Thousands of Philippines jobs hinge on ABS-CBN renewal

Thousands of Filipinos might lose their jobs after Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte threatened not to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, which is Philippines’ largest television network.

Duterte has been at loggerheads against the media giants after they failed to air his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential campaign despite paying them for it.

“ABS-CBN has been a protector of your vested interest,” Duterte said.

“Your franchise will expire next year. If you are expecting it to be renewed, I’m sorry. You’re out.”

With the franchise by Republic Act 7966 set to expire in 2020, ABS-CBN would have to shut down its operations in radio and television if it doesn’t get renewed.

This will affect 10,000-11,000 jobs and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has urged the President to consider the impact of not renewing their franchise.

“Between 10,000 to 11,000 who depend on the Philippines’ largest television network and its subsidiaries/sister companies including ABS-CBN.com, dzMM, TFC, Star Records, to name a few, for their bread and butter, will immediately lose their jobs or will indirectly be dislocated once its franchise is denied,” they said.

“Do not allow one man’s vindictiveness to displace thousands of workers, including journalists and artists, and spell the end for freedom of the press and of expression.”

ABS-CBN currently employs 6,730 staff, 900 non-regular workers and more than 3,325 talents according to the latest report by the company at the end of 2018.