Harry Roque Jokes to Ai-Ai delas Alas: 'Hindi Mawawala ang Iyong Prangkisa'

Senatorial candidate Harry Roque on Saturday bantered with actress Ai-Ai delas Alas on the campaign stage, telling her that she would not lose her franchise.

Roque did not specifically mention ABS-CBN, which lost its bid for a fresh 25-year franchise under the term of his former boss, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.

Delas Alas is a former ABS-CBN talent and is now with GMA Network. She has endorsed Bongbong Marcos for president, under whose slate, Roque is running for senator.

"Ate Ai, Hindi ka nagkamali ng sinamahang grupo. Hindi mawawala ang iyong prangkisa," Roque told delas Alas after her dance number.

Roque then proceeded to encourage the crowd to dance with him.

ALSO READ: 'Isinara Ko Po Ang ABS-CBN,' Marcoleta Tells Voters 

ABS-CBN was taken off the air in May 2020 after its franchise expired and it ceased broadcast permanently in July that same year after 70 members of a House of Representatives committee, including Marcoleta, voted to deny the franchise application.

Opponents of the franchise renewal raised ABS-CBN's alleged non-failure of taxes, "biased" news coverage, and foreign ownership that violated the constitution. ABS-CBN executives and resource personnel refuted all allegations in marathon hearings.