He has made the threat at least twice before, in 2017 and 2018. But the 3rd time, he was more emphatic: “Ang iyong franchise mag-end next year. If you expect ma-renew ’yan, I’m sorry. I will see to it that you’re out.” (Your franchise will end next year. If you expect it to be renewed, I'm sorry. I will see to it that you're out.)
Rodrigo Duterte has made that threat against ABS-CBN practically every year since he became president. There are no efforts on his part to hide or disguise the reason he’s doing this: it’s because of a grudge he has held against the network since the 2016 presidential campaign.
Duterte’s version of the story is that ABS-CBN refused to air his political advertisements during the campaign. In an interview on April 17, 2017, Pia Ranada and I asked Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who was Duterte’s campaign finance manager, if it was true they had difficulty placing ads with the network. He said: “We deposited P20 million. When it was over, we checked and only worth P10 million came out.”
Dominguez told us he didn’t know if the P10 million was returned through their advertising agency, and he wasn’t sure either if ABS made any official explanation to the agency or whomever in the campaign why they didn’t air the ads. He didn’t bother to find out.
While it looks like a business transaction gone bad between a network and a client, we in the media still consider the President’s avowed intention to close down ABS-CBN as an attack on the press. Why? Because a business contract, when allegedly not honored, can be rectified through legal process – and I mean proper legal remedies, not contrived cases to get back at critical media. Any attempt to settle scores outside of that is personal and political vendetta, declared and made from an official platform that indicates state resources can, and will be, deployed.
In this case, we have the elements of abuse of power at play. Duterte says, “I will see to it.” Strictly speaking, he cannot order the non-renewal of a broadcast franchise. Franchises like this are legislated by Congress. That the President sounds so certain in his threat is an admission that he will make a rubber stamp out of the supposedly co-equal and independent branch of government that is the legislature.
His defeated running mate, Alan Peter Cayetano, is now Speaker of the House of Representatives, and one of his earliest pronouncements as head of the lower chamber is that he also has a “personal complaint” against ABS-CBN. After that, any supposed reassurance from Cayetano that he would give the franchise renewal bill due course was already suspect. And, what do we know? Just today, Wednesday, December 4, he said they wouldn’t tackle the bill anymore before they go on Christmas break.
Cayetano says they will have enough time to tackle the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bill in January and February 2020. The current franchise expires in March.
We can only hope against hope that the committee on legislative franchises will indeed be able to tackle the measure in time. The House website says there are 6 or 7 bills seeking to grant ABS-CBN another 25-year franchise, but there are more than 20 other franchise renewal bills for various broadcast stations, almost all of them in the provinces.
It is unfortunate that a considerable segment of the public don’t seem to understand that the powers that be can kill press freedom and, as a consequence, stifle democracy, in many creative ways. It’s not just by literally shooting the messenger when they don’t like what the media digs up against them.
Squeezing a media entity financially is a sure way to cripple its editorial operations and independence. Rappler, for instance, has spent millions of pesos on bail and travel bonds because of nearly a dozen live cases filed by government offices and Duterte’s allies and supporters against us. A tax case was pursued against the owners of the Inquirer. News sites that publish reports unfavorable to the government and its allies are “persuaded” to take down those reports – sometimes, not by the editors but by business executives or corporate lawyers.
When the journalists stand their ground, the President calls them names, like foul-smelling people and “every inch a prostitute,” his favored blogger and one-time Palace communications executive christens the practitioners “presstitutes.” When recognition from around the globe comes to the journalists who excel and fight, the presidential spokesperson spins it to say it’s proof that press freedom is “robust” under Duterte. When international support floods in for the Philippine media, the Salvador Panelo shrugs his shoulder and say, we’re enjoying our supposed fame.
Yet another way to attack the media is to make them targets of the orchestrated vitriol from the online armies that the President’s camp and his allies are known to maintain. They threaten or wish us harm, rape, death. They incite blind followers to attack our offices. Rappler wrote about the weaponization of the internet as early as 2016, but the latest attacks were unleashed when the media started reporting on the blunders of a Cayetano-led committee in preparing for the ongoing Southeast Asian Games.
Some observers taunt the media, asking why we’re raising a howl over the potential closure of ABS-CBN, when there are other media entities that would be left to bring the news to the public.
Aside from the fact that broadcast stations reporting the issues and voices of communities across the country are in danger of being shut down, the issues here are abuse of state power and media independence. When a giant network is taken down, the smaller ones would be helpless targets. When a state-sponsored threat is carried out on one media entity that otherwise had the resources to put up a fight, the weaker ones can cower and cave in or just fold up. When the fourth estate is silenced, the ordinary citizens are next.
Until next Wednesday! Email me your thoughts at miriamgracego@rappler.com. If you want to help Rappler pursue in-depth reports on specific sectors and issues, you can donate to our investigative fund here. You can check out the conversations I engage in on Twitter @miriamgracego and follow the stories I share on Facebook.
https://www.rappler.com/views/newsletters/246448-did-malacanang-say-press-is-free
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Kidsongs: We Wish You a Merry Christmas (1992)
Featuring these music videos:
1. Deck the Halls
2. All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
3. Silent Night (Instrumental)
4. Frosty the Snowman
5. Jingle Bells (also used during the end credits)
6. Santa, Please Don't Forget Me (Original)
7. If I Had A Pony For Christmas (Original)
8. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
9. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
10. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
11. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
2017 bonus tracks
12. Pasko Na Naman (lyrics by Levi Celerio and music by Felipe de Leon)
13. Pasko Na, Sinta Ko (lyrics by Aurelio Estanislao and music by Francis Dandan)
14. Sana Ngayong Pasko (lyrics and music by Jimmy Borja)
15. Ang Diyos na Sanggol (music by Eddie Hontiveros, SJ)
16. Ang Pasko ay Sumapit (written by Vicente Rubi and music by Levi Celerio)
17. Bituin (lyrics and music by Arnel dC Aquino, SJ)
18. Star ng Pasko (written by Robert Labayen and music by Amber Davis and Marcus Davis, Jr.)
19. Thank You, Ang Babait Ninyo (written by Robert Labayen, Lloyd Oliver Corpuz and Love Rose de Leon and music by Amber Davis and Marcus Davis, Jr.)
20. Thank You For the Love (written by Robert Labayen and music by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana)
21. Isang Pamilya Tayo Ngayong Pasko (written by Robert Labayen and Lloyd Oliver Corpuz and music by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana)
President Rodrigo Duterte renews threat against ABS-CBN franchise renewal
“If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (franchise), I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” the president said
President Rodrigo Duterte blasted ABS-CBN anew, threatening to block its franchise renewal.
In a speech at Malacanang, the President again lashed out against the media giant, saying he will make sure that they will not get franchise extension next year.
“If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (franchise), I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” the president said
This is the latest in the series of attacks of the President against the Kapamilya network.
In 2017, Duterte first publicly pronounced his opposition to the network’s franchise renewal after accusing the company of swindling. Duterte alleged that ABS-CBN failed to air his campaign ads even though he already paid for it.
ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal has been stalled in Congress since 2016.
Currently, there are several bills filed in Congress seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise to operate.
The bills were filed by Lipa Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto, Pangasinan Rep. Rose Marie Arenas, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones, Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago, PBA Rep. Jericho Nograles, and Parañaque Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting.
Just recently, PDP-Laban Congressmen have also joined others who pushed for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
Deputy Speaker Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales, Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel, at Salvador ‘Doy’ Leachon filed House Bill No. 5608 seeking to give the Kapamilya network another 25 years to operate.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has also said he has objections with the network’s renewal, but that he will make sure there will be fair congressional hearings on the bill.
Cayetano, as head of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), also recently partnered with ABS-CBN to be the exclusive broadcaster of the 2019 SEA Games Opening Ceremonies.
Meanwhile, after the President’s latest tirade against ABS-CBN, Committee on Legislative Franchise Head Franz Alvarez said Wednesday that his committee has no scheduled hearings until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 20, which means they will not tackle the ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bill.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire in March 2020. If Congress will not grant renewal of its franchise, the country’s largest broadcasting company will be forced to shut down.
https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/12/president-rodrigo-duterte-renews-threat-against-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/
- President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to block ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal again.
- Congress will not tackle the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bill until the end of the year.
President Rodrigo Duterte blasted ABS-CBN anew, threatening to block its franchise renewal.
In a speech at Malacanang, the President again lashed out against the media giant, saying he will make sure that they will not get franchise extension next year.
“If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (franchise), I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” the president said
This is the latest in the series of attacks of the President against the Kapamilya network.
In 2017, Duterte first publicly pronounced his opposition to the network’s franchise renewal after accusing the company of swindling. Duterte alleged that ABS-CBN failed to air his campaign ads even though he already paid for it.
ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal has been stalled in Congress since 2016.
Currently, there are several bills filed in Congress seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise to operate.
The bills were filed by Lipa Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto, Pangasinan Rep. Rose Marie Arenas, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones, Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago, PBA Rep. Jericho Nograles, and Parañaque Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting.
Just recently, PDP-Laban Congressmen have also joined others who pushed for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
Deputy Speaker Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales, Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel, at Salvador ‘Doy’ Leachon filed House Bill No. 5608 seeking to give the Kapamilya network another 25 years to operate.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has also said he has objections with the network’s renewal, but that he will make sure there will be fair congressional hearings on the bill.
Cayetano, as head of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), also recently partnered with ABS-CBN to be the exclusive broadcaster of the 2019 SEA Games Opening Ceremonies.
Meanwhile, after the President’s latest tirade against ABS-CBN, Committee on Legislative Franchise Head Franz Alvarez said Wednesday that his committee has no scheduled hearings until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 20, which means they will not tackle the ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bill.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire in March 2020. If Congress will not grant renewal of its franchise, the country’s largest broadcasting company will be forced to shut down.
https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/12/president-rodrigo-duterte-renews-threat-against-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/
Duterte Threatens to Shut Down TV Network
President Rodrigo Duterte ramped up his attack on the Philippine media, vowing to block the renewal of ABS-CBN, the country’s largest and most influential broadcast network. “Your franchise will end next year,” the president said on Tuesday. “If you are expecting it to be renewed, I’m sorry. You’re out. I will see to it that you’re out.”
This is Duterte’s third such threat against ABS-CBN. He accused the network of unfair reporting, as well as of allegedly taking his advertising money in the 2016 elections but then failing to run his political ads. He earlier threatened to file charges against the media company for allegedly defrauding him. The company has denied the allegations of unfair or biased reporting.
Under Philippine law, broadcasters must secure congressional franchises in order to operate. ABS-CBN’s franchise, issued on March 30, 1995, will expire on March 30, 2020. Duterte has exploited this impending renewal to threaten the network, accusing it of slanting its reporting against him and favoring politicians identified with the political opposition. The Lopez family, which controls the network, is known for its activist past, having fought against the Marcos dictatorship. It paid dearly for that opposition when Ferdinand Marcos shut the network down during martial law in 1972. Duterte has politically allied himself with the Marcos family, which has been trying to rehabilitate its long-tattered image of abuse and corruption.
But perhaps the real reason for these threats is ABS-CBN’s critical reporting of Duterte, particularly his murderous “war on drugs.” The network has aired and published award-winning reports on the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users by the police. Apart from ABS-CBN, the government has also targeted Rappler, the online media company that earned Duterte’s ire for its thorough documentation of the “drug war” killings and other abuses.
