Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that the extension of the enhanced community quarantine over Luzon is not “advisable,” as he noted that the ECQ is already working to curb the further spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Año said that while the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will still discuss possible measures once the 30-day lockdown is over, an extension is not recommended.
“It’s not advisable to extend the lockdown because our economy will suffer greatly. Let’s take the remaining two weeks seriously so we can solve this,” he said in Filipino in an interview with dzBB.
A longer lockdown period may be considered if there is exponential increase in novel coronavirus-positive cases and fatalities, especially in Visayas and Mindanao.
Año added that the IATF will determine the COVID-19 case threshold and other factors that could possibly mean an extension of the lockdown.
He said that strict implementation of preventive measures, such as lockdown curfews, social distancing and wearing of masks, should be observed in the last two weeks of the ECQ so that its positive effects could really be seen.
“For the next two weeks as we implement the mask and social distancing, and lockdown, it (cases of infection) should go down. From there, the IATF and national task force will discuss the measures that need to be done for us to have zero cases,” Año said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government chief said that the ECQ, which has reached midpoint, is working to flatten the curve of the pandemic.
He noted that initial projections without the lockdown, considering data from other COVID-19 stricken countries such as Italy and Spain, pointed to 20,000 cases in the country by this point.
“If we hadn’t done the lockdown we could have reached 20,000 cases right now. Our lockdown is truly working,” Año added.
Año himself is in self-quarantine as he was in contact with at least four COVID-19 positive individuals, most of whom are ranking government officials.
He noted that once the 30-day lockdown is over, there could be other measures such as an incremental opening of establishments to ensure that the government can positively respond amid the public health crisis.
ECQ violators apprehended
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, director of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said since the ECQ implementation on March 17, at least 445 individuals were apprehended for violation of curfew hours in the Zamboanga peninsula.
Quidilla said 39 others were arrested for disobedience, violating protocols at checkpoints and non-compliance with the ECQ.
He added that crimes in the region have gone down by almost 50 percent, compared to the same period last year, since the strict enforcement of the ECQ. Automotive incidents also went down to eight, compared to 51 in the same period last year.
In Dagupan City, at least 18 persons were rounded up on Sunday in different areas in Pangasinan for violating the ECQ.
Nabbed for violation of Articles 148 and 151 of the Revised Penal Code were three each in Dagupan City and Basista, eight in Villasis, one each in Urdaneta City and Anda, and two in Malasiqui.
In Barangay Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan, seven men who came from Taguig City were nabbed after they rode on a 10-wheeler truck. The individuals allegedly begged for a ride going into town and intentionally evaded several checkpoints.
Ease mental suffering
Sen. Leila de Lima said yesterday that measures to ease the mental, emotional and psychological burden that people endure during the ECQ period should be part of the government’s crisis response plan.
After about three weeks of ECQ, the senator said proper and effective implementation of Republic Act 11036 or the “Mental Health Act” should be an integral part of the national strategy against COVID-19.
“Let’s please check on one another, even those who we think are the strong ones. While obliged to keep physical distance from each other, may we not be socially disconnected from one another,” she added. – With Roel Pareño, Eva Visperas, Cecille Suerte Felipe
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/31/2004447/ao-extension-quarantine-not-advisable
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Marikina finds new place for Covid-19 testing center
Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro on Monday inspected a two-story building it will recommended to the Department of Health (DOH) as the city’s new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing center.
He said the newly-constructed 160-square meter building is located in a not populated but accessible area along Bayan-Bayanan Avenue in Barangay Concepcion Uno.
"This is a freestanding structure. Hindi populated 'yung (not populated) area, accessible. It is located along a main avenue in Marikina. In terms of location, mukha ito ang suitable na sinasabi nila (I think it is suitable as they (DOH) said),” he said in a statement.
Teodoro assured his constituents the risk assessment template and protocol of biohazard measures are strictly followed by the local government.
“Mayroon tayong (We followed) risk assessment template na sinunod of highest standard and strict adherence to the protocol of biohazard measures ang pinapa-implement natin dito (implemented here),” he said.
“Hindi lang doon sa in terms of trained personnel na mayroon tayo, hindi lang 'yung work process kundi pati ang layout ng laboratory ay sumusunod doon sa biohazard safety (Not only in terms of trained personnel that we have, not only the work process but the layout of the laboratory are based on biohazard safety),” he added.
He said a dedicated ambulance for Marikina Covid-19 testing center will be on standby at the facility.
Earlier, the DOH disapproved the Marikina Covid-19 Testing Center located at the Marikina City Health Office (CHO), saying the local government should build a separate building for the facility to be operational.
The DOH recommended that the Covid-19 testing facility should be placed outside the CHO so that cross-infection will be minimized, and less foot traffic will be observed for the protection of staff and Marikina residents.
Teodoro said the new testing center has no other offices and clinics.
