Franchise Denial of ABS CBN Network
The denial of the franchise of ABS CBN has become a hot topic way back in 2020. After several hearings and deliberations, the decision has been concluded. The members of the House of Representatives specifically the congress on Legislative Franchise have voted. It showed that the majority of the members (70) have voted yes and some of the members (11) were opposed to the denial of the franchise, two of them inhibited and one who abstained in the application of ABS CBN, providing various issues and allegations on the network. Undoubtedly, Filipino people will be divided depending on their views and perspectives regarding the issue.
The Franchise Denial of ABS-CBN was a big controversy because many people are affected not only the network itself and its investors but also the audience and especially the staff and workers of the entertainment network. 11000 workers were fired and become unemployed and the reason for that is that they were defenseless, they were trapped in a situation that the government created. Because of the renewal controversy of the network, it led them to make the hardest decision which is retrenching of the workers. It was difficult enough to find and have a job on just a normal or regular basis or setting but because of this happening thousands of people become jobless and to add difficulty in that situation this retrenchment happened as the people are struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, some staff and workers that were fired from the network was working in the ABS CBN network for almost 10 years and some are old enough to retire but must keep on working for their families, that is why they were so frustrated and depressed because most of the other companies are looking for new and younger workers, therefore, there may not be a place or position for them to take in order for them to have a job. It was a difficult and unfortunate time, and the government couldn't care less they just want to prove that they can shut down any companies that stand in their way. For me, the decision created which is the denial of the franchise of the ABS CBN was biased and did not base their decisions in the most ethical and utilitarian way which is to decide what is for the greater good that can benefit the greatest number of people.
Personally, I am opposed to the denial of the ABS CBN franchise because we all know the station has a lot to offer the public. Aside from their artists who contributed to the entertainment of the Filipino people, there are also staff and production management who need a stable job and financial support to sustain their own families during this time pandemic. I also believe that the denial of the ABS CBN franchise will have a huge impact on citizens' access to news and global issues because they were not given the opportunity to hear the other side of the story.
Furthermore, I believe that the government's denial of the ABS CBN's franchise renewal is part of the political vendetta of President Duterte. Filipino people in secluded areas were affected since they will be deprived of having a source of information from ABS CBN Regional Programs. People who rely on the radio and can't afford television were also be affected if the renewal will be denied. Generally, it has a lot of impact on information dissemination.
Conclusion
To sum up, everything that has been stated, the denial of the ABS CBN Franchise has a drastic effect on every Filipino people, especially to the staff and workers of ABS CBN Company. There were more than 11, 000 workers who were deprived from having a job in the middle of the global health crisis. It is said that the ABS CBN has failed to comply with their tax. However, whether they failed or not, it is important that the government should show or give genuine compassion especially this time of pandemic where people need access to the news and media. For me, as a television fanatic, I was dismayed at the denial of the franchise of the number 1 television network in the Philippines since it offers a lot such as news, entertainment, and other platforms. However, whether we are agreeing or disagree with the renewal of the franchise, I believe that respecting each and everyone's opinion is a must and must be practiced all the time.