Don’t expect franchise renewal, Duterte tells ABS-CBN

President Rodrigo Duterte said he is not softening his stance against the franchise renewal of major television network ABS-CBN.

Duterte said  ABS-CBN will definitely be “out” next year.

Its contract is set to end by March 2020 unless Congress and the President approve its extension.
“Ang inyong franchise mag-end next year  (Your franchise will end next year). If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (a renewa), I’m sorry. You’re out. I will see to it that you’re out,” said Duterte during the oath-taking of newly appointed government officials in Malacañang.

Duterte has repeatedly slammed the network.

Last year, he stood firm against the renewal of its franchise, citing its failure to air his presidential campaign ads in 2016, even though the network was paid to do so.

“Ang ABS-CBN, ‘yung bunganga ng inyong interes, they protect you...Kayo ngayon, mag-renew kayo ngcontract? Ilan kayong mga senador ngayon na nagbayad sa inyo na hindi ninyo pinalabas ‘yung kanila?” Duterte said.

The President said  ABS-CBN showed preference in broadcasting the political ads of former Senator Antonio Trillanes over others.

“Unang nilabas ninyo ‘yung kay Trillaness.. ‘yung using the children of a propaganda. Tinanggap ninyo ang P2 million ko, ni wala... Hindi lang ako ‘yung na-ganoon, Chiz Escudero, marami. Lahat sa Congress,” he said.

“And you want us to bow down to your wealth and money and influence? Well, not with this administration. I am for the people and I will kill for the people,” Duterte stressed.

Five bills have been filed to extend the ABS-CBN franchise for another 25 years.

Last October, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said  a panel from the lower chamber is set to tackle the renewal before the year ends.

However, contrary Cayetano’s statement, the chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises said the House of Representatives will not tackle the bills renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN this year.

In a television interview, Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez said his committee has no scheduled hearing until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break starting December 20.   

Cayetano has said to show fairness, the House will discuss at least the  proposed bills for the franchise renewal of the ABS-CBN.

Both House leaders did not give assurance whether the Lopez-owned company will get another 25-year franchise to operate before the expiration in March 2020.

To date there are at least six bills pending in the  committee to extend the ABS-CBN franchise for another 25 years.

Meanwhile,  Cayetano said Congress will be fair to anyone and will always have a fair hearing.

“Alam naman din ito ng management ng ABS-CBN na uunahin namin ang budget at saka  revenue bills. Pero we have more than enough time to tackle it in January, February dahil March pa naman yung expiration ng franchise,” Cayetano said in a statement.

When asked if there is a chance to be approved, the Speaker replied “Depende sa kalalabasan ng hearing. I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken.”

Meanwhile, Cayetano said the House respects the stand of  President Duterte when he strongly opposed the renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN.

“As you know he’s the President at mayroon siyang stand sa mga issue, so nirerespeto natin ‘yan. Having said,  nirerespeto rin ng ating Pangulo ‘yung proseso, so, hintayin na lang natin ‘yung proseso, but even the President admits that there has to be a fair process,” Cayetano pointed out.

All franchise bills must first be approved by the House before they go to the Senate.

https://journal.com.ph/news/nation/dont-expect-franchise-renewal-duterte-tells-abs-cbn