“Ang narito lang ay ang laboratory. Kaya ang tao lang makikita rito at ang mga pathologists, medical technologists, at lab technicians (What we have here is the laboratory only. So, what you can see are only the pathologists, medical technologists and laboratory technicians),” he said.
Kennedy Sueno, City’s Engineer Office chief, said the new Marikina Covid-19 Testing Center will be completed within two weeks.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098269
He said the newly-constructed 160-square meter building is located in a not populated but accessible area along Bayan-Bayanan Avenue in Barangay Concepcion Uno.
"This is a freestanding structure. Hindi populated 'yung (not populated) area, accessible. It is located along a main avenue in Marikina. In terms of location, mukha ito ang suitable na sinasabi nila (I think it is suitable as they (DOH) said),” he said in a statement.
Teodoro assured his constituents the risk assessment template and protocol of biohazard measures are strictly followed by the local government.
“Mayroon tayong (We followed) risk assessment template na sinunod of highest standard and strict adherence to the protocol of biohazard measures ang pinapa-implement natin dito (implemented here),” he said.
“Hindi lang doon sa in terms of trained personnel na mayroon tayo, hindi lang 'yung work process kundi pati ang layout ng laboratory ay sumusunod doon sa biohazard safety (Not only in terms of trained personnel that we have, not only the work process but the layout of the laboratory are based on biohazard safety),” he added.
He said a dedicated ambulance for Marikina Covid-19 testing center will be on standby at the facility.
Earlier, the DOH disapproved the Marikina Covid-19 Testing Center located at the Marikina City Health Office (CHO), saying the local government should build a separate building for the facility to be operational.
The DOH recommended that the Covid-19 testing facility should be placed outside the CHO so that cross-infection will be minimized, and less foot traffic will be observed for the protection of staff and Marikina residents.
Teodoro said the new testing center has no other offices and clinics.
“Ang narito lang ay ang laboratory. Kaya ang tao lang makikita rito at ang mga pathologists, medical technologists, at lab technicians (What we have here is the laboratory only. So, what you can see are only the pathologists, medical technologists and laboratory technicians),” he said.
Kennedy Sueno, City’s Engineer Office chief, said the new Marikina Covid-19 Testing Center will be completed within two weeks.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098269
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Postponement of Palawan division plebiscite sought
The provincial legislature has called for a special session on Friday and is expected to pass a resolution allowing Governor Jose Alvarez to petition the COMELEC for the postponement of the plebiscite.
The provincial government is set to ask the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to postpone a scheduled plebiscite in May to resolve the issue of dividing Palawan into three separate smaller provinces.
The provincial legislature has called for a special session on Friday and is expected to pass a resolution allowing Governor Jose Alvarez to petition the COMELEC for the postponement of the plebiscite.
Vice Governor Dennis Socrates, in a letter notice to the provincial board, stated that the agenda was made upon the request of Governor Alvarez.
Earlier, the civil society group One Palawan opposing the planned division of the province also requested Malacañang to postpone the plebiscite.
“The huge amount of P80 million intended for the plebiscite can be used instead for more immediate needs of the people of Palawan. These are trying times and canceling the Palawan plebiscite will complement President Duterte’s recent declaration of public health emergency to combat COVID-19,” Cynthia Sumagaysay, a lead campaigner for One Palawan, stated in the group’s social media page.
The referendum was set to ratify Republic Act No. 11259 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 5, 2019, which partitions Palawan into three provinces namely Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur.
Under the law, Palawan del Norte will be composed of the municipalities of Coron, Culion, Busuanga, Linapacan, Taytay, and El Nido; Palawan Oriental by Roxas, Araceli, Dumaran, Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay, Cagayancillo, and San Vicente; and Palawan del Sur by Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Rizal, Sofronio Española, Brooke’s Point, Bataraza, Balabac, and Kalayaan.
The Capitol had set aside a budget of P80-million for the holding of the plebiscite.
https://palawan-news.com/postponement-of-palawan-division-plebiscite-sought/
The provincial government is set to ask the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to postpone a scheduled plebiscite in May to resolve the issue of dividing Palawan into three separate smaller provinces.
The provincial legislature has called for a special session on Friday and is expected to pass a resolution allowing Governor Jose Alvarez to petition the COMELEC for the postponement of the plebiscite.
Vice Governor Dennis Socrates, in a letter notice to the provincial board, stated that the agenda was made upon the request of Governor Alvarez.
Earlier, the civil society group One Palawan opposing the planned division of the province also requested Malacañang to postpone the plebiscite.
“The huge amount of P80 million intended for the plebiscite can be used instead for more immediate needs of the people of Palawan. These are trying times and canceling the Palawan plebiscite will complement President Duterte’s recent declaration of public health emergency to combat COVID-19,” Cynthia Sumagaysay, a lead campaigner for One Palawan, stated in the group’s social media page.
The referendum was set to ratify Republic Act No. 11259 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 5, 2019, which partitions Palawan into three provinces namely Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur.
