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.
https://twitter.com/AnnBlocked/status/1281790487746101248
mahihiya siguro tatay ni tonypet Albano pag may bambanti na tapos artista ng ABS-CBN ang kukunin HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAGAHA
— n o a h (@frencefriesss) July 11, 2020
All my life, I've been supporting the family of Dy and Albano… but then, they said yes to anti-terror law and denial of ABS-CBN's franchise renewal.
— Roxanne Ysabelle (@rxnnysbll) July 10, 2020
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
Disappointed with Tonypet Albano and the Dys in the congress.
— sher (@stpazzi) July 10, 2020
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?