mga mambabatas na pakinggan ang kanyang pahayag.
Aniya, “Can you give me another two minutes?
“You know, we are fighting for our lives.
“You have all the time that you want.”
Karapat-dapat daw na mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang ABS-CBN dahil sa serbisyong naibibigay nito sa bayan.
“My plea is this: that Congress recognize the value of ABS-CBN, recognize the contribution of the 11,000 workers of ABS-CBN, and the contribution of ABS-CBN to the television industry in general.”
IN THE SERVICE OF THE FILIPINO
Binigyang diin ni Lopez ang mahahalagang kontribusyon ng ABS-CBN Corporation sa bansa, katulad ng Knowledge Channel at mga public service programs.
Kasama rin dito ang ABS-CBN Foundation, Bantay Bata, at Pasig River clean-up program.
Pati na ang pagtulong ng network sa ating mga kababayan sa anumang kalamidad.
Ito raw ang mga patunay sa kanilang slogan na "In the service of the Filipino."
Napaso ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN noong May 4, 2020.
Kinabukasan, May 5, naghain ang National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ng cease and desist order laban sa broadcast giant.
Bunsod nito, kinagabihan ng May 5, itinigil ang operasyon ng lahat ng TV at radio stations ng ABS-CBN sa buong bansa.
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