Duterte: If it were up to me, no ABS-CBN franchise renewal

'If I had my way, I would not give it back to you,' says President Rodrigo Duterte about ABS-CBN's franchise which will be up for renewal in 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte repeated his threat to block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, a media network he has accused of "swindling" and of biased reporting.

"Now, ABS-CBN, their franchise is due for renewal. They sent emissaries to me. They sent Gabby away becaue nothing will happen. I will not talk to you, but I will also never intervene. But if I had my way, I would not give it back to you," he said on Friday, August 3 in a mix of Engish and Filipino.

"Magnanakaw kayo eh, linoloko niyo 'yung maliliit (You are thieves, you trick the small people)," he added during his speech at the inauguration of a drug rehabilitation facility in Bukidnon.

The current franchise of ABS-CBN is set to expire in 2020. House Bill 4349 seeking to renew the franchise granted to ABS-CBN for 25 years is still at the committee level.

The President then challenged ABS-CBN executives to let him slap them if records show he has less than P40 million in his bank accounts.

"This is a challenge which I am hurling at you now. Punta tayo ng Central Bank tayo pagkatapos sabihin ko buksan yung computer at tingnan ko yung account. 'Pag ka sumobra ng P40 million, I will step down. But kung hindi umabot ng P40 million, maglinya kayo diyan at sampalin ko kayo," he said.

(Let's go to Central Bank and then I'll tell them to open the computer and look at my account. If it exceeds P40 million, I will step down. But if it doesn't rach P40 million, line up so I can slap you.)

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV alleged that Duterte has around P1 billion worth of transactions using various bank accounts. Overall Deputy Ombudsman Arthur Carandang had also said the Office of the Ombudsman also had documents of bank transactions that showed the same thing.

This statement was what prompted Malacañang to dismiss him. Carandang was leading the probe into Duterte's supposedly hidden wealth. The probe was terminated after the Anti-Money Laundering Council refused to cooperate.

In his Friday speech, Duterte also again brought up his grievances against the Prieto family, owners of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/208802-duterte-threatens-again-block-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-august-3-2018

Malabo ito maging mitsa ng EDSA 4.

Una, BROADCAST FRANCHISE lang ng ABS-CBN Corporation ang madadamay, kung magtagumpay man ito.

BROADCAST FRANCHISE covers the following Construction, Installation, Establishment, Operation and Maintenance of RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES, meaning sa TRANSMISSION SIDE.

Kung ma-revoke man ang license nila, I'm sure may mga plano na sila to continue operating.

Should this happen, BROADCAST OPERATIONS lang ang madadamay.  Not the media and other business functions.

Don Claro Ramirez "If it were up to him...but is it up to him?"

Rey Refran "He has influence over Congress, which can do whatever he pleases."

Don Claro Ramirez to Rey Refran "he would do it without congress if he stayed true to being a dictator"

Duterte bares ABS-CBN sending emissary to secure franchise renewal

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte revealed on Friday, August 3, that local broadcast network ABS-CBN keeps on sending emissary to his office to negotiate the renewal of its franchise, which is set to expire in 2020.

Speaking before his audience in Bukidnon, Duterte said he was merely sending the media giant's representative away, stressing that he has no plans of intervening in its franchise renewal.

"Now, ABS-CBN, 'yung franchise nila is due for renewal. Sige, padala ng emissary para kausapin ako (Now, ABS-CBN's franchise is due for renewal. They are sending an emissary to negotiate with me)," the President said during the inauguration of Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Center in City of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

"Nothing will happen. I will not talk to you, but I will never also intervene," he added.

Duterte has repeatedly slammed ABS-CBN, along with local newspaper Philippine Daily Inquirer, for their supposed bias by slanting reports about him, including his supposed ill-gotten wealth and his controversial war on illegal drugs.

ABS-CBN's franchise will expire on March 30, 2020. Its renewal remains pending in Congress.

To recall, Duterte said in April 2017 that he would block the renewal of ABS-CBN's 25-year congressional franchise.

Duterte reiterated that he personally does not want the broadcast company's franchise renewed.

He, however, clarified that he would not meddle in Congress' process for ABS-CBN's franchise renewal.

