Neil
Congressman Antonio “Tonypet” Albano appeared to have changed his mind as he voted against the ABS-CBN franchise renewal.
Albano, Vice-Chair of the House committee on legislative franchises, was one of the first Congressmen who expressed their support for ABS-CBN.
He even went so far as to defend the network.
He stated on May 4 that there is no reason for the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to shut down the network, recognizing the role of media in this time of the pandemic.
“I see no reason for NTC to close down ABS-CBN. In fact, it is more important now than ever, for media like ABS-CBN who has a far-reaching network, to be open during this pandemic,” the lawmaker said.
However, on July 10, netizens were puzzled as Albano voted ‘Yes’ to the House committee resolution denying ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal in contrast to his previous statement.
Hello Cong. Albano, ano pong nangyari why yesterday you voted no for the franchise renewal? We, Isabelinos deserve an explanation since our province depends mostly on ABS-CBN Regional for the current news. Bakit nag-iba po ang ihip ng hangin? Why? Opo, Why? pic.twitter.com/RuGXQggnDe
— Anning💗🇨🇦 (@AnnBlocked) July 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/frencefriesss/status/1281812497649954816
https://twitter.com/rxnnysbll/status/1281610142228905984
Kung totoo man yan kaya pala ang daming dada ni Tonypet Albano dati kapag tinatanong sa abscbn franchise kasi mag no siya ngayon. At mangugadatu? Alam ko abscbn tumulong sa kanya laban sa mga ampatuan. At Vargas? Nakoooo
— Maria (@Mariatwitsta) July 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/stpazzi/status/1281508263641534465?s=20
Recently, ACT-SIS Representative Eric Yap alleged that an emissary of ABS-CBN tried to bribe him with 200 million to vote in favor of the franchise renewal. He withdrew his statement when he was accused of spreading black propaganda.
Now, did Cong. Albano changed his mind ‘voluntarily’ or ‘somebody’ forced him to stand against the network? If so, who is bribing the Congressmen to stand against ABS-CBN?