Duterte is misusing the government’s regulatory powers to settle a score with ABS-CBN. These actions are part of a broader crackdown on media outlets and civil society groups that dare criticize him. Philippine congress members should resist the president’s effort to shut down ABS-CBN. Appeasing a vindictive president who is hell-bent on frustrating accountability for his policies will have far-reaching implications for media freedom, human rights, and democracy in the Philippines.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/12/04/duterte-threatens-shut-down-tv-network
This is Duterte’s third such threat against ABS-CBN. He accused the network of unfair reporting, as well as of allegedly taking his advertising money in the 2016 elections but then failing to run his political ads. He earlier threatened to file charges against the media company for allegedly defrauding him. The company has denied the allegations of unfair or biased reporting.
Under Philippine law, broadcasters must secure congressional franchises in order to operate. ABS-CBN’s franchise, issued on March 30, 1995, will expire on March 30, 2020. Duterte has exploited this impending renewal to threaten the network, accusing it of slanting its reporting against him and favoring politicians identified with the political opposition. The Lopez family, which controls the network, is known for its activist past, having fought against the Marcos dictatorship. It paid dearly for that opposition when Ferdinand Marcos shut the network down during martial law in 1972. Duterte has politically allied himself with the Marcos family, which has been trying to rehabilitate its long-tattered image of abuse and corruption.
But perhaps the real reason for these threats is ABS-CBN’s critical reporting of Duterte, particularly his murderous “war on drugs.” The network has aired and published award-winning reports on the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users by the police. Apart from ABS-CBN, the government has also targeted Rappler, the online media company that earned Duterte’s ire for its thorough documentation of the “drug war” killings and other abuses.
Duterte is misusing the government’s regulatory powers to settle a score with ABS-CBN. These actions are part of a broader crackdown on media outlets and civil society groups that dare criticize him. Philippine congress members should resist the president’s effort to shut down ABS-CBN. Appeasing a vindictive president who is hell-bent on frustrating accountability for his policies will have far-reaching implications for media freedom, human rights, and democracy in the Philippines.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/12/04/duterte-threatens-shut-down-tv-network
Duterte Threat Against TV Network Sets up Congressional Clash
President Rodrigo Duterte’s renewed threat, delivered earlier this week, to block the renewal of the broadcasting license of the country’s biggest and most influential broadcast network puts him squarely at odds with one of the Philippines’ oldest and most prominent families, which operates the Lopez Group of Companies and other enterprises.
Duterte (above, with Eugenio Lopez in 2018), still smarting from the refusal of the Lopez interests’ ABS-CBN network to air his political commercials in the 2016 presidential race allegedly after taking his advertising money, said Tuesday that “Your franchise will end next year. If you’re expecting it to be renewed, I’m sorry. You’re out. I will see to it that you’re out.”
That is expected to set up a battle for influence in the Philippine Congress, where Duterte currently appears to hold most of the cards as power flows to the chief executive’s office.
“Philippine congress members should resist the president’s effort to shut down ABS-CBN,” said Human Rights Watch in a prepared release. “Appeasing a vindictive president who is hell-bent on frustrating accountability for his policies will have far-reaching implications for media freedom, human rights, and democracy.”
It is at least the president’s third such threat against ABS-CBN, which he has repeatedly accused of unfair reporting. He earlier threatened to file charges against the media company for allegedly defrauding him, although according to reports the broadcaster attempted to return his money and his campaign refused it. He has accused it of slanting its reporting against him and favoring politicians identified with the opposition.
Although not among the richest, the Lopez family has been prominent in the Philippines since the early 1800s when the patriarch arrived from China and took the name Basilio Lopez. The family also controls First Philippine Holdings Corporation, whose other major business interests are power generation and distribution along with manufacturing and property development. One of its scions, Fernando, served twice as the country’s vice president – once with former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, before he fell out with him. A daughter, Gina, an environmentalist and social activist, served as Duterte’s Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources) until he apparently tired of her activism although officially she served only on an “interim” basis. She died at 65 in August.
From their powerful political base in communications and manufacturing, the family has played kingmakers to national leaders for decades. The late Benigno S. Aquino Jr., who was assassinated in 1983, called them “giant killers,” calling them “the only family that has consistently stayed on the fringes of power since 1945.” He later called them “the manipulators of political balances in this country.’
The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos seized the Lopez media empire, which opposed his strongman rule, in 1972 and turned it over to a group of companies controlled by Robert Benedicto. It was returned to them in 1986 when Marcos fell and was forced to flee the country.
The president has been on an increasing rampage against the press and his critics, in July filing sedition charges against 36 individuals including the country’s vice president, Leni Robredo. Since his 2016 election, the 74-year-old Duterte has not only jailed former Attorney General Leila de Lima on dubious charges of complicity in drug deals but has used the impeachment process to get rid of the highly respected former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and replaced her with a Duterte ally. Sereno opposed Duterte’s attempts to go after judges whom he accused of being sympathetic to drug interests, saying the court could police itself.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists has accused the government of repeatedly attacking the press, saying “the oppressive working environment for journalists in the Philippines is alarming,” with the president himself lobbing “sustained, often personal attacks against individual journalists. Online harassment of journalists is highly organized and vicious.”
Rappler, a phenomenally popular news website run by former television journalist Maria Ressa, has been a particular target. Ressa, one of Time Magazine’s 2018 Persons of the Year and one of Asia’s most distinguished journalists, has been repeatedly arrested and forced to pay bail on a long string of charges widely perceived as harassment for Rappler’s refusal to buckle under and stop criticizing Duterte’s ill-starred drug campaign.
The threat to ABS-CBN stems from a longtime requirement that broadcasters must secure congressional licenses to continue to operate. ABS-CBN’s franchise, issued in 1995, is to expire next March
Human Rights Watch charged that “ Duterte has politically allied himself with the Marcos family, which has been trying to rehabilitate its long-tattered image of abuse and corruption.
But the NGO said, perhaps the real reason for these threats is ABS-CBN’s critical reporting of Duterte, “particularly his murderous ‘war on drugs.’ The network has aired and published award-winning reports on the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users by the police.
https://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/duterte-threat-abscbn-congressional-clash/
Duterte (above, with Eugenio Lopez in 2018), still smarting from the refusal of the Lopez interests’ ABS-CBN network to air his political commercials in the 2016 presidential race allegedly after taking his advertising money, said Tuesday that “Your franchise will end next year. If you’re expecting it to be renewed, I’m sorry. You’re out. I will see to it that you’re out.”
That is expected to set up a battle for influence in the Philippine Congress, where Duterte currently appears to hold most of the cards as power flows to the chief executive’s office.
“Philippine congress members should resist the president’s effort to shut down ABS-CBN,” said Human Rights Watch in a prepared release. “Appeasing a vindictive president who is hell-bent on frustrating accountability for his policies will have far-reaching implications for media freedom, human rights, and democracy.”
It is at least the president’s third such threat against ABS-CBN, which he has repeatedly accused of unfair reporting. He earlier threatened to file charges against the media company for allegedly defrauding him, although according to reports the broadcaster attempted to return his money and his campaign refused it. He has accused it of slanting its reporting against him and favoring politicians identified with the opposition.
Although not among the richest, the Lopez family has been prominent in the Philippines since the early 1800s when the patriarch arrived from China and took the name Basilio Lopez. The family also controls First Philippine Holdings Corporation, whose other major business interests are power generation and distribution along with manufacturing and property development. One of its scions, Fernando, served twice as the country’s vice president – once with former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, before he fell out with him. A daughter, Gina, an environmentalist and social activist, served as Duterte’s Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources) until he apparently tired of her activism although officially she served only on an “interim” basis. She died at 65 in August.
From their powerful political base in communications and manufacturing, the family has played kingmakers to national leaders for decades. The late Benigno S. Aquino Jr., who was assassinated in 1983, called them “giant killers,” calling them “the only family that has consistently stayed on the fringes of power since 1945.” He later called them “the manipulators of political balances in this country.’
The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos seized the Lopez media empire, which opposed his strongman rule, in 1972 and turned it over to a group of companies controlled by Robert Benedicto. It was returned to them in 1986 when Marcos fell and was forced to flee the country.
The president has been on an increasing rampage against the press and his critics, in July filing sedition charges against 36 individuals including the country’s vice president, Leni Robredo. Since his 2016 election, the 74-year-old Duterte has not only jailed former Attorney General Leila de Lima on dubious charges of complicity in drug deals but has used the impeachment process to get rid of the highly respected former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and replaced her with a Duterte ally. Sereno opposed Duterte’s attempts to go after judges whom he accused of being sympathetic to drug interests, saying the court could police itself.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists has accused the government of repeatedly attacking the press, saying “the oppressive working environment for journalists in the Philippines is alarming,” with the president himself lobbing “sustained, often personal attacks against individual journalists. Online harassment of journalists is highly organized and vicious.”
Rappler, a phenomenally popular news website run by former television journalist Maria Ressa, has been a particular target. Ressa, one of Time Magazine’s 2018 Persons of the Year and one of Asia’s most distinguished journalists, has been repeatedly arrested and forced to pay bail on a long string of charges widely perceived as harassment for Rappler’s refusal to buckle under and stop criticizing Duterte’s ill-starred drug campaign.
The threat to ABS-CBN stems from a longtime requirement that broadcasters must secure congressional licenses to continue to operate. ABS-CBN’s franchise, issued in 1995, is to expire next March
Human Rights Watch charged that “ Duterte has politically allied himself with the Marcos family, which has been trying to rehabilitate its long-tattered image of abuse and corruption.
But the NGO said, perhaps the real reason for these threats is ABS-CBN’s critical reporting of Duterte, “particularly his murderous ‘war on drugs.’ The network has aired and published award-winning reports on the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users by the police.
https://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/duterte-threat-abscbn-congressional-clash/
ABS-CBN can still be given legislative franchise – Recto
By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Thursday that television network ABS-CBN should still be granted a legislative franchise despite President Duterte ‘s vow to shut the corporation down.
“ABS-CBN deserves renewal of franchise,” Recto said in a text message.
Recto had filed last August a bill seeking to renew the broadcast giant’s franchise for another 25 years.
In his bill, he earlier explained that ABS-CBN has “remained steadfast” in reaching out to Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas.
Franchise bills, however, have to be approved by the House of Representatives before they are tackled in the Senate.
With this, even Senate President Vicente Sotto III was unsure about the television network’s fate.
“[I] cannot predict that because we will only tackle it when the HOR passes it,” Sotto said in a separate message when asked about the possibility of the network’s franchise renewal.
In his speech Tuesday, Duterte reiterated that he would block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise and will make sure that it will be “out” next year.
House leaders said they will not discuss ABS-CBN’s franchise, explaining that they will prioritize the approval of the P4.1-trillion proposed 2020 national budget.
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said they will have “more than enough time” to discuss it in January next year, two months before ABS-CBN’s franchise expires.
Republic Act No. 7966, signed in 1995, granted the broadcasting company the 25-year franchise to operate in the country.
Duterte has repeatedly railed at ABS-CBN for supposedly failing to air his 2016 presidential campaign ad, even though he has already paid for it, and instead aired an advertisement critical of him.
