Mike Defensor, two other solons who voted vs ABS-CBN franchise lose in QC
Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City soundly defeated challenger Congressman Mike Defensor of Anakalusugan partylist en route to winning her second term.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officially proclaimed Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto Tuesday night. With 97.35% of clustered precincts reporting, Belmonte has received 645,580 votes compared to Defensor’s 407,506.
Defensor gained notoriety for his leading role in blocking media giant ABS-CBN’s bid for a new broadcast franchise back in 2020. ABS-CBN has been headquartered in Mother Ignacia, Quezon City since the 1960s.
Apart from Defensor, two other House solons who voted against granting ABS-CBN a new franchise also lost their respective races. In the city’s first district, incumbent Congressman Anthony Peter “Onyx” Crisologo lost his reelection bid against first-time politician Arjo Atayde. The Kapamilya actor received 111,742 votes while Crisologo only received 52,554.
In the city’s second district, challenger Raffy Tulfo received 124,780 votes compared to incumbent Congresswoman Precious Hipolito-Castelo’s 94,275 votes. Tulfo is the son of popular media personality and Senator-elect Raffy Tulfo.
Months before ABS-CBN’s broadcast operations was forcibly shut down, Belmonte acknowledged that the potential non-renewal of the network’s franchise would adversely affect the city’s annual income since the network is among its top taxpayers. it is also worth pointing out that many Quezon City residents are employed by the network.
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