"If I had my way, I would not give it back to you. Magnanakaw kayo e. Niloloko ninyo yung mga maliliit (If I had my way, I would not give it back to you. You are thieves. You are duping small people)," Duterte said. (SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1756153/Manila/Local-News/President-Rodrigo-Duterte-bares-ABS-CBN-sending-emissary-to-secure-franchise-renewal

ABS-CBN leads July ratings, keeps top TV network status

ABS-CBN said Friday it pulled in more viewers in July compared to rival GMA Network, solidifying its status as the country's number one network.

ABS-CBN got a 44 percent audience share in July, 11 points ahead of its closest rival, based on a study by Kantar Media that covered 2,610 urban and rural homes and represent 100 percent of the TV viewing population.

The Lopez-led network led in Metro Manila with 42 percent against GMA's 28 percent, in Luzon with 39 percent, the Visayas with 51 percent and Mindanao with 53 percent, ABS-CBN said in a statement.

The long-running police drama, “FPJ's Ang Probinsyano” remained as the most-watched program in the country with an average national rating of 42.8 percent.

Variety show “It’s Showtime” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 39.2% on weekdays and 35% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 33.4% on weekdays and 23.4% on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.

ABS-CBN said it had 8 of the 10 highest-rated shows nationwide for July, including “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” “TV Patrol,” “Bagani,” “Since I Found You,” “TWBA,” “Bandila,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “The Blood Sisters,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “MMK,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice” and “Gandang Gabi, Vice.”

ABS-CBN said it led the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 m.n.), where advertisements pour, with a 47-percent audience share, compared to GMA's 33 percent.

The network said it led in all other blocks: morning (39 percent), noontime (43 percent) and afternoon (42 percent).

Sales of ABS-CBN's TVplus digital television box, a ratings driver, also reached 5.5 million in July. It also recently added 5 new channels: Asianovela Channel, Movie Central, MYX, Jeepney TV, and O Shopping in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Cebu.

On ABS-CBN's over-the-top content platform iWant TV, the top five most watched programs in July 2018 were "FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano," "Araw Gabi," "Asintado," "The Blood Sisters," and "Since I Found You."

News.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/08/03/18/abs-cbn-leads-july-ratings-keeps-top-tv-network-status

Kata Inocencio faces her illness with faith, friends, and a feast

“Kayang-kaya ni Lord baligtarin at baguhin ‘yan,” said Kata Inocencio. This was a cheerful claim from someone who has been diagnosed with Stage 3 of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, secondary lymphoma.

A broadcast journalist, Kata joined ABS-CBN back in 1986. She served the network for a long time, being an anchor for TV Patrol and later on, a host of Bantay Bata 163 as she campaigned against child abuse. She later focused on spreading her faith as a a host of the The 700 Club Asia and Diyos at Bayan.

“I am responding well to the first chemo cycle because I have combined it with the natural-alternative treatments for the past year. It was working well for me, making me generally healthier, but it was a bit slow to arrest the cancer cell proliferation, so the need for chemo,” shared Kata.

Her next chemo cycle was set for August 1, making her immune-compromised for the time being. “Based on the latest CBC following the first chemo last July 4, the figures are now reversing. The chemo is working! And good news is I am responding well to it with no adverse side effects, thanks to the preparation through the natural treatments! I didn’t lose my hair too!”

Kata chose to be grateful for each win. “Thanks to the prayers of the saints and especially the Word of God which is true and permanent. Lab works change but God’s promises are a yes and amen! And that’s what I believe in!”

On September 17 at 7 pm, there will be a fundraising dinner for Kata at the UP Bahay ng Alumni. Entitled “Kata-kam Takam! Kanta, Kainan Kontra Kanser para kay KATA!”, this initiative is spearheaded by her friends from the UP Concert Chorus and UP College of Mass Communication. To those who wish to join and show support, you can email katafeast@gmail.com for details. Kata expressed her gratitude to all who are helping her through her battle. “Hope to see you soon,” she said. “Til then…be blessed.” 

Death penalty reimposition remains Palace’s priority

Malacañang on Friday said the reimposition of death penalty for heinous drug-related crimes remains the government’s priority despite Pope Francis’ declaration that capital punishment is “unacceptable” in all cases.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, however, said the revival of the death penalty for serious drug-related offenses is now up to the Senate.