He claimed that other member of Congress had the same experience with the TV network.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/05/abs-cbn-can-still-be-given-legislative-franchise-recto/
(UPDATED) The Filipino media and entertainment group would remains the legal name of the network.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Thursday that television network ABS-CBN should still be granted a legislative franchise despite President Duterte ‘s vow to shut the corporation down.
“ABS-CBN deserves renewal of franchise,” Recto said in a text message.
Recto had filed last August a bill seeking to renew the broadcast giant’s franchise for another 25 years.
In his bill, he earlier explained that ABS-CBN has “remained steadfast” in reaching out to Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas.
Franchise bills, however, have to be approved by the House of Representatives before they are tackled in the Senate.
With this, even Senate President Vicente Sotto III was unsure about the television network’s fate.
“[I] cannot predict that because we will only tackle it when the HOR passes it,” Sotto said in a separate message when asked about the possibility of the network’s franchise renewal.
In his speech Tuesday, Duterte reiterated that he would block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise and will make sure that it will be “out” next year.
House leaders said they will not discuss ABS-CBN’s franchise, explaining that they will prioritize the approval of the P4.1-trillion proposed 2020 national budget.
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said they will have “more than enough time” to discuss it in January next year, two months before ABS-CBN’s franchise expires.
Republic Act No. 7966, signed in 1995, granted the broadcasting company the 25-year franchise to operate in the country.
Duterte has repeatedly railed at ABS-CBN for supposedly failing to air his 2016 presidential campaign ad, even though he has already paid for it, and instead aired an advertisement critical of him.
He claimed that other member of Congress had the same experience with the TV network.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/05/abs-cbn-can-still-be-given-legislative-franchise-recto/
(UPDATED) The Filipino media and entertainment group would remains the legal name of the network.
House bill renames QC General Hospital, cites improvements
By Charissa Luci-Atienza
The House Committee on Health has passed a bill renaming Quezon City General Hospital to Quezon City General Hospital and Medical Center.
The House panel, chaired by Quezon Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan, approved House Bill 2225, principally authored by Quezon City Rep. Anthony Peter “Onyx” Crisologo.
“With the volition of the Quezon City government, the Quezon City General Hospital is now equipped with modern and state of the art medical facilities that offer nothing but high standards of comfort and effective healthcare to its patients. Its accomplishments and modern medical facilities are enough basis (sic) to change its name to Quezon City General Hospital and Medical Center as it best encapsulates the hospital’s enhanced status,” Crisologo said.
He noted that the hospital had gone through a redevelopment program to modernize its healthcare facilities.
“Through the years, this five-storey, 250-bed capacity tertiary hospital has evolved into a modern hospital, achieving Level III Status as Tertiary Hospital, the highest level license that can be conferred to a hospital by the Department of Health,” he said.
He said the hospital is now equipped with modern and state-of-the art medical facilities, such as 4D ultrasound, colposcope with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, computerized radiography and digital flouroscopy system and 64-Slice Computerized Tomography Scanner (CT scan).
“It has five operating suites, one operating room suite with a deck view used by residents and nurses undergoing training, eight-bed Service Case and six-bed Pay Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) equipped with patients’ monitor and a central monitor, 10-bed Post Anesthesia Care Unit and four-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit,” Crisologo added.
He sought the final passage of his bill which aims to ensure that patients, especially the poor, enjoy better and more effective healthcare.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/05/house-bill-renames-qc-general-hospital-cites-improvements/
The House Committee on Health has passed a bill renaming Quezon City General Hospital to Quezon City General Hospital and Medical Center.
The House panel, chaired by Quezon Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan, approved House Bill 2225, principally authored by Quezon City Rep. Anthony Peter “Onyx” Crisologo.
“With the volition of the Quezon City government, the Quezon City General Hospital is now equipped with modern and state of the art medical facilities that offer nothing but high standards of comfort and effective healthcare to its patients. Its accomplishments and modern medical facilities are enough basis (sic) to change its name to Quezon City General Hospital and Medical Center as it best encapsulates the hospital’s enhanced status,” Crisologo said.
He noted that the hospital had gone through a redevelopment program to modernize its healthcare facilities.
“Through the years, this five-storey, 250-bed capacity tertiary hospital has evolved into a modern hospital, achieving Level III Status as Tertiary Hospital, the highest level license that can be conferred to a hospital by the Department of Health,” he said.
He said the hospital is now equipped with modern and state-of-the art medical facilities, such as 4D ultrasound, colposcope with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, computerized radiography and digital flouroscopy system and 64-Slice Computerized Tomography Scanner (CT scan).
“It has five operating suites, one operating room suite with a deck view used by residents and nurses undergoing training, eight-bed Service Case and six-bed Pay Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) equipped with patients’ monitor and a central monitor, 10-bed Post Anesthesia Care Unit and four-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit,” Crisologo added.
He sought the final passage of his bill which aims to ensure that patients, especially the poor, enjoy better and more effective healthcare.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/05/house-bill-renames-qc-general-hospital-cites-improvements/
ABS-CBN remains the most watched TV station in November 2019
ABS-CBN continued to capture the hearts of Filipinos who have relied on it for comprehensive news and values-oriented shows as the Kapamilya network registered an average audience share of 42% in November, versus GMA’s 30%, according to data from Kantar Media.
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” (34.8%) is still king as it remains on top of most watched programs, followed closely by “The Voice Kids” (34.7%) that ended another season on a high note.
“TV Patrol” (28.9%) kept its position as the most watched primetime newscast, “Starla” (27.4%) climbed two spots higher, and weekend fantasy show “Parasite Island” (27.2%) secured the fifth spot.
Completing the list of the top ten shows are breakthrough 2-in-1 reality show “Your Moment” (24.9%), weekend magazine program “Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo” (23.8%), sitcom “Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet” (23.1%), and the award-winning drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (22%).
ABS-CBN also emerged triumphant in all time blocks in November. In the primetime block (6:00 PM-12:00 MN), it logged 44% share, beating GMA’s 30%. For the afternoon block (3:00 PM-6:00 PM), ABS-CBN got 43%, compared to GMA’s 33%; 40% in the noontime block (12:00 NN-3:00 PM), versus GMA’s 31%, and 38% in the morning block (6:00 AM-12:00 NN), in contrast to GMA’s 25%.
Likewise, the Kapamilya network was also victorious in Metro Manila in November as it recorded 40% share, beating GMA’s 26%. In Mega Manila, ABS-CBN also got 34%, while GMA only clinched 31%.
In Total Luzon, ABS-CBN got 38%, versus GMA’s 32%. It also won in Total Visayas with 52%, in contrast to GMA’s 23%, as well as in Total Mindanao with 47%, trailing GMA’s 28%.
Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population.
https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/12/abs-cbn-remains-the-most-watched-tv-station-in-november-2019/
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” (34.8%) is still king as it remains on top of most watched programs, followed closely by “The Voice Kids” (34.7%) that ended another season on a high note.
“TV Patrol” (28.9%) kept its position as the most watched primetime newscast, “Starla” (27.4%) climbed two spots higher, and weekend fantasy show “Parasite Island” (27.2%) secured the fifth spot.
Completing the list of the top ten shows are breakthrough 2-in-1 reality show “Your Moment” (24.9%), weekend magazine program “Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo” (23.8%), sitcom “Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet” (23.1%), and the award-winning drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (22%).
ABS-CBN also emerged triumphant in all time blocks in November. In the primetime block (6:00 PM-12:00 MN), it logged 44% share, beating GMA’s 30%. For the afternoon block (3:00 PM-6:00 PM), ABS-CBN got 43%, compared to GMA’s 33%; 40% in the noontime block (12:00 NN-3:00 PM), versus GMA’s 31%, and 38% in the morning block (6:00 AM-12:00 NN), in contrast to GMA’s 25%.
Likewise, the Kapamilya network was also victorious in Metro Manila in November as it recorded 40% share, beating GMA’s 26%. In Mega Manila, ABS-CBN also got 34%, while GMA only clinched 31%.
In Total Luzon, ABS-CBN got 38%, versus GMA’s 32%. It also won in Total Visayas with 52%, in contrast to GMA’s 23%, as well as in Total Mindanao with 47%, trailing GMA’s 28%.
Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population.
https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/12/abs-cbn-remains-the-most-watched-tv-station-in-november-2019/
Duterte's threats vs ABS-CBN franchise renewal
The Human Rights Watch calls out President Rodrigo Duterte for "misusing" the government’s regulatory powers "to settle a score" with ABS-CBN.
Duterte, this week, threatened to shut down the TV network for the third time, accusing it of unfair reporting and allegedly taking his advertising money in the 2016 elections but then failing to run his political ads.
"But perhaps the real reason for these threats is ABS-CBN’s critical reporting of Duterte, particularly his murderous 'war on drugs.' The network has aired and published award-winning reports on the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users by the police," HRW Asia Division Researcher Carlos Conde says.
"These actions are part of a broader crackdown on media outlets and civil society groups that dare criticize him. Philippine congress members should resist the president’s effort to shut down ABS-CBN. Appeasing a vindictive president who is hell-bent on frustrating accountability for his policies will have far-reaching implications for media freedom, human rights, and democracy in the Philippines."
https://www.philstar.com/happens/819
Duterte, this week, threatened to shut down the TV network for the third time, accusing it of unfair reporting and allegedly taking his advertising money in the 2016 elections but then failing to run his political ads.
"But perhaps the real reason for these threats is ABS-CBN’s critical reporting of Duterte, particularly his murderous 'war on drugs.' The network has aired and published award-winning reports on the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users by the police," HRW Asia Division Researcher Carlos Conde says.
"These actions are part of a broader crackdown on media outlets and civil society groups that dare criticize him. Philippine congress members should resist the president’s effort to shut down ABS-CBN. Appeasing a vindictive president who is hell-bent on frustrating accountability for his policies will have far-reaching implications for media freedom, human rights, and democracy in the Philippines."
https://www.philstar.com/happens/819
ABS-CBN, GMA both claim higher television ratings
Kantar Media said ABS-CBN earned a TV audience share of 42 percent in November against GMA’s 30 percent.
In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN recorded a 40-percent of the audience share against GMA’s 26 percent and 34 percent in Mega Manila versus GMA’s 31 percent.
It led in Total Luzon with 38 percent over GMA’s 32 percent, in Total Visayas with 52 percent versus GMA’s 23 percent and in Total Mindanao with 47 percent over GMA’s 28 percent.
ABS-CBN also drew in more viewers across all time blocks, winning with 44 percent versus GMA’s 30 percent during primetime; 38 percent versus GMA’s 25 percent in the morning; 40 percent versus GMA’s 31 percent at noon time; and 43 percent versus GMA’s 33 percent in the afternoon.
On the contrary, ABS-CBN said it ruled Mega Manila with a share of 34 percent versus GMA’s 31 percent.
ABS-CBN said it also took the lead in Metro Manila, where it earned 40 percent of the audience share versus its GMA’s 26 percent.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano the country’s longest running primetime program for four years now, is still the top choice of viewers nationwide.
The most-recent concluded reality show The Voice Kids remained as the most-watched weekend show, while “Parasite Island” proved to be a hit among viewers.
Rounding out the top five most watched programs nationwide is TV Patrol.
