INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — In reminiscing the day she started working for ABS-CBN 24 years ago, Elvira “Tootsy” Angara, wife of Senator Sonny Angara, said she feels sad for many of her co-workers in the network, many of whom she said have had their hearts and dreams broken.
“‘Do you know you cried yourself to sleep for the last 2 nights,’ Sonny told me on the eve of my 24th year since I joined the ABS-CBN family. Today 24 years ago was my 1st day and for many it will be the last,” Tootsy wrote in an emotional Instagram post on Friday.
“As we all go through this devastating week .. My heart grieves.. my heart is angry..,” she added.
Mrs. Angara works as ABS-CBN’s cluster head for advertising and sales of entertainment and lifestyle ecosystem.
On July 10, 2020 70 lawmakers from the House of Representatives’ legislative franchises committee voted to reject ABS-CBN’s franchise bid, prompting the network to start the retrenchment of workers by the end of August.
“Not only do I see the faces of those I love who are in deep pain but I also see the faces of those that inflicted pain on us…fathers and mothers with families hurting other dads and moms with families too.. people with dreams for their kids hurting those with dreams for their own kids as well..,” the senator’s wife said, apparently alluding to the lawmakers who voted to junk ABS-CBN’s franchise application.
“[W]hy do you choose to inflict pain on people whose simple joys were just to see their kids grow up to have better lives than themselves.. people who worked tirelessly to be able to build a home and provide for their families..,” she added.
“So devastating.. so many grieving hearts and broken dreams.. so many tears..,” she further said.
The ABS-CBN executive offered “long tight hugs” to her Kapamilyas and expressed utter love for them.
“[Y]ou know how deeply I love and care about each and everyone of you…I know your stories, your favorite food, your paulit ulit jokes, how ginataan can make a stressful day disappear, your sorrows, your joys as you know mine.. I love love love you guys,” she said.
“This is not over, I swear to each and every one of you.. it’s not over!” she added.