Action star Robin Padilla said he only wanted “change” and not for the broadcast network ABS-CBN to completely shut down.
“Ang nais natin ay pagbabago sa ABS-CBN, hindi ang pagsasara nito,” said Robin, who was one of the network’s biggest celebrity critics in recent years.
On his Instagram account, the actor said ABS-CBN’s franchise should be acted upon immediately because the network is needed to disseminate information on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Nasa panahon tayo ng humahagupit pa ang mata ng COVID-19 sa labas ng mga bahay natin at nagbabanta na makapasok at manalanta,” Robin wrote.
“Hindi po mainam na magtagal ang pagsasaayos ng franchise ng aming network. Ito ang oras para harapin ito dahil kailangan ng information ng mga Pilipino sa buong mundo at lalong kailangan ng trabaho ng nasa industriya ng telebisyon at pelikula,” he added.
Padilla then called for the immediate hearing on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
He noted that the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic issues of the country are more important right now.
“Umpisahan na kagyat ang pagdinig dito at unahin harapin ang mga dapat baguhin,” the actor said.
“Mga kababayan nasa peligro ang bawat buhay ng Pilipino at ang economia ng bansa. Naniniwala ako na ang lahat ngayon ay bukas sa pagbabago at handang sumunod sa kung ano ang dapat, maitawid lang nating lahat sa pagsubok at makaahon ang Inangbayan Pilipinas,” he added.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_zTJcEpkOg/?igshid=uh66loe8eyuc
The netizens aren’t happy with Robin’s posts after the shutdown of ABS-CBN:
Please lang, once we rise from this shutdown, I never want to see the Gonzagas, and Mariel and Robin Padilla in any ABS-CBN show/film .
— Dom (@GenuGabbuat) May 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/baryonaut/status/1257724887155634176
Robin Padilla said in an interview if those co-artists can share their salaries who works overtime – those people behind the camera.
As you can see, not all ABS-CBN's employees are being treated fairly.
Ask yourselves, is it worth fighting for?
— Daryl Jarlos (@daryljarlos) May 7, 2020
Mga nag-react negatively sa pagsasara ng ABS-CBN:
• Sonny Angara – despite being an enabler, he negatively reacted dahil executive ang asawa nya sa ABS.
• Robin Padilla – dapat daw pagbabago at di pagsasara kasi syempre si Mariel sa ABS nagtatrabaho. He forgot na tuta sya.
— Tim (@timothycaday) May 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/_santosericka/status/1257714272240467969
Siguro ang awkward ni Mariel Rodriguez at Robin Padilla sa bahay dahil sa shutdown ng ABS-CBN.
— Christelle (@telletabby) May 5, 2020
robin padilla dds pero tutol sa abs-cbn shutdown poser ampota
— ًً (@MeranoPaul) May 5, 2020
Earlier, the actor said it’s better to let the judicial system work regarding the ABS-CBN franchise issues.
He noted that ABS-CBN has nothing to fear if it really had not broken any law.
ABS-CBN signed off Tuesday night in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) order.
A day after its 25-year license to operate expired on May 4, the NTC has directed the network to immediately halt its TV and radio operations.
ABS-CBN was given 10 days to respond and convince the agency to revoke the order.