Completing the list are Starla, The Killer Bride, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet, new reality show Your Moment, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo?, I Can See Your Voice, Gandang Gabi Vice, Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, It’s Showtime, Kadenang Ginto, Ipaglaban Mo, SOCO, Kuha Mo, Sandugo and Pamilya Ko.
The telecast of the world-class opening ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) drew a huge audience nationwide last November 30.
The Philippine Arena event, which highlighted the diverse and colorful cultures of the country, registered a national TV rating of 29.2%, according to Kantar Media.
It was far and away the most watched program on November 30.
GMA in November posted an average of 33.3 percent total day people audience share in Urban Luzon, outscoring ABS-CBN’s 29.6 percent.
The viewer-rich area accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country.
GMA continued to win in the afternoon block with 35.6-percent people audience share while ABS-CBN registered 28.4 percent.
GMA similarly led in the evening block with 35.3 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 31.9 percent.
Likewise in Mega Manila, GMA recorded 33.9 percent average total day people audience share compared with ABS-CBN, which only managed to get 27 percent.
GMA shows took 18 spots out of the top 30 shows in the area, which accounts for 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country.
Award-winning magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) was still unbeatable in the number one spot on Urban Luzon’s list of top-rating programs for the month. It also kept its position as the most viewed program on the nationwide list.
Following KMJS on the list of top programs for November were 24 Oras, The Clash, The Gift, Magpakailanman, Studio 7, Beautiful Justice, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Pepito Manaloto, Daddy’s Gurl, One of the Baes, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Amazing Earth, The Boobay and Tekla Show, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Wagas, Tadhana, Prima Donnas, Madrasta, Eat Bulaga, Wowowin, 24 Oras Weekend and Magkaagaw.
http://manilastandard.net/business/biz-plus/311618/abs-cbn-gma-both-claim-higher-television-ratings-20191204.html
ABS-CBN, GMA claim TV ratings lead in November
ABS-CBN said it kept a tight hold of viewers nationwide in November, with data from Kantar Media showing it earned a TV audience share of 42 percent versus GMA’s 30 percent.
ABS-CBN said Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.
Using data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA for its part said it posted an average of 33.3 percent total day people audience share in Urban Luzon compared to its rival’s 29.6 percent.
GMA said the viewer-rich area accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country.
ABS-CBN, however, said it led Total Luzon with 38 percent over GMA’s 32 percent. It also claimed to have dominated Total Visayas with 52 percent and Total Mindanao with 47 percent versus its rival’s 23 percent and 28 percent, respectively.
In Mega Manila, GMA said it recorded 33.9 percent average total day people audience share as compared to ABS-CBN’s 27 percent.
It said the network’s shows took 18 spots out of the top 30 shows in the said area, which accounts for 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country.
Award-winning magazine program “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) was still unbeatable in the number one spot on Urban Luzon’s list of top-rating programs for the month. It also kept its position as the most viewed program on the nationwide list.
Following KMJS on the list of top programs for November were “24 Oras,” “The Clash,” “The Gift,” “Magpakailanman,” “Studio 7,” “Beautiful Justice,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “Daddy’s Gurl,” “One of the Baes,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “Amazing Earth,” “The Boobay and Tekla Show,” “Unang Hirit,” “Mars Pa More,” “Wagas,” “Tadhana,” “Prima Donnas,” “Wish Ko Lang,” “Imbestigador,” “Madrasta,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Wowowin,” “24 Oras Weekend,” and “Magkaagaw.”
On the contrary, ABS-CBN said it ruled Mega Manila with a share of 34 percent versus GMA’s 31 percent.
ABS-CBN said it also took the lead in Metro Manila, where it earned 40 percent of the audience share versus its rival’s 26 percent.
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” the country’s longest running primetime program for four years now, is still the top choice of viewers nationwide.
The most-recent concluded reality show “The Voice Kids” remained as the most-watched weekend show, while “Parasite Island” proved to be a hit among viewers.
Rounding out the top five most watched programs nationwide is TV Patrol.
Completing the list are “Starla,” “The Killer Bride,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet,” new reality show “Your Moment,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo?,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Umagang Kay Ganda,” “Magandang Buhay,” “It’s Showtime,” “Kadenang Ginto,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “SOCO,” “Kuha Mo,” “Sandugo” and “Pamilya Ko.”
The telecast of the world-class opening ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) drew a huge audience nationwide last November 30.
The Philippine Arena event, which highlighted the diverse and colorful cultures of the country, registered a national TV rating of 29.2%, according to Kantar Media.
It was far and away the most watched program on November 30.
ABS-CBN in 2015 launched its digital terrestrial television service through the TVplus digital box. This was followed by the launch last June a mobile version of ABS-CBN TVplus in the form of a dongle, called the ABS-CBN TVplus Go.
GMA Network, for its part, signed in January a technology, content, and distribution agreement with PLDT and Smart Communications which involves the launch of game-changing innovations that will power the TV network’s digital transformation.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/12/04/1973985/abs-cbn-gma-claim-tv-ratings-lead-november
Maraming magluluksa at mawawalan ng trabaho Renewal of franchise ng ABS-CBN, kailangan ng milagro
Sa isang panahon na ang akala ng mas nakararami ay mukhang lumalambot na ang kalooban ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa usapin ng pagre-renew ng franchise ng ABS-CBN ay hindi pa rin pala.
Nu’ng isang araw lang, sa kanyang talumpati sa oath taking ng mga bagong itinalagang opisyal ng gobyerno, ay naging bahagi ‘yun ng speech ni PRRD.
Ang eksaktong sinabi ng pangulo, “Ang inyong franchise, mag-end next year. If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan, I’m sorry. You’re out!
“I will see to it that you’re out!” mismong pahayag ni PRRD.
Dahil du’n ay matindi ang pagkaalarma ng mga kontratadong artista ng network. Paano na nga naman sila? Kung hindi nga maire-renew ng ABS-CBN ang kanilang prangkisa sa Marso ng susunod na taon na napakalapit na ay saan na sila pupunta?
Hindi nagbibiro ang pangulo nang magbitiw siya ng pahayag na titiyakin niyang hindi mare-renew ang prangkisa ng istasyon. Seryoso ang kanyang pagkakasabi.
Kinakabahan na ang mga empleyado at personalidad na nasasakupan ng network. Hindi nila hawak ang bukas, walang katiyakan ang kanilang kinabukasan, kapag hindi nagbago ang posisyon ng pangulo tungkol sa renewal.
Harinawang may makapagpabago pa sa desisyon ni Pangulong Duterte hanggang sa mga susunod na buwan dahil libu-libo ang mawawalan ng trabaho kapag nagsarado ang ABS-CBN.
At tanggapin natin ang katotohanan na kapag nawala sa himpapawid ang network ay magbabago na ang takbo ng mundo ng telebisyon.
Maraming hahanapin ang ating mga kababayan. Maraming tagahanga ng mga kontratadong artista ng ABS-CBN ang magluluksa.
Sana’y may maganap pang milagro bago dumating ang Marso. Harinawa.
https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2019/12/05/1974370/maraming-magluluksa-mawawalan-ng-trabaho-renewal-franchise-ng-abs-cbn-kailangan-ng-milagro
Nu’ng isang araw lang, sa kanyang talumpati sa oath taking ng mga bagong itinalagang opisyal ng gobyerno, ay naging bahagi ‘yun ng speech ni PRRD.
Ang eksaktong sinabi ng pangulo, “Ang inyong franchise, mag-end next year. If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan, I’m sorry. You’re out!
“I will see to it that you’re out!” mismong pahayag ni PRRD.
Dahil du’n ay matindi ang pagkaalarma ng mga kontratadong artista ng network. Paano na nga naman sila? Kung hindi nga maire-renew ng ABS-CBN ang kanilang prangkisa sa Marso ng susunod na taon na napakalapit na ay saan na sila pupunta?
Hindi nagbibiro ang pangulo nang magbitiw siya ng pahayag na titiyakin niyang hindi mare-renew ang prangkisa ng istasyon. Seryoso ang kanyang pagkakasabi.
Kinakabahan na ang mga empleyado at personalidad na nasasakupan ng network. Hindi nila hawak ang bukas, walang katiyakan ang kanilang kinabukasan, kapag hindi nagbago ang posisyon ng pangulo tungkol sa renewal.
Harinawang may makapagpabago pa sa desisyon ni Pangulong Duterte hanggang sa mga susunod na buwan dahil libu-libo ang mawawalan ng trabaho kapag nagsarado ang ABS-CBN.
At tanggapin natin ang katotohanan na kapag nawala sa himpapawid ang network ay magbabago na ang takbo ng mundo ng telebisyon.
Maraming hahanapin ang ating mga kababayan. Maraming tagahanga ng mga kontratadong artista ng ABS-CBN ang magluluksa.
Sana’y may maganap pang milagro bago dumating ang Marso. Harinawa.
https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2019/12/05/1974370/maraming-magluluksa-mawawalan-ng-trabaho-renewal-franchise-ng-abs-cbn-kailangan-ng-milagro
Congress to approve 2020 budget on Monday
The House of Representatives and the Senate have agreed to approve a common draft of the proposed P4.1-trillion 2020 national budget next week despite passing widely disparate versions of the outlay.
“The bicameral conference committee will finish its job on Monday and both chambers will ratify its report (containing the common version) on the same day,” Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay told reporters yesterday.
He said the approved version would be on the desk of President Duterte for his scrutiny before Dec. 21.
Salceda sits in the House contingent in the conference, which Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab of Davao City heads, while his Senate counterpart Sonny Angara is co-chair.
Reached for comment, Ungab said, “Yes, Monday is the target.”
The joint chairmen and the rest of the conference panel tasked to reconcile the divergent House and Senate versions of the proposed budget held their first meeting last Friday. The panel authorized Ungab and Angara to continue the reconciliation talks.
Ungab and Angara met again on Tuesday while Typhoon Tisoy was pummeling Southern Luzon. Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano attended their meeting.
Sources said the agreement to approve a common version of the proposed budget for next year on Monday was arrived at during this meeting.
“We cannot afford another delay in the enactment of the national budget,” Salceda said.
The President signed the 2019 national budget in April after vetoing or deleting P95 billion worth of realignments made by the House.
Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero of 1-Pacman said the tedious process of releasing funds, obligating them and conducting bidding added several more months to the delay.
“That in turn took its toll on the economy, which lost at least P500 billion a month and whose growth slowed down in the first and second quarters, before recovering in the third quarter,” he said.
Salceda said the Ungab-Angara panels have committed to work overtime to reconcile the disparate House and Senate versions of the 2020 budget.
“They have agreed to use the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which is the President’s original budget proposal, as a starting point, instead of the House or Senate versions. From there, they will consider the amendments proposed by each chamber,” he said.
Asked if there would be no legal question in using the NEP as basis for discussion since it was not the version approved by the either chamber, Salceda said, “Well, the bicam (conference committee) is considered the third chamber (of Congress).”
In its version of the budget, the House made P9.5 billion in realignments. On the other hand, the Senate realigned a total of P206 billion, including P3 billion from the National Food Authority’s palay procurement fund, reducing it to P7 billion.
Some congressmen are proposing the return of the P3-billion cut, but the Senate is insisting on diverting the money to the state-owned Land Bank.
The STAR learned that under a special provision the Senate included in the diversion, Land Bank would lend the P3 billion to local government units (LGUs) for buying palay from farmers in their areas.