“It is still the priority of the administration to reimpose the death penalty for serious drug-related offenses but the decision, because it was already passed by Congress, is now up to the Senate,” Roque said in a press conference in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte would still try his "gentle persuasion" but “it is the decision of the senators now”.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who hails from Bukidnon, was with Roque at the press briefing but did not comment on death penalty issue.

In March 2017, the House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 4727, seeking to reimpose the death penalty for heinous drug-related offenses.

“So we leave it to the Senate whatever decision they may have,” Roque said.

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III previously declared support for the restoration of death penalty for high-level drug trafficking cases.

In 2014, Sotto filed a Senate bill seeking to reimpose capital punishment for “heinous crimes".

The death penalty was abolished in the Philippines in 2006. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043689

House approves Filipino Sign Language Act

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to declare Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the national sign language of the Filipino deaf.

House Bill 7503 also aims to establish FSL as the official sign language of the government in transactions with the deaf.

The measure seeks to mandate the use of FSL in schools, broadcast media, and workplaces involving the deaf.

"The FSL shall be taught as a separate subject in the curriculum of deaf learners. The reading and writing of Filipino, as the national language, other Philippine languages, and English shall also be taught to deaf learners," the lower chamber said in a statement.

The FSL also mandates the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to require FSL interpreter insets in news and public affairs programs.

Under the measure, courts should ensure the availability of a qualified sign language interpreter in all proceedings involving the deaf.

Meanwhile, state hospitals and all health facilities shall ensure access of the Filipino deaf to health services, including the free provision of FSL interpreters and materials upon the request of deaf patients or persons who have deaf family members.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/02/18/house-approves-filipino-sign-language-act

Gov't media expanding to Visayas, Mindanao

The government media is expanding to various locations in Visayas and Mindanao, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on July 25.

In a radio interview with Surigao City local radio station 97.3 Nickel Balita, Andanar said he remains committed to his work on the rehabilitation of government media all over the country.

In the same interview, Andanar said the ongoing construction of the Mindanao Media Hub is already 40 percent underway and is expected to be finished by December 2019.

"We are setting up Mindanao Media Hub, a state-of-the-art media facility in Davao City which will be the center of government media here in Mindanao," he said.

The Mindanao Media Hub is a PHP700-million facility in Davao City that will house a television and radio stations for Mindanao.

Last May 2018, together with Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go, Andanar led the hat and time capsule ceremony of the future government media center.

As soon as it is finished, a new media hub for the Visayas region will be up in Cebu City.

Meanwhile, the communications secretary said a foreign country will be funding the Government Strategic Communications Learning and Research Center in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

The proposed media center in Bukidnon is envisioned to be a training center for government media practitioners and serve as an information facility as well.

"Magkakaroon din po 'yan ng TV, radio, social media room, opisina ng PIA, PNA at magkakaroon po ng auditorium, training facility, mga classroom po at mga dormitory. Ito po ang magiging information facility ng buong gobyerno (It will have spaces for TV, radio, social media room, and PIA and PNA offices. It will also have an auditorium, training facility, classrooms and dormitories. This will be the information facility of the whole government),“ Andanar said.

Another foreign country, Andanar said, will also fund a Disaster Broadcasting Center that will be built in Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

The transmission will also reach nearby towns such as Guiuan in Eastern Samar and the Dinagat Islands.

"Another good news, another foreign donor will be donating a television and radio station that mag ko-cover po (that will cover) Siargao, Dinagat at Guiuan. Bakit po mahalaga 'tong Siargao, Dinagat at Guiuan? Kasi ito po 'yung nakaharap talaga sa Pacific Ocean, sa Philippine Deep at ito po talaga 'yung prone to tsunami dahil sa kanyang location. In fact 'yung Guiuan ay tinamaan talaga ng Yolanda (Why is Siargao, Dinagat and Guiuan vital? Because these are the islands facing Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Deep, and these are the ones prone to tsunamis because of their location. In fact Guiuan was badly hit by Yolanda),“ the communications secretary said.

The PCOO's plan to set up government media throughout the country is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's mandate to decentralize the government.

"For the longest time, ang media talaga-national media o government media-ay nakasentro dito lamang sa Luzon (it is focused on Luzon). So, as part of the President's mandate to decentralize government - kasama po ang media doon (the media is included),” Andanar added. (PR)