ABS-CBN got support from its closest rival in television for decades amid the challenges that the network is facing.
In an interview with showbiz reporters, Senator Grace Poe, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services revealed that many people and companies are supporting the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
However, because of her job as a Senator she cannot promise to side quickly with ABS-CBN as they still needed to investigate the accusations against the television network giant.
“Well, ako, makakapagsalita lamang para sa Senado, marami akong mga nakausap na mga kasama natin doon. Suportado naman nila ang pagre-renew nito. Pero siyempre, kikilatisin din mabuti ang magiging kasunduan sa franchise.” the lady Senator told the reporters.
However, even if the Senators approve the franchise, the renewal is still not possible without the approval of the lower house.
“Ang Senado, kahit na i-approve namin ‘yan, ‘pag ito ay hindi gumagalaw sa Kongreso, wala ring mangyayari,” she explained.
Grace Poe then stated the importance of ABS-CBN and how it helped many people by different ways in the past.
“Para sa akin naman, maraming nabibigyan ng trabaho, napatunayan din naman na nakakapagserbisyo sila. Walang perpekto, may mga pagkakamali, kaya lahat ‘yan ay dapat tinitimbang at mabigyan ng pagkakataon na iprisinta nila ang kanilang mga magiging plano kung mabibigyan sila ng prankisa ng 25 taon pa,”
She also revealed that even the GMA network expressed their support to the franchise renewal of their rival ABS-CBN.
“Alam mo, ‘yung mga kapatid natin, kaibigan sa GMA, nakakausap ko. Sila ay supportive rin. Kasi sa industriya, ‘di ba, ayaw mo naman na walang pagkakataon ‘di ba?” Poe said.
GMA and ABS-CBN are known to be rival networks for decades. Both sides are also claiming that they’re leading the television ratings.