House members expressed fears that local politics would come into play if LGUs were given palay funds, since certain local officials could choose to procure only from their rice farmer-supporters.
Education, social programs
The Senate has realigned billions of pesos in the P4.1-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2020 from underspending agencies to various underfunded education, social and health programs listed in the proposed national budget.
The realignments were made before the chamber approved the GAB last Nov. 27. The Senate and the House of Representatives have convened the last week the bicameral conference committee – composed of representatives from both chambers – to iron out conflicting provisions of their respective versions of the money measure.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Angara, chairman of the finance committee, in separate interviews said they do not expect any major delays in the proceedings of the bicameral panel. The final version of the GAB may be ratified next week.
Angara said the Senate amendments were mostly to benefit provisions on education, health, agriculture, labor and government salaries, particularly for nurses.
The realignments were proposed as institutional amendments by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, including an additional P500 million for the Department of Agriculture’s Agripreneurship program, and another P500 million for its National Soil Health Program.
The Department of Education (DepEd)’s school-based feeding program was increased by P1 billion or to its proposed funding of P6.974 billion.
The DepEd’s quick response fund (QRF) for the repair and replacement of classrooms and other facilities damaged during calamities was doubled from P2 billion to P5 billion.
Lacson, however, sourced the additional funding from other DepEd programs that are not being fully implemented due to poor spending by the agency, such as school building program, which had an average disbursement rate of only 14.98 percent.
The senator lopped off a whopping P14 billion from the DepEd’s Basic Education Facilities Program, and moved this to the QRF, the Last Mile Schools program and state universities and colleges.
The Department of Health’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program, whose allocation was cut by the Department of Budget of Management from P15.92 billion this year to P5.9 billion in 2020, was given an increase of P1 billion.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/05/1974418/congress-approve-2020-budget-monday
“The bicameral conference committee will finish its job on Monday and both chambers will ratify its report (containing the common version) on the same day,” Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay told reporters yesterday.
He said the approved version would be on the desk of President Duterte for his scrutiny before Dec. 21.
Salceda sits in the House contingent in the conference, which Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab of Davao City heads, while his Senate counterpart Sonny Angara is co-chair.
Reached for comment, Ungab said, “Yes, Monday is the target.”
The joint chairmen and the rest of the conference panel tasked to reconcile the divergent House and Senate versions of the proposed budget held their first meeting last Friday. The panel authorized Ungab and Angara to continue the reconciliation talks.
Ungab and Angara met again on Tuesday while Typhoon Tisoy was pummeling Southern Luzon. Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano attended their meeting.
Sources said the agreement to approve a common version of the proposed budget for next year on Monday was arrived at during this meeting.
“We cannot afford another delay in the enactment of the national budget,” Salceda said.
The President signed the 2019 national budget in April after vetoing or deleting P95 billion worth of realignments made by the House.
Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero of 1-Pacman said the tedious process of releasing funds, obligating them and conducting bidding added several more months to the delay.
“That in turn took its toll on the economy, which lost at least P500 billion a month and whose growth slowed down in the first and second quarters, before recovering in the third quarter,” he said.
Salceda said the Ungab-Angara panels have committed to work overtime to reconcile the disparate House and Senate versions of the 2020 budget.
“They have agreed to use the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which is the President’s original budget proposal, as a starting point, instead of the House or Senate versions. From there, they will consider the amendments proposed by each chamber,” he said.
Asked if there would be no legal question in using the NEP as basis for discussion since it was not the version approved by the either chamber, Salceda said, “Well, the bicam (conference committee) is considered the third chamber (of Congress).”
In its version of the budget, the House made P9.5 billion in realignments. On the other hand, the Senate realigned a total of P206 billion, including P3 billion from the National Food Authority’s palay procurement fund, reducing it to P7 billion.
Some congressmen are proposing the return of the P3-billion cut, but the Senate is insisting on diverting the money to the state-owned Land Bank.
The STAR learned that under a special provision the Senate included in the diversion, Land Bank would lend the P3 billion to local government units (LGUs) for buying palay from farmers in their areas.
House members expressed fears that local politics would come into play if LGUs were given palay funds, since certain local officials could choose to procure only from their rice farmer-supporters.
Education, social programs
The Senate has realigned billions of pesos in the P4.1-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2020 from underspending agencies to various underfunded education, social and health programs listed in the proposed national budget.
The realignments were made before the chamber approved the GAB last Nov. 27. The Senate and the House of Representatives have convened the last week the bicameral conference committee – composed of representatives from both chambers – to iron out conflicting provisions of their respective versions of the money measure.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Angara, chairman of the finance committee, in separate interviews said they do not expect any major delays in the proceedings of the bicameral panel. The final version of the GAB may be ratified next week.
Angara said the Senate amendments were mostly to benefit provisions on education, health, agriculture, labor and government salaries, particularly for nurses.
The realignments were proposed as institutional amendments by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, including an additional P500 million for the Department of Agriculture’s Agripreneurship program, and another P500 million for its National Soil Health Program.
The Department of Education (DepEd)’s school-based feeding program was increased by P1 billion or to its proposed funding of P6.974 billion.
The DepEd’s quick response fund (QRF) for the repair and replacement of classrooms and other facilities damaged during calamities was doubled from P2 billion to P5 billion.
Lacson, however, sourced the additional funding from other DepEd programs that are not being fully implemented due to poor spending by the agency, such as school building program, which had an average disbursement rate of only 14.98 percent.
The senator lopped off a whopping P14 billion from the DepEd’s Basic Education Facilities Program, and moved this to the QRF, the Last Mile Schools program and state universities and colleges.
The Department of Health’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program, whose allocation was cut by the Department of Budget of Management from P15.92 billion this year to P5.9 billion in 2020, was given an increase of P1 billion.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/05/1974418/congress-approve-2020-budget-monday
ABS-CBN tops nationwide ratings; GMA Network leads in Urban Luzon
ABS-CBN Corp. said it continued to lead in national television ratings in November, while GMA Network, Inc. said it beat its rival in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, citing different ratings providers.
Citing data from Kantar Media, the Lopez-led media giant said its nationwide TV audience share stood at 42% in November, versus GMA’s 30%.
Kantar Media used a nationwide panel composed of 2,610 urban and rural homes, which it says represent 100% of the total TV viewing population of the country.
ABS-CBN said its audience share stood at 40% in Metro Manila compared to GMA’s 26%, while in Mega Manila, it had a share of 34% versus GMA’s 31%. In Total Luzon, ABS-CBN recorded an audience share of 38% against its rival’s 32%, while in Total Visayas, it had a share of 52% against GMA’s 23%. In Total Mindanao, it had a 47% share against GMA’s 28%.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (34.8%) is still king as it remains on top of most watched programs, followed closely by The Voice Kids (34.7%) that ended another season on a high note.
TV Patrol (28.9%) kept its position as the most watched primetime newscast, Starla (27.4%) climbed two spots higher, and weekend fantasy show Parasite Island (27.2%) secured the fifth spot.
Completing the list of the top ten shows are breakthrough 2-in-1 reality show Your Moment (24.9%), weekend magazine program Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo (23.8%), sitcom Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet (23.1%), the award-winning drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya (22%); reality show I Can See Your Voice (21.5%), comedy talk show Gandang Gabi Vice (20.6%), morning shows Umagang Kay Ganda (20%) and Magandang Buhay (19.8%), noontime show It’s Showtime (19.5%), daytime drama series Kadenang Ginto (19%), daytime drama anthology Ipaglaban Mo (18.7%), current affairs programs SOCO (18%), Kuha Mo (17.4%), Sandugo (16%) and Pamilya Ko (15.9%).
On the other hand, GMA said it recorded an average of 33.3% total day people audience share in Urban Luzon last month, against ABS-CBN’s 29.6%, citing Nielsen TV Audience Management. The network said Urban Luzon accounts for 72% of all urban TV viewers in the Philippines.
For Mega Manila (with official data from November 1 to 23), GMA said it posted a 33.9% average total day people audience share, versus its rival’s 27%.
Award-winning magazine program “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) was still unbeatable in the number one spot on Urban Luzon’s list of top-rating programs for the month. It also kept its position as the most viewed program on the nationwide list.
Following KMJS on the list of top programs for November were 24 Oras, The Clash, The Gift, Magpakailanman, Studio 7, Beautiful Justice, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Pepito Manaloto, Daddy’s Gurl, One of the Baes, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Amazing Earth, The Boobay and Tekla Show, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Wagas, Tadhana, Prima Donnas, Wish Ko Lang, Imbestigador, Madrasta, Eat Bulaga, Wowowin, 24 Oras Weekend and Magkaagaw.
https://www.bworldonline.com/abs-cbn-tops-nationwide-ratings-gma-network-leads-in-urban-luzon/
Citing data from Kantar Media, the Lopez-led media giant said its nationwide TV audience share stood at 42% in November, versus GMA’s 30%.
Kantar Media used a nationwide panel composed of 2,610 urban and rural homes, which it says represent 100% of the total TV viewing population of the country.
ABS-CBN said its audience share stood at 40% in Metro Manila compared to GMA’s 26%, while in Mega Manila, it had a share of 34% versus GMA’s 31%. In Total Luzon, ABS-CBN recorded an audience share of 38% against its rival’s 32%, while in Total Visayas, it had a share of 52% against GMA’s 23%. In Total Mindanao, it had a 47% share against GMA’s 28%.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (34.8%) is still king as it remains on top of most watched programs, followed closely by The Voice Kids (34.7%) that ended another season on a high note.
TV Patrol (28.9%) kept its position as the most watched primetime newscast, Starla (27.4%) climbed two spots higher, and weekend fantasy show Parasite Island (27.2%) secured the fifth spot.
Completing the list of the top ten shows are breakthrough 2-in-1 reality show Your Moment (24.9%), weekend magazine program Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo (23.8%), sitcom Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet (23.1%), the award-winning drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya (22%); reality show I Can See Your Voice (21.5%), comedy talk show Gandang Gabi Vice (20.6%), morning shows Umagang Kay Ganda (20%) and Magandang Buhay (19.8%), noontime show It’s Showtime (19.5%), daytime drama series Kadenang Ginto (19%), daytime drama anthology Ipaglaban Mo (18.7%), current affairs programs SOCO (18%), Kuha Mo (17.4%), Sandugo (16%) and Pamilya Ko (15.9%).
On the other hand, GMA said it recorded an average of 33.3% total day people audience share in Urban Luzon last month, against ABS-CBN’s 29.6%, citing Nielsen TV Audience Management. The network said Urban Luzon accounts for 72% of all urban TV viewers in the Philippines.
For Mega Manila (with official data from November 1 to 23), GMA said it posted a 33.9% average total day people audience share, versus its rival’s 27%.
Award-winning magazine program “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) was still unbeatable in the number one spot on Urban Luzon’s list of top-rating programs for the month. It also kept its position as the most viewed program on the nationwide list.
