Pacquiao: Support for ABS-CBN doesn’t mean going against Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manny Pacquiao reiterated his continued “love” for President Rodrigo Duterte despite his support for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.

Pacquiao has co-authored a bill in the Senate seeking to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN for another 25 years. Duterte, meanwhile, has repeatedly threatened to block the franchise which would expire on May 4 this year.

“Yes co-author ako ng bill. It doesn’t mean na kinakalaban ko yung Pangulo. I always support and love the President. Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi na I love the President. I always support the President, hindi ko kinakalaban at suportado ko lahat ng mga advocacy niya,” the senator told reporters on Wednesday.

READ: Lapid, Pacquiao stand by ABS-CBN

(Yes, I’m a co-author of the bill. It doesn’t mean that I’m going against the President. I always support and love the President. I have repeatedly said that I love the President. I always support the President, I’m not going against him and I support all his advocacies.)

The senator said he is just worried about the thousands of employees who may end up jobless if the franchise is not renewed or extended.

Pacquiao said he attempted twice to meet and discuss with the President about this issue.

“Pumunta pa nga ako ng Gensan (General Santos City). Sinusubukan kong baka makasingit ako dun sa Davao, kaya lang busy rin ang Pangulo at naiitindihan ko. Ako nga busy ako dito sa Senado, ano pa kaya ang Pangulo,” he said.

(I even went to General Santos City. I was trying to get a schedule with him in Davao but he is also busy and I understand. I’m also busy here in the Senate, so what more the President?)

If given a chance, Pacquiao said he would suggest to the President to just file a case or replace the management of the network if indeed it has violated the laws instead of closing down the company.

“Kung nagkasala talaga ‘yung namumuno ng ABS-CBN then kasuhan ‘yung ABS-CBN, kasuhan ‘yung mga namumuno o palitan ang mga namumuno diyan na nagma-manage,” he said.

(If the ABS-CBN management really made a violation then charge them, charge or replace the management.)

“Huwag lang maapektuhan din ‘yung libo-libong pamilya na matagal nang ‘yun ang hanapbuhay nila, doon sila umaasa…” he added.

(I just hope this would not also affect the thousands of families who have been working for or relying on ABS-CBN.)

Pacquiao also appealed to bashers to understand the situation, noting the families, and not only the ABS-CBN’s workers, who may be affected by the closure of the company.

“Porket ilang libo lang ang maapektuhan e bahala na? Kailangan nating ikonsidera din natin ‘yung bawat pamilya na mawawalan,’’ Pacquiao added.

(Just because it’s a few thousands who will be affected then it’s not our concern anymore? We still need to consider each family who will lose something.)