Senator Lito Lapid and son, actor-politician Mark Lapid, have joined the call for the renewal of the franchise of Lopez-owned ABS-CBN.
“We’re hoping ABS-CBN and si President Duterte magkaupuan,” said Mark. “Ang concern lang naman namin ay ang mawawalan ng trabaho.”
The father and son are doing it on their own volition and has nothing to do with them being part of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” where the senior Lapid was widely known as Pinuno, the rebel leader in the hit primetime series on ABS-CBN.
What concerns them the most, explained Mark, are those who work behind the scenes, the crew people especially, who are paid much less than the stars and production people.
“Wala pa kaming feedback… Hoping by January [may reply na] kasi alam ko filed na sa lower house,” said Mark. “Once naayos lahat, possible pa ‘yun na maayos. But right now, ang chances ay 50-50 kasi wala pa hong gumagalaw. Sabi nila by January pa, kasi hindi pa priority this month because of SEA Games. They are hoping by January gugulong na.”
Mark said he is not really aware of the reason the President is averse to the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“Hindi ako masyadong aware kung ano talaga, ang alam ko lang nag start sa campaign, sa political ads,” he said. “hindi tayong makakapag comment kasi technical aspect. Kahit kami nag pla-place ng ads. Hindi ko alam sa part ng ABS-CBN kung sino ang may hawak ng desisyon nun.”
Personally, he is all for the renewal of the franchise. “100%. It’s not only for ABS-CBN but all the networks. It’s an industry na kailangan tulungan. Hindi dahil nasa ABS-CBN ka, GMA ka or TV5 ka,” he said.