Following KMJS on the list of top programs for November were 24 Oras, The Clash, The Gift, Magpakailanman, Studio 7, Beautiful Justice, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Pepito Manaloto, Daddy’s Gurl, One of the Baes, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Amazing Earth, The Boobay and Tekla Show, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Wagas, Tadhana, Prima Donnas, Wish Ko Lang, Imbestigador, Madrasta, Eat Bulaga, Wowowin, 24 Oras Weekend and Magkaagaw.
https://www.bworldonline.com/abs-cbn-tops-nationwide-ratings-gma-network-leads-in-urban-luzon/
Maraming mawawalan ng trabaho! ABS-CBN huwag isara – mga netizen
Nagkaisa sa social media ang mga netizen para suportahan ang #NoToABSCBNshutdown.
Noong Martes, Disyembre 3 sinabi ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na huwag nang umasa pa ang Kapamilya network na mare-renew ang prangkisa nito na nakatakdang mag-expire sa Marso 30, 2020.
“If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (franchise), I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” pahayag ni Duterte.
Kinumpirma rin ni House legislative franchise committee Franz Alvarez na wala sa kanilang iskedyul ang pagdinig sa prangkisa ng ABS-CBN.
“Walang hearing sa December 10, walang hearing for the year,” lahad ng Palawan representative.
Nakiusap naman ang mga nagmamahal sa Kapamilya network na huwag i-shutdown ang ABS-CBN na malaking parte anila ng kanilang buhay.
Hindi rin daw ito para sa kanilang mga idolo kundi sa libo-libong mawawalan ng trabaho dahil sa pagsasara ng ABS-CBN.
https://tnt.abante.com.ph/maraming-mawawalan-ng-trabaho-abs-cbn-huwag-isara-mga-netizen/
Noong Martes, Disyembre 3 sinabi ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na huwag nang umasa pa ang Kapamilya network na mare-renew ang prangkisa nito na nakatakdang mag-expire sa Marso 30, 2020.
“If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (franchise), I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” pahayag ni Duterte.
Kinumpirma rin ni House legislative franchise committee Franz Alvarez na wala sa kanilang iskedyul ang pagdinig sa prangkisa ng ABS-CBN.
“Walang hearing sa December 10, walang hearing for the year,” lahad ng Palawan representative.
Nakiusap naman ang mga nagmamahal sa Kapamilya network na huwag i-shutdown ang ABS-CBN na malaking parte anila ng kanilang buhay.
Hindi rin daw ito para sa kanilang mga idolo kundi sa libo-libong mawawalan ng trabaho dahil sa pagsasara ng ABS-CBN.
https://tnt.abante.com.ph/maraming-mawawalan-ng-trabaho-abs-cbn-huwag-isara-mga-netizen/
Sotto, Recto: There’s still time for ABS-CBN franchise renewal
Senate leaders on Thursday shared Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s belief that Congress has enough time to tackle and possibly approve the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
In fact, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III indicated Thursday that proposals to renew the franchise of the giant network for another 25 years may pass the upper chamber once transmitted by the House of Representatives.
ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire in March 2020.
“Yes. There’s enough time,” Sotto said in a text message. “If we receive it by (February), it can be passed within that month.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, who filed a bill renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise, echoed Sotto’s statement.
“Yes, it can be done. I support its renewal,” Recto said in another text message.
Cayetano earlier confirmed that the House would no longer tackle the bills on ABS CBN’s franchise before Congress adjourns its sessions on December 18.
Congress will resume on January 20, 2020.
“I also understand the concerns of the President. Overall, ABS-CBN deserves a renewal of its franchise,” Recto went on.
“They have served the Filipino well. They employ people, pay taxes, they do a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) inform the public and have done public service well, etc. They are part of the Filipino household,” he added.
Besides, Recto believes that ABS-CBN has “learned their mistake.”
President Rodrigo Duterte repeated last Tuesday his threat to block the franchise of ABS-CBN, accusing it of being biased after it allegedly failed to air his advertisements during the 2016 elections.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1198361/sotto-recto-theres-still-time-for-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
In fact, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III indicated Thursday that proposals to renew the franchise of the giant network for another 25 years may pass the upper chamber once transmitted by the House of Representatives.
ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire in March 2020.
“Yes. There’s enough time,” Sotto said in a text message. “If we receive it by (February), it can be passed within that month.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, who filed a bill renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise, echoed Sotto’s statement.
“Yes, it can be done. I support its renewal,” Recto said in another text message.
Cayetano earlier confirmed that the House would no longer tackle the bills on ABS CBN’s franchise before Congress adjourns its sessions on December 18.
Congress will resume on January 20, 2020.
“I also understand the concerns of the President. Overall, ABS-CBN deserves a renewal of its franchise,” Recto went on.
“They have served the Filipino well. They employ people, pay taxes, they do a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) inform the public and have done public service well, etc. They are part of the Filipino household,” he added.
Besides, Recto believes that ABS-CBN has “learned their mistake.”
President Rodrigo Duterte repeated last Tuesday his threat to block the franchise of ABS-CBN, accusing it of being biased after it allegedly failed to air his advertisements during the 2016 elections.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1198361/sotto-recto-theres-still-time-for-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
Cayetano assures ‘fair treatment’ in ABS-CBN franchise renewal bid
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano yesterday reassured broadcast giant ABS-CBN that the House of Representatives would strictly observe “due process” when it deliberates on its legislative franchise renewal before it expires in March 2020.
“I reiterate that Congress will be fair, will always have a fair hearing. Even the management of ABS-CBN knows this, especially because at this stage we have to prioritize our budget deliberations and other revenue bills,” he said.
The House official – an ally of President Duterte who has repeatedly threatened to shut down the TV network – issued the statement after Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez revealed that the House Committee on Legislative Franchises will not take it up until the year ends.
Alvarez sits as chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
“But we have more than enough time to tackle it in January or February (next year) because the expiration of the franchise will still be in March,” Cayetano said, playing safe about what will happen next – will it be a total closure, renewal or temporary operations.
“It will really depend on what will happen during the hearing. I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken,” the Taguig congressman explained. He said he respects President Duterte’s stand against the Lopez-owned network.
“As you know, he’s the President and he has stand on certain issues and, of course, we respect that. Having said that, the President also respects our process. So, let’s just wait for it. And you know even the President admits that there has to be a fair process,” he said.
Republic Act 7966, the current 25-year legislative franchise that was given to ABS-CBN in March 1995 during the time of former president Fidel Ramos, is set to expire on March 30, 2020.
The bill renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise was filed during the time of former president Benigno Aquino III, a fellow anti-Marcos loyal friend who has been very supportive to the Lopezes or the owners of the network - and vice versa.
If the House bill renewing its franchise approve or fails to get the stamp of approval from the House and will be or not be signed into law by Duterte, then the country’s most influential and largest TV network will be forced to shut down its broadcast operations, including its radio operations.
Duterte, a former mayor of Davao City, has been very vocal in his disgust at the network after it failed to air his paid political advertisements during the 2016 presidential campaign, when he was almost a nobody and were not even among the front runners.
A year after assuming office in mid-2016, the feisty chief executive accused ABS-CBN of swindling him, shortly after he signed into law the legislative franchise of its rival GMA which was granted in 2017.
In November 2018, the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned TV5 - a sister company of The Philippine STAR – obtained the approval of the Alvarez-led Committee on Legislative Franchises on the renewal of its legislative franchise for 25 years - or until 2044.
It was supposed to expire this year (2019).
Former House deputy speaker Marikina congressman Romero Quimbo and Rep. Xavier Jesus “XJ” Romualdo of Camiguin authored the renewal bill, which the Alvarez committee endorsed after a brief discussion.
In House Bill 8379, Quimbo and Romualdo said since it started operations, TV5 has provided viewers an “array of programming consisting of accurate news, wholesome entertainment, inspiring sports programs, and other informative and relevant services.”
“Today, more than ever, the country needs access to news, entertainment, sports, and information that will result in a more progressive, well-informed and inspired citizenship. TV5 remains committed in its quest to continue providing such programming to our countrymen, as broadcasting services are critical in nation-building,” they said.
They said if Congress renews its franchise, TV5 “intends to take advantage of new technologies as well as equipment available to provide for superior informative, entertaining and educational programs to its nationwide viewers.”
During the brief discussion on the bill, committee members urged the country’s third television network “to effectively compete with the broadcasting duopoly composed of ABS-CBN and GMA-7.”
TV5 president Vincent Reyes told the committee that when TV5 took over the former Associated Broadcasting Company in August 2008, it tried to compete on all fronts.
“But since 2016, we have been repositioning ourselves largely as a news and sports platform, where we hope to be No. 1,” he said.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/12/05/1974269/cayetano-assures-fair-treatment-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-bid
“I reiterate that Congress will be fair, will always have a fair hearing. Even the management of ABS-CBN knows this, especially because at this stage we have to prioritize our budget deliberations and other revenue bills,” he said.
The House official – an ally of President Duterte who has repeatedly threatened to shut down the TV network – issued the statement after Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez revealed that the House Committee on Legislative Franchises will not take it up until the year ends.
Alvarez sits as chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
“But we have more than enough time to tackle it in January or February (next year) because the expiration of the franchise will still be in March,” Cayetano said, playing safe about what will happen next – will it be a total closure, renewal or temporary operations.
“It will really depend on what will happen during the hearing. I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken,” the Taguig congressman explained. He said he respects President Duterte’s stand against the Lopez-owned network.
“As you know, he’s the President and he has stand on certain issues and, of course, we respect that. Having said that, the President also respects our process. So, let’s just wait for it. And you know even the President admits that there has to be a fair process,” he said.
Republic Act 7966, the current 25-year legislative franchise that was given to ABS-CBN in March 1995 during the time of former president Fidel Ramos, is set to expire on March 30, 2020.
The bill renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise was filed during the time of former president Benigno Aquino III, a fellow anti-Marcos loyal friend who has been very supportive to the Lopezes or the owners of the network - and vice versa.
If the House bill renewing its franchise approve or fails to get the stamp of approval from the House and will be or not be signed into law by Duterte, then the country’s most influential and largest TV network will be forced to shut down its broadcast operations, including its radio operations.
Duterte, a former mayor of Davao City, has been very vocal in his disgust at the network after it failed to air his paid political advertisements during the 2016 presidential campaign, when he was almost a nobody and were not even among the front runners.
A year after assuming office in mid-2016, the feisty chief executive accused ABS-CBN of swindling him, shortly after he signed into law the legislative franchise of its rival GMA which was granted in 2017.
In November 2018, the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned TV5 - a sister company of The Philippine STAR – obtained the approval of the Alvarez-led Committee on Legislative Franchises on the renewal of its legislative franchise for 25 years - or until 2044.
It was supposed to expire this year (2019).
Former House deputy speaker Marikina congressman Romero Quimbo and Rep. Xavier Jesus “XJ” Romualdo of Camiguin authored the renewal bill, which the Alvarez committee endorsed after a brief discussion.
In House Bill 8379, Quimbo and Romualdo said since it started operations, TV5 has provided viewers an “array of programming consisting of accurate news, wholesome entertainment, inspiring sports programs, and other informative and relevant services.”
“Today, more than ever, the country needs access to news, entertainment, sports, and information that will result in a more progressive, well-informed and inspired citizenship. TV5 remains committed in its quest to continue providing such programming to our countrymen, as broadcasting services are critical in nation-building,” they said.
They said if Congress renews its franchise, TV5 “intends to take advantage of new technologies as well as equipment available to provide for superior informative, entertaining and educational programs to its nationwide viewers.”
