ABS-CBN supporters organized another rally to express their support to the television network giant amid their franchise renewal issue.
The top talents of ABS-CBN like Angel Locsin, Jericho Rosales, and Coco Martin also attended the same event and participated in the so-called human chain around the company’s compound stretching around Lopez Drive, Mother Ignacia, and Sgt. Esguerra as they called for a renewal of the network’s franchise which is still pending in the Lower House.
“Ang Probinsiyano” leading star Coco Martin who’s wearing a white shirt together with the other attendees of the rally defended the network who made him become one of the richest and famous celebrities today in showbusiness today.
According to him, the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN is not only for the cause of the celebrities and other people working for the company but also for the whole Filipino nation.
“Hindi ko hahayaan na isang araw magising na lang ako na ‘yung pinagkakautangan ko ng loob, ng maraming empleyado, na nagbibigay sa’min ng hanapbuhay para matupad ang aming mga pangarap ay mawala na lang nang bigla,” Martin said.
The actor also seems opposed the gag order filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida before the Supreme Court to prevent anyone from talking publicly about the franchise issue of ABS-CBN.
Martin said that everyone should not be stopped from speaking about their opinions on what’s happening in the country every day.
“Kinakailangan naming ipakita ang aming suporta, hindi lang kami, hindi lang lahat ng nagtatrabaho sa ABS-CBN kundi ang lahat ng mga Pilipino kasi hindi natin dapat pigilan ang tao na makapagsalita. Kailangan na maging malaya pa rin tayo kung ano ang opinyon natin at saloobin natin. Kailangan mapanindigan natin at masabi natin kung ano ang nararamdaman natin tungkol sa mga bagay-bagay na nangyayari sa ating bansa,” he added.
Twitter users praised Coco Martin’s speech, calling him “real-life Cardo Dalisay” and a parody account even called the actor as a new hero.
Bagong Bayani ?? pic.twitter.com/v5Y9ePauVi
— Malacañang Events and Catering Services (@MalacananEvents) February 21, 2020
“Hats off to Coco Martin! That is a powerful statement. This is why it is important for our actors/actresses to speak up about freedom of press and expression. Saludo sa mga artista para sa bayan!” netizen @kevinmanalo_ said.
Hats off to Coco Martin! That is a powerful statement. This is why it is important for our actors/actresses to speak up about freedom of press and expression. Saludo sa mga artista para sa bayan!
— Kevin Manalo (@kevinmanalo_) February 21, 2020
“Grabe statement ni Coco Martin! And I just wish that this show of support & solidarity of artists, employees & supporters of ABS-CBN be not only limited to its franchise renewal but also on matters greatly affecting our country. Let us show them that we still have the power!” @rryyyaaaannnn commented.
However, some netizens are still not impressed with Martin’s statement, suspecting that the actor is only afraid to lose one of his main sources of income.
“ayokong makitang mawala ang kumpanyang pinagkakautangan namin ng loob” ito ba yong speech nya? anong pinagkakautangan nang loob? don sa fans karapatdapat di sa abias cbn. Maypa hats off2x kapang nalalaman,” netizen @loljustgoaway said.
"ayokong makitang mawala ang kumpanyang pinagkakautangan namin ng loob" ito ba yong speech nya? anong pinagkakautangan nang loob? don sa fans karapatdapat di sa abias cbn. Maypa hats off2x kapang nalalaman
— Tony Logarta (@loljustgoaway) February 21, 2020
The rally was done three days before the Senate starts the investigation on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
Senate Public Services Committee Chairperson Senator Grace Poe is going to lead the investigation.