Palace says ABS-CBN workers who will be displaced may seek gov’t assistance

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Employees of media giant ABS-CBN affected by the denial of its franchise application may seek assistance from the government, Malacañang suggested Monday.

In an online Palace briefing, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque cited government programs that may help employees at risk of losing their jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Huwag po kayong mag-alala, kasama po ng lahat ng mga Pilipino na alam nating humarap sa pagsubok, nandiyan po ang ating Presidente, gagastusin po niya ang huling sentimo ng ating kaban ng bayan para sa inyong kapakanan,” Roque said, when sought for a message to employees of the network.

(Don’t worry, alongside other Filipinos who are facing problems, the President is there and he will spend until the last centavo of our funds for your welfare.)

“Sigurado po ako na lahat po ng mawawalan ng trabaho sa ABS-CBN ay pupuwede ring kumuha ng mga benepisyo na ibinibigay natin sa lahat po ng nawawalan ng trabaho,” he added.

(I’m sure that all of those who will lose their jobs may get benefits that we give to all those who lost their jobs.)

Roque said there are programs offered by the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture and loans offered by Land Bank of the Philippines and Pag-IBIG.

The House committee on legislative franchises, voting 70-11, denied on Friday granting ABS-CBN a new congressional franchise to resume its operations.

The decision left 11,000 ABS-CBN employees at risk of losing their jobs.

ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak earlier said they may start the retrenchment of employees by August if they fail to secure a franchise.

JPV