During the brief discussion on the bill, committee members urged the country’s third television network “to effectively compete with the broadcasting duopoly composed of ABS-CBN and GMA-7.”
TV5 president Vincent Reyes told the committee that when TV5 took over the former Associated Broadcasting Company in August 2008, it tried to compete on all fronts.
“But since 2016, we have been repositioning ourselves largely as a news and sports platform, where we hope to be No. 1,” he said.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/12/05/1974269/cayetano-assures-fair-treatment-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-bid
MPIC, Manila Water, ABS-CBN reel from Duterte’s rant
By Victor V. Saulon
Sub-Editor
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte’s threat against Metro Manila’s water concessionaires sent shares of their owners stumbling at the stock market on Wednesday, along with those of the biggest local entertainment network that was also at the receiving end of the Philippine leader’s ire a day earlier.
“I would say it has to be a major factor. Investors are staying away from the stock for now as there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the concession of the two utility firms,” said Luis A. Limlingan, business development head at Regina Capital Development Corp.
On Tuesday, Mr. Duterte railed against water concessionaires Manila Water Co., Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. for allegedly onerous provisions in their contracts with the government.
He also vowed to make sure that ABS-CBN Corp.’s franchise will not be renewed when it expires at the end of March next year.
Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the controlling shareholder of west zone concessionaire Maynilad, was yesterday’s second top market loser as it gave up 10.71% of it share price. DMCI Holdings, Inc., which also has a stake in the water firm, fell by 3.85%. Shares in Ayala-led Manila Water fell by 4.79% while those of ABS-CBN slipped by 2.64%.
Mr. Duterte’s threat came after Manila Water on Friday disclosed to the stock market that the Permanent Court of Arbitration, an internationally recognized inter-governmental organization, ruled in the company’s favor in a case against the Philippine government. The tribunal ruled that Manila Water has a right to be paid for losses it suffered because of the Philippines breach of its obligation. It ordered the government to indemnify Manila Water the amount of P7.39 billion, among others.
“President Duterte gave a strong-worded speech last night (Tuesday) on going after the water companies about a lopsided contract with the government,” said Christopher Mangun, head of research at AAA Southeast Equities, Inc.
“Investors feel that the government can pressure these companies into submission, which could result in more losses for these companies.”
Japhet Louis O. Tantiango, research associate at Philstocks Financial, Inc. said investors reacted negatively “worrying that the water concessionaires’ operations could face hurdles from the current administration moving forward.”
CHARGES
On Wednesday, Manila Water said in a statement that its senior officials have met with Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III to seek guidance before the ruling of the arbitral tribunal became public.
“When Manila Water received the information about the award, our chairman together with a few other senior officers of the company sought guidance and met with Secretary Dominguez before it became public,” the company said. “We informed him that we are willing to come up with a mutually acceptable manner of implementation of the arbitral award considering that this case was filed due to a violation incurred not during this administration. Secretary Dominguez acknowledged our proposal to work very closely with his office to find a mutually acceptable scheme to address the award.”
Manila Water also said that it had diligently discharged its obligations as concessionaire of state-led Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, spending more than P166 billion to improve water and wastewater services.
“We have installed over 5,500 kilometers of pipes and built 2 new filter plants, 32 new reservoirs, 113 pumping and booster stations, 40 additional wastewater treatment facilities and five times more sewer network capacity to improve the MWSS facilities in the East Zone,” it added.
Malacañang issued a statement on Wednesday on contracts with the water firms, saying that “the President has… directed the filing of the appropriate criminal, civil and administrative charges against all those involved in the said agreements, including the latter’s owners and legal counsels, as well as agents and lawyers of the government for economic sabotage.”
“The use and delivery of water is impressed with public interest hence it is but a privilege and therefore must not be abused. Our water concessionaires in Metro Manila, Rizal and Cavite, however, have not only abused the arrangement of delivering and distributing the state-owned water to citizens but have treated the same as a commodity and a money making venture, instead of considering it as a public service,” Malacañang said through Salvador S. Panelo, chief presidential legal counsel and presidential spokesman.
He said a review of the agreements with the Manila Water and Maynilad show that they are contrary to public policy and public interest, “the same being onerous and disadvantageous to the people, relative the terms or periods, government non-interference, as well as concessionaire indemnification for losses.”
He said Mr. Duterte directed the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General to draft and prepare new contracts favorable to the state.
CLOCK TICKS FOR ABS-CBN
On ABS-CBN, Mr. Limlingan said lawmakers’ Dec. 21, 2019- Jan. 19, 2020 break “shortens their window” to act on bills renewing the franchise.
There are seven proposals to renew the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN, namely: House Bills 676, 3064, 3521, 3713, 3947, 4305 and 5608. All bills now await hearings at the Committee on Legislative Franchises.
Rep. Abraham N. Tolentino of Cavite’s 8th District, senior vice-chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises, said the committee will schedule public hearings on the bills. “Meron ’yan (There will be hearings on ABS-CBN’s renewal of franchise) definitely,” Mr. Tolentino said in an interview.
House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano told reporters that there will be “more than enough time to tackle it in January (and) February.”
“Mare-renew kaya sila by that time? Depende sa kalalabasan ng hearing (Will the franchise be renewed by March 30, 2020? It depends on the hearings). I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken” Mr. Cayetano said.
On Mr. Duterte’s opposition to the franchise renewal, Mr. Cayetano said: “As you know he’s the president at meron siyang stand sa mga issues so nirerespeto natin ’yan (and he had a stand on issues, so we respect that).”
“Having said that, nirerespeto rin ng ating pangulo ’yung proseso, so hintayin na lang natin ’yung proseso na ’yun (the President respects the legislative process, so let us just let it take its course). But even the president admits that there has to be a fair process.” — with Genshen L. Espedido
https://www.bworldonline.com/mpic-manila-water-abs-cbn-reel-from-dutertes-rant/
Sub-Editor
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte’s threat against Metro Manila’s water concessionaires sent shares of their owners stumbling at the stock market on Wednesday, along with those of the biggest local entertainment network that was also at the receiving end of the Philippine leader’s ire a day earlier.
“I would say it has to be a major factor. Investors are staying away from the stock for now as there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the concession of the two utility firms,” said Luis A. Limlingan, business development head at Regina Capital Development Corp.
On Tuesday, Mr. Duterte railed against water concessionaires Manila Water Co., Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. for allegedly onerous provisions in their contracts with the government.
He also vowed to make sure that ABS-CBN Corp.’s franchise will not be renewed when it expires at the end of March next year.
Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the controlling shareholder of west zone concessionaire Maynilad, was yesterday’s second top market loser as it gave up 10.71% of it share price. DMCI Holdings, Inc., which also has a stake in the water firm, fell by 3.85%. Shares in Ayala-led Manila Water fell by 4.79% while those of ABS-CBN slipped by 2.64%.
Mr. Duterte’s threat came after Manila Water on Friday disclosed to the stock market that the Permanent Court of Arbitration, an internationally recognized inter-governmental organization, ruled in the company’s favor in a case against the Philippine government. The tribunal ruled that Manila Water has a right to be paid for losses it suffered because of the Philippines breach of its obligation. It ordered the government to indemnify Manila Water the amount of P7.39 billion, among others.
“President Duterte gave a strong-worded speech last night (Tuesday) on going after the water companies about a lopsided contract with the government,” said Christopher Mangun, head of research at AAA Southeast Equities, Inc.
“Investors feel that the government can pressure these companies into submission, which could result in more losses for these companies.”
Japhet Louis O. Tantiango, research associate at Philstocks Financial, Inc. said investors reacted negatively “worrying that the water concessionaires’ operations could face hurdles from the current administration moving forward.”
CHARGES
On Wednesday, Manila Water said in a statement that its senior officials have met with Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III to seek guidance before the ruling of the arbitral tribunal became public.
“When Manila Water received the information about the award, our chairman together with a few other senior officers of the company sought guidance and met with Secretary Dominguez before it became public,” the company said. “We informed him that we are willing to come up with a mutually acceptable manner of implementation of the arbitral award considering that this case was filed due to a violation incurred not during this administration. Secretary Dominguez acknowledged our proposal to work very closely with his office to find a mutually acceptable scheme to address the award.”
Manila Water also said that it had diligently discharged its obligations as concessionaire of state-led Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, spending more than P166 billion to improve water and wastewater services.
“We have installed over 5,500 kilometers of pipes and built 2 new filter plants, 32 new reservoirs, 113 pumping and booster stations, 40 additional wastewater treatment facilities and five times more sewer network capacity to improve the MWSS facilities in the East Zone,” it added.
Malacañang issued a statement on Wednesday on contracts with the water firms, saying that “the President has… directed the filing of the appropriate criminal, civil and administrative charges against all those involved in the said agreements, including the latter’s owners and legal counsels, as well as agents and lawyers of the government for economic sabotage.”
“The use and delivery of water is impressed with public interest hence it is but a privilege and therefore must not be abused. Our water concessionaires in Metro Manila, Rizal and Cavite, however, have not only abused the arrangement of delivering and distributing the state-owned water to citizens but have treated the same as a commodity and a money making venture, instead of considering it as a public service,” Malacañang said through Salvador S. Panelo, chief presidential legal counsel and presidential spokesman.
He said a review of the agreements with the Manila Water and Maynilad show that they are contrary to public policy and public interest, “the same being onerous and disadvantageous to the people, relative the terms or periods, government non-interference, as well as concessionaire indemnification for losses.”
He said Mr. Duterte directed the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General to draft and prepare new contracts favorable to the state.
CLOCK TICKS FOR ABS-CBN
On ABS-CBN, Mr. Limlingan said lawmakers’ Dec. 21, 2019- Jan. 19, 2020 break “shortens their window” to act on bills renewing the franchise.
There are seven proposals to renew the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN, namely: House Bills 676, 3064, 3521, 3713, 3947, 4305 and 5608. All bills now await hearings at the Committee on Legislative Franchises.
Rep. Abraham N. Tolentino of Cavite’s 8th District, senior vice-chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises, said the committee will schedule public hearings on the bills. “Meron ’yan (There will be hearings on ABS-CBN’s renewal of franchise) definitely,” Mr. Tolentino said in an interview.
House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano told reporters that there will be “more than enough time to tackle it in January (and) February.”
“Mare-renew kaya sila by that time? Depende sa kalalabasan ng hearing (Will the franchise be renewed by March 30, 2020? It depends on the hearings). I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken” Mr. Cayetano said.
On Mr. Duterte’s opposition to the franchise renewal, Mr. Cayetano said: “As you know he’s the president at meron siyang stand sa mga issues so nirerespeto natin ’yan (and he had a stand on issues, so we respect that).”
“Having said that, nirerespeto rin ng ating pangulo ’yung proseso, so hintayin na lang natin ’yung proseso na ’yun (the President respects the legislative process, so let us just let it take its course). But even the president admits that there has to be a fair process.” — with Genshen L. Espedido
https://www.bworldonline.com/mpic-manila-water-abs-cbn-reel-from-dutertes-rant/
House yet to tackle bill on ABS-CBN franchise
As far as the House of Representatives is concerned, there are other more important bills of national significance that needs priority than the bill renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp. (formerly ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.), Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said on Wednesday.
