TV5 in talks with ABS-CBN talents; Cathy Yang now with PLDT

TV5 Network, Inc. Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan said the media company is in talks with some of the talents of ABS-CBN Corp. for possible employment.

“I think there are ongoing conversations with talents, but it’s not as expansive as one would assume because we are being careful with any contractual arrangements that these talents have with ABS-CBN, and we would like to respect that,” Mr. Pangilinan said in a virtual briefing on Thursday.

“We are seeing what we could do to employ the cameramen, the directors, scriptwriters… or those who are behind the camera so that we could provide employment as much as we can moving forward,” he added.

He said TV5 will need more people as it is planning to produce new content.

Despite the closure of ABS-CBN’s broadcast operations, TV5 did not make money in the second quarter of the year. “I wish, but Cignal TV did,” he said.

On July 15, ABS-CBN announced that it would cease the operations of some of its businesses and implement a retrenchment program starting Aug. 31.

The decision came after House of Representatives lawmakers denied the network’s application for a franchise renewal.

CATHY YANG’S TRANSFER

Cathy Yang, former anchor and managing editor at ABS-CBN News Channel, is now part of PLDT, Inc. as group head of corporate communications, said Mr. Pangilinan, who is also the chairman, president and chief executive officer of the telecommunications company.

Ms. Yang replaces Ramon R. Isberto, who is “retiring after serving PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications for 25 years,” the listed telecommunications company said in a statement.

“We welcome Cathy into the senior Management ranks of PLDT and Smart. Cathy is an excellent communicator and a journalist of unquestioned integrity. Her extensive experience as a financial and media person, here and abroad, will add a new dimension to our communication strategy in articulating and presenting who we are and how we perform. She will bring our era of communication into the digital space. Again, a warm welcome to Cathy,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

Ms. Yang said: “I am tremendously privileged to be part of the Philippines’ biggest telco firm PLDT, helping consumers and businesses thrive during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, streaming content and delivering products and services through digital connectivity.”

“We have yet to witness the power of digital connectivity on e-learning, as PLDT plays a key role in transformational education with schools resuming under the new normal. I look forward to working with the PLDT Board, our shareholders and stakeholders, in ensuring we stand front and center as a key enabler in the economy’s recovery,” she added. — Arjay L. Balinbin