A retired journalist who also worked for ABS-CBN in the past made an open letter to actress Angel Locsin and actor Baron Geisler and explained why the television giant is having a hard time to get a franchise renewal from the government.
In a lengthy post, Jay Sonza said that he understood why Locsin, Geisler and other employees of ABS-CBN are defending the said network because they’re currently working there and getting paid well.
However, Sonza pointed out that not all of the employees of ABS-CBN are enjoying the same treatment they’re receiving.
Sonza listed some of the issues allegedly being faced by the television giant:
“1. the company is not 65 years old. abs or Alto Broadcasting Service of the Quirino family was annexed (itanong nyo sa mga Lopez paano nila nakuha) by cbn or Chronicle Broadcasting Network of the Lopez clan and merged in 1959. abs-cbn was taken out of commission from 1972 to 1986 (14 year-shut down).”
“2. The company is one big violator of existing laws of the land:
= more than 90 percent of their employees are victims of ENDO or labor only contracting despite working practically 24/7 Monday to Sunday. Check their labor cases pending before NLRC numbering hundreds.
= almost 90 percent are NOT given their due social amelioration as provided by law regardless of work status including but not limited to SSS, PhilHealth and Pagibig Fund coverages. Simply ask any ‘talent employee” if they have one.
= the company is not honest and religious in paying their taxes, tarrif, duties, etc. Proof of these are their cases before tax courts.”
“3. While the network projects publicly their concern and compassion, take a look of these samples:
– Ruth Abao Espinosa = radio announcer and TV news and public affairs program presenter. She got pregnant. went on maternity leave. Hindi na pinabalik sa trabaho.
– Izza Reniva Cruz = news producer and writer. nabuntis. nanganak. nagpapasuso. pinabalik sa trabaho mula 11 ng hatinggabi hanggang 7 ng umaga.
– Public donations sa abs cbn Foundation pinambili ng lupa at sasakyan, pinagpatayo ng gusali at pinamigay na donasyon sa Ateneo Alumni Association.”
“4. Huwag na nating pag-usapan ang iba pang kahalayan at pangangalunya sa loob ng bakuran. Huwag na nating pangalanan ang mga artista at program hosts at news anchors na bumababa mula sa penthouse ng bagong paligo o may pabahay o pakotse.”
Angel Locsin and Baron Geisler expressed their support to ABS-CBN amid the possible closure of the said network after President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to block its franchise renewal.
The network’s franchise is set to expire in March 2020.