Cayetano said the chamber will first tackle priority bills such as the several pending revenue bills before other proposed pieces of legislation like franchises are taken up.
He said the House can tackle the ABS-CBN franchise in January or February since it will expire in March yet.
"I reiterate that Congress will be fair... will always give a fair hearing. Alam naman to din ng management ng ABS-CBN na uunahin namin ang budget at saka mga revenue bills (the ABS-CBN management knows that we will first tackle the budget bill and the revenue bills). Pero (But) we have more than enough time to tackle it in January, February dahil March pa naman ang expiration ng franchise (because the franchise will expire in March yet)," said Cayetano.
But even if Congress tackles House Bill 676 filed by Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago, Cayetano said there is no certainty of the outright renewal of franchise.
"Depende sa kalalabasan ng hearing (It will depend on the outcome of the hearing). I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken," Cayetano said.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he will personally see to it that the TV network will no longer operate after its license to operate expires.
"Ang inyong franchise mag-end next year [Your franchise will end next year]. If you are expecting na ma-renew 'yan [a renewal], I'm sorry. You're out. I will see to it that you're out," said Duterte in a speech.
Taking a cue from statement of President Duterte against the probability of the renewal of franchise of Lopez-owned broadcasting network, Cayetano hinted that the network should prepare for the worst.
"As you know he is the President at meron syang (and he has a) stand sa mga (in the) issues so nirerespeto natin iyan (and we respect that). Having said that nirerepeto rin ng ating pangulo iyong proseso (the President also respects the process) so hintayin na lang natin yung proseso na iyon (so lets wait for the process to roll out) but even the President admits that there has to be a fair process," Cayetano said.
This developed as the chairman of the House committee on legislative franchise, Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, said Tuesday his committee has not scheduled yet any hearing on the bill.
He said the panel does not have any scheduled committee hearings until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 20.
Alvarez said his panel was supposed to conduct a committee hearing on Violago's bill but will no longer push through.
During the 17th Congress, the House failed to decide on the fate of franchise bill of the ABS-CBN.
Violago filed House Bill 4349 in the past Congress. She refiled the bill in the 18th Congress. Violago's bill aims to renew ABS-CBN's right to operate television and radio broadcasting stations in the Philippines through microwave, satellite or whatever mean, including the use of new technologies in television and radio systems.
Republic Act 7966 is an act granting ABS-CBN a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain broadcasting in the Philippines for 25 years.
"In acknowledgement of ABS-CBN's accomplishments and the capital requirements of its operations, the immediate renewal of its original franchise which expires on March 30, 2020, is recommended to ensure the uninterrupted and improved delivery of its services to the Filipino people," Violago said in her bill.
Duterte, who had accused ABS-CBN of swindling him, first opposed its franchise renewal on April 27, 2017, which came days after he signed a law renewing rival GMA Network Inc.’s franchise.
The President alleged that ABS-CBN did air his political advertisements during the election campaign in 2016, even though it accepted the payment in advance for those advertising spots.
The President said the Lopez family, the owners of the broadcast network, had been allegedly sending emissaries to his office to negotiate, but he refused to talk to them.
http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/311753
Cayetano said the chamber will first tackle priority bills such as the several pending revenue bills before other proposed pieces of legislation like franchises are taken up.
He said the House can tackle the ABS-CBN franchise in January or February since it will expire in March yet.
"I reiterate that Congress will be fair... will always give a fair hearing. Alam naman to din ng management ng ABS-CBN na uunahin namin ang budget at saka mga revenue bills (the ABS-CBN management knows that we will first tackle the budget bill and the revenue bills). Pero (But) we have more than enough time to tackle it in January, February dahil March pa naman ang expiration ng franchise (because the franchise will expire in March yet)," said Cayetano.
But even if Congress tackles House Bill 676 filed by Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago, Cayetano said there is no certainty of the outright renewal of franchise.
"Depende sa kalalabasan ng hearing (It will depend on the outcome of the hearing). I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken," Cayetano said.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he will personally see to it that the TV network will no longer operate after its license to operate expires.
"Ang inyong franchise mag-end next year [Your franchise will end next year]. If you are expecting na ma-renew 'yan [a renewal], I'm sorry. You're out. I will see to it that you're out," said Duterte in a speech.
Taking a cue from statement of President Duterte against the probability of the renewal of franchise of Lopez-owned broadcasting network, Cayetano hinted that the network should prepare for the worst.
"As you know he is the President at meron syang (and he has a) stand sa mga (in the) issues so nirerespeto natin iyan (and we respect that). Having said that nirerepeto rin ng ating pangulo iyong proseso (the President also respects the process) so hintayin na lang natin yung proseso na iyon (so lets wait for the process to roll out) but even the President admits that there has to be a fair process," Cayetano said.
This developed as the chairman of the House committee on legislative franchise, Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, said Tuesday his committee has not scheduled yet any hearing on the bill.
He said the panel does not have any scheduled committee hearings until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 20.
Alvarez said his panel was supposed to conduct a committee hearing on Violago's bill but will no longer push through.
During the 17th Congress, the House failed to decide on the fate of franchise bill of the ABS-CBN.
Violago filed House Bill 4349 in the past Congress. She refiled the bill in the 18th Congress. Violago's bill aims to renew ABS-CBN's right to operate television and radio broadcasting stations in the Philippines through microwave, satellite or whatever mean, including the use of new technologies in television and radio systems.
Republic Act 7966 is an act granting ABS-CBN a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain broadcasting in the Philippines for 25 years.
"In acknowledgement of ABS-CBN's accomplishments and the capital requirements of its operations, the immediate renewal of its original franchise which expires on March 30, 2020, is recommended to ensure the uninterrupted and improved delivery of its services to the Filipino people," Violago said in her bill.
Duterte, who had accused ABS-CBN of swindling him, first opposed its franchise renewal on April 27, 2017, which came days after he signed a law renewing rival GMA Network Inc.’s franchise.
The President alleged that ABS-CBN did air his political advertisements during the election campaign in 2016, even though it accepted the payment in advance for those advertising spots.
The President said the Lopez family, the owners of the broadcast network, had been allegedly sending emissaries to his office to negotiate, but he refused to talk to them.
http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/311753
House won’t table ABS-CBN franchise in 2019
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz & Samuel P. Medenilla
WITH only a few months left before the expiration of ABS-CBN Corp.’s franchise, the leadership of the House of Representatives said on Wednesday it will not act on the TV station’s franchise this year, deepening the anxiety over the network’s fate.
House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chairman Franz Alvarez said the committee has no scheduled hearings for the bill renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp. until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 18.
“No schedule of hearing on December 10, no hearing for the year,” Alvarez said. ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire on March 30, 2020.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, seeking to ease apprehensions the House will simply follow President Duterte’s stance and block renewal of the network’s 25-year franchise, said there’s more than enough time for lawmakers to tackle the matter in January and February.
Several bills have been pending before the House Committee on Legislative Franchises seeking the renewal of the local media giant’s congressional franchise.
On Tuesday evening, President Duterte said he will make sure that ABS-CBN will be out of business next year.
On Wednesday, however, Cayetano—a close ally of the President— gave assurances the lower chamber would be fair in tackling the bill seeking renewal of the network’s congressional franchise.
“I reiterate that Congress will be fair, will always have a fair hearing. The ABS-CBN management knows that we will prioritize the budget and revenue bills,” Cayetano said.
“But we have more than enough time to tackle it in January, February because the expiration of the franchise is still in March,” he added.
Cayetano said the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise depends on the outcome of the hearing.
“I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken,” he added. Moreover, Cayetano said he respects the President’s stance on the matter.
Labor’s appeal
Don’t make it personal.
This was the appeal of labor groups to President Duterte, who recently renewed his threat to block the legislation renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp.
With thousands of jobs at risk, Defend Jobs Philippines appealed to Duterte to reconsider his decision. “Being vital in operating for the next 25 years, the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN will save the jobs and source of livelihood of more than 10,000 Filipino workers and their families,” Defend Job Philippines Spokesman Christian Lloyd Magsoy said in a statement.
During a speech on Tuesday evening, Duterte repeated his gripe against ABS-CBN: the network, he said, deliberately chose not to show his campaign ads despite during the 2016 Presidential elections.
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Spokesman Alan Tanjusay said Duterte’s latest statement has caused anxiety among ABS-CBN employees.
“Some of them came to me and said they are seriously worried about losing their jobs every day. Particularly worried are those employees who are above 35 years old who thought that they might be unable to get decent jobs because they think they are old and past age qualifications,” Tanjusay said in a statement.
Citing data from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Defend Job Philippines said ABS-CBN employs 6,730 regular employees, 900 non-regular workers and more than 3,325 talents as of the end of 2018.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/12/05/house-wont-table-abs-cbn-franchise-in-2019/
WITH only a few months left before the expiration of ABS-CBN Corp.’s franchise, the leadership of the House of Representatives said on Wednesday it will not act on the TV station’s franchise this year, deepening the anxiety over the network’s fate.
House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chairman Franz Alvarez said the committee has no scheduled hearings for the bill renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp. until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 18.
“No schedule of hearing on December 10, no hearing for the year,” Alvarez said. ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire on March 30, 2020.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, seeking to ease apprehensions the House will simply follow President Duterte’s stance and block renewal of the network’s 25-year franchise, said there’s more than enough time for lawmakers to tackle the matter in January and February.
Several bills have been pending before the House Committee on Legislative Franchises seeking the renewal of the local media giant’s congressional franchise.
On Tuesday evening, President Duterte said he will make sure that ABS-CBN will be out of business next year.
On Wednesday, however, Cayetano—a close ally of the President— gave assurances the lower chamber would be fair in tackling the bill seeking renewal of the network’s congressional franchise.
“I reiterate that Congress will be fair, will always have a fair hearing. The ABS-CBN management knows that we will prioritize the budget and revenue bills,” Cayetano said.
“But we have more than enough time to tackle it in January, February because the expiration of the franchise is still in March,” he added.
Cayetano said the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise depends on the outcome of the hearing.
“I cannot preempt the committee or the issues that will be taken,” he added. Moreover, Cayetano said he respects the President’s stance on the matter.
Labor’s appeal
Don’t make it personal.
This was the appeal of labor groups to President Duterte, who recently renewed his threat to block the legislation renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp.
With thousands of jobs at risk, Defend Jobs Philippines appealed to Duterte to reconsider his decision. “Being vital in operating for the next 25 years, the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN will save the jobs and source of livelihood of more than 10,000 Filipino workers and their families,” Defend Job Philippines Spokesman Christian Lloyd Magsoy said in a statement.
During a speech on Tuesday evening, Duterte repeated his gripe against ABS-CBN: the network, he said, deliberately chose not to show his campaign ads despite during the 2016 Presidential elections.
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Spokesman Alan Tanjusay said Duterte’s latest statement has caused anxiety among ABS-CBN employees.
“Some of them came to me and said they are seriously worried about losing their jobs every day. Particularly worried are those employees who are above 35 years old who thought that they might be unable to get decent jobs because they think they are old and past age qualifications,” Tanjusay said in a statement.
Citing data from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Defend Job Philippines said ABS-CBN employs 6,730 regular employees, 900 non-regular workers and more than 3,325 talents as of the end of 2018.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/12/05/house-wont-table-abs-cbn-franchise-in-2019/