ABS-CBN thanks the Professional Artists Managers, Inc. (PAMI) and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) for supporting the network and calling for the renewal of its broadcast franchise.
The franchise of ABS-CBN expired on May 4, 2020.
On May 5, 2020, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN, which stopped its radio and television stations from broadcasting.
At present, hearings for the renewal of the giant network's franchise are being held in the Lower House.
In a statement released today, July 2, ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast Cory Vidanes thanked PAMI and OPM for making their support known to lawmakers.
She said, “We are very grateful to PAMI and OPM for conveying to our lawmakers why ABS-CBN should be allowed to continue serving the Filipino. We continue to draw strength and inspiration from our colleagues and all the people we serve."
PAMI AND OPM APPEAR IN FRANCHISE RENEWAL HEARING
On June 30, 2020, PAMI president June Rufino and OPM president Ogie Alcasid appeared at the franchise-renewal hearing through video conferencing.
In their statement to the Lower House committee tasked to investigate and decide, Rufino and Ogie urged the members to consider several major factors.
Rufino said that the PAMI members and its 400 artists will be greatly affected, along with the 5,000 families they support, should the ABS-CBN franchise not be renewed.
Her statement read: “Without the production employment from ABS-CBN, a significant number of taxpaying Filipino artists will be burdened by their subsequent loss of income.
“PAMI collectively having over 400 artists in their management rosters would easily represent over 5,000 families at any given productive time.
“Each manager and their artists employ several personnel and professional assistance for every project they are assigned by ABS-CBN, multiply them with each having a family to support at the minimum.”
“Beyond the satisfaction of being able to entertain the millions of Filipinos watching the programs of ABS-CBN nationwide, the joy these projects bring to the kababayans worldwide brings an unquantifiable pride to us managers and our artists to be part of these top-quality programs produced by ABS-CBN.
“In our own little way, we are deeply blessed and honored to be part of ABS-CBN’s many ways to be in the service of the Filipinos worldwide. And it is our prayer that we will be allowed to keep on doing what we truly and passionately love to do.
“We would like to strongly amplify our heartfelt request to take into consideration the [loss] of our source of livelihood and will undoubtedly have a devastating impact to the 5,000 families within the PAMI universe should the franchise renewal be denied.
“It is therefore our humble plea to the honorable franchise committee to find it in your hearts and consciousness the future of over 5,000 families who are dependent and hopeful for your affirmative decision on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.”
In his own statement, Ogie brought the focus to ABS-CBN’s music platforms and TV shows featuring singers and songwriters.
Ogie himself is part of two ABS-CBN musical shows; he is a performer on ASAP Natin ‘To and a judge on It’s Showtime’s “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”
He talked about how the Kapamilya network's reality singing programs have helped aspiring singers achieve their dreams and, at the same time, contribute to the growth of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Ogie's statement read: “Naniniwala po kami na napakalaki po ng naitulong at maitutulong pa ng kanilang mga music platforms upang matulungan po ang ating mga local singers at songwriters na maipalabas at maiparinig ang kanilang created content tulad ng kanilang mga awitin at ang kanila pong mga performances.
“Napakarami na pong mga singer ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na maiahon ang kanilang pamilya at mabigyan ng kaliwanagan ang kanilang mga pangarap na maging isang ganap na singer sa mga programa ng Channel 2 tulad ng 'Tawag ng Tanghalan,' Philippine Idol, The Voice, at sa mga musical variety programs tulad ng ASAP Natin ‘To at Showtime.
“At ang mga songwriters po rin natin ay nasasalihan po ang mga patimpalak tulad ng Himig Handog, ang MYX po, ang kanilang mga AM at FM radio stations at ang Star Music ay napakalaki po ng ambag sa pag-produce po ng musikang Original Pilipino Music.”
KAPAMILYA STARS TAKE PAY CUT IN SUPPORT OF ABS-CBN
Earlier, there were reports that talent managers and ABS-CBN artists, some of whom are members of PAMI, agreed to take pay cuts in their talent fees for shows currently airing.
The reports were verified, and shown to be a move by the talents to help the network weather its present financial crisis, a crisis primarily brought about by the shutdown.
For its part, ABS-CBN, through Vidanes, thanked PAMI and all talent managers for understanding where the network is at presently.
“We thank PAMI and all talent managers for their understanding and consideration as we continue to bring joy and entertainment to our audiences through our programs.”
On June 13, 2020, ABS-CBN brought back some of its programs via the Kapamilya Channel, a channel available on satellite and cable, which temporarily houses the displaced programs of ABS-CBN.
ABS-CBN shows currently airing via the Kapamilya Channel are: FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, A Soldier’s Heart, Love Thy Woman, Magandang Buhay, The Voice Teens, ASAP Natin ‘To, and It’s Showtime.
Two shows have also been launched in the Kapamilya Channel: Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan and Iba ‘Yan.
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