Fallout from a vote: ABS-CBN franchise backers to lose posts

The 11 lawmakers who voted in favor of granting ABS-CBN a new franchise will reportedly be stripped off their leadership posts, Politiko has learned.

Politiko’s source said the removal of the lawmakers’ positions is the consequence of their insistence on supporting ABS-CBN despite House leaders’ marching order to vote against the network’s franchise application.

“The lawmakers have been warned days ahead of the voting that they will lose their committee chairmanships and leadership posts if they vote in favor of ABS-CBN’s franchise application. Since they pushed through with backing the network, they have to face the consequences,” the source said.

Seventy lawmakers voted Friday (July 10) to adopt a resolution denying ABS-CBN’s franchise application following a month and a half long hearings.

The 11 lawmakers who voted against the resolution were:

– House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr.

– Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos Recto

– Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones

– Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Carlos Zarate

– Pangasinan Rep. Christopher De Venecia

– Manila Rep. Edward Vera Perez Maceda

– Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr.

– North Cotabato Rep. Jose “Ping-Ping” Tejada

– Batangas Rep. Lianda Bolilia

– Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman

– Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo

Politiko earlier reported that lawmakers were threatened with losing projects, facing an opponent in the 2022 elections and even physical harassment if they supported ABS-CBN’s franchise application.

Presidential son Paolo Duterte and Iglesia Ni Cristo reportedly pressured lawmakers to ensure ABS-CBN remains off the air.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)