Recto, Zarate ready for consequences of ABS-CBN vote

Two lawmakers who voted against the majority in the House panel’s decision to reject ABS-CBN’s bid for a new franchise said on Tuesday they were ready to face the consequences, including losing their posts.

Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto said she stood by her “no” vote in the 70-11 decision of the House legislative franchises committee on July 10, defying the party stand of the majority coalition to which she belongs.

“Whatever my decision was on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, and if there will be such consequences, I’m ready and I will accept it,” the Batangas lawmaker said in a text message to reporters.

She noted that she lost her post after a similar case in the past.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, a Deputy Minority Leader in the chamber, said he hoped there wouldn’t be any reprisal “but in case it will happen, then so be it.” INQ