Following Congress denying ABS-CBN a franchise renewal last Friday, July 10, the media giant announced last Wednesday, July 15, that they will begin ceasing operations of some businesses and laying off workers effective August 31, according to their released statement.
"As much as it hurts us to implement this retrenchment program, this is the only way to ensure the continued employment of the rest of our Kapamilya," the statement read.
Despite not giving a number on how many will be relieved of their duties, the media giant assured that they will be "paying out separation and retirement benefits and providing job placement programs."
One of the employees who will be getting a job cut is veteran journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon, revealing the company's decision on her Twitter account on Thursday morning, July 16.
"This was one of the toughest days I had to face. Telling fellow Kapamilyas that they would lose their jobs by end of August," the former Bandila anchor wrote. "I lost mine, too."
This was one of the toughest days I had to face. Telling fellow kapamilyas that they would lose their jobs by end of August. I lost mine too. https://t.co/s19MXXvjvy
— Ces Oreña-Drilon (@cesdrilon) July 16, 2020
"Babangon din ang mga Kapamilya. This may be our darkest hour. But don't lose hope," she wrote in another tweet.
Babangon din ang mga #kapamilya. This may be our darkest hour. But don’t lose hope.
— Ces Oreña-Drilon (@cesdrilon) July 16, 2020
Netizens and her fellow Kapamilya journalists Karen Davila, Mike Navallo, Jeff Canoy, and Zen Hernandez replied to Drilon's Twitter post, giving messages of support.
"Sorry to hear this, Ma'am. You will always be an inspiration for us to keep fighting," Navallo wrote.
Sorry to hear this, Ma'am. You will always be an inspiration for us to keep fighting.
— Mike Navallo (@mikenavallo) July 16, 2020
Davila, on the other hand, called Drilon "an ABS-CBN news icon and inspiration."
"This is heartbreaking. It's been an honor to be alongside you in 'Bandila.' You are an ABS-CBN news icon and inspiration. I am preparing my heart as well for the worst and will stand by ABS-CBN 'til the end," Davila said.
This is heartbreaking. @cesdrilon it’s been an honor to be alongside you in Bandila. You are an ABSCBN news icon and inspiration. I am preparing my heart as well for the worst and will stand by ABSCBN til the end 🙏🏻 https://t.co/O0zYiTHAjt
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) July 16, 2020
Drilon, who served as an Executive Editor for ABS-CBN's ANC-X website, was also known for heading the media giant's lifestyle ecosystem.