Piolo Pascual appeals to lawmakers for ‘compassion’ on ABS-CBN franchise

MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual appealed to members of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises for compassion as they convene on Friday afternoon to tackle ABS-CBN’s franchise bid and possibly decide on whether or not the measure will be approved by the panel.

“Compassion na lang (Just show compassion). All the people here are losing their jobs,” the actor said in a short interview with reporters outside the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

“We are here to ask the Congress to have the compassion to give us the franchise. Masyado na yung pandemya, wag na nating dagdagan pa ang kahirapan sa Pilipinas,” he also said.

(The pandemic is too much. Let us not add up to the hardships in the Philippines.)

Supporters and employees of the media giant trooped outside the Batasan complex to call on lawmakers to vote in favor of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.

The technical working group formed to study and draft recommendations on the application for franchise of the network is expected to present its report when the panel convenes Friday afternoon.