Under the law, Palawan del Norte will be composed of the municipalities of Coron, Culion, Busuanga, Linapacan, Taytay, and El Nido; Palawan Oriental by Roxas, Araceli, Dumaran, Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay, Cagayancillo, and San Vicente; and Palawan del Sur by Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Rizal, Sofronio Española, Brooke’s Point, Bataraza, Balabac, and Kalayaan.
The Capitol had set aside a budget of P80-million for the holding of the plebiscite.
https://palawan-news.com/postponement-of-palawan-division-plebiscite-sought/
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
DILG chief ‘confident’ Luzon-wide quarantine lifted by April 12
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año is “confident” that the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) will be lifted on April 12 but said it will be still subject to government’s assessment.
“That we have to assess, but I’m confident that we can,” he said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.
Even after the quarantine is lifted, he said the government will continue to strictly enforce social distancing of at least six feet apart from each other.
“Of course, it doesn’t mean that’s the end of the spread. We have to still continue the practice of strict social distancing,” he said.
He said social distancing should also be observed by residents in the islands of Visayas and Mindanao, which are not covered by the national government’s quarantine.
Since the quarantine has yet to be lifted, he said “draconian” measures are needed to prevent a sharp peak of Covid-19 cases.
“Draconian measures ang kailangan natin para mag-flatten ang curve and ma-contain natin if not eliminate the spread of the virus (Draconian measures is needed to flatten the curve and contain if not eliminate the spread of the virus),” he said.
Citing studies by the World Health Organization (WHO), he said the number of Covid-19 cases in the country could reach 75,000 in five months if efforts to contain the spread of the virus fail.
Goals
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, in the same media briefing, said by April 12, the goal is for the government to report that it has been able to contain Covid-19 by isolating all infected persons and maintaining zero cases in more communities.
“The victory we want to happen is hindi na siya mag-spread (there is no further spread), there are hopefully no new cases happening and just like in Wuhan kung saan wala nang (where there are no) new cases and then naka-focus na sila sa (they focus on) treatment (and recovery),” he said.
Last March 18, China's health commission announced that there were no more local transmissions of Covid-19 for the first time since the outbreak began. The new cases reported were all overseas arrivals.
In the Philippines, there are a total of 636 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Philippines and 38 fatalities as of Wednesday afternoon.
Nograles said it is too early to think of further extending the quarantine to a much later date.
“Instead of looking at that, I think we really just have to concentrate on social distancing measure, kung ano yung nasa (what’s in the) guidelines. Tsaka na natin isipin ‘yan (Let’s set that aside). Focus muna tayo on the task at hand,” he said. "Let's take it one step at a time."
No need to expand quarantine to VisMin
At present, Año said he saw no need to expand the quarantine to Visayas and Mindanao but is open to that possibility if recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease.
“Hindi pa naman kailangang buong Visayas at Mindanao para tuluy-tuloy pa rin naman yung kanilang normal na buhay lalo na sa trabaho and food production (There is still no need to expand the quarantine to the whole of Visayas and Mindanao so that they can go on with their daily lives especially at work and food production). But if there is a necessity and depending on the development, i-a-assess ng IATF ‘yan (the IATF will assess it),” he said.
Several local government units (LGUs) in Visayas and Mindanao have imposed general community quarantines to minimize the transmission of the disease.
He said he was contented by the performance of Luzon LGUs during the first week of the quarantine’s implementation but admitted that there were still challenges such as depleted food supply and Covid-19 testing kits
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday (March 24) signed the “Bayanihan To Heal As One” Act (Republic Act 11469), which grants special authority to address the Covid-19 pandemic by realigning the national budget.
The newly-signed law also gives Duterte authority to facilitate the immediate testing of persons under investigation (PUIs) and monitoring (PUMs), and direct establishments to house health workers, serve as quarantine areas, or relief and aid distribution venues, and expedite the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) suits and other medical equipment.
It also provides subsidies to low-income households, implement an expanded and enhanced Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) for those affected by the quarantine, ensure availability of credit to productive sectors, reschedule deadlines for the filing of government requirements, and order a grace period on paying residential rents or loans, among others.
Nograles is hopeful that with the signing of the Bayanihan To Heal As One, government can "move faster, mobilize more people, and more resources" to respond to the ongoing health crisis.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097795
“That we have to assess, but I’m confident that we can,” he said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.
Even after the quarantine is lifted, he said the government will continue to strictly enforce social distancing of at least six feet apart from each other.
“Of course, it doesn’t mean that’s the end of the spread. We have to still continue the practice of strict social distancing,” he said.
He said social distancing should also be observed by residents in the islands of Visayas and Mindanao, which are not covered by the national government’s quarantine.
Since the quarantine has yet to be lifted, he said “draconian” measures are needed to prevent a sharp peak of Covid-19 cases.
“Draconian measures ang kailangan natin para mag-flatten ang curve and ma-contain natin if not eliminate the spread of the virus (Draconian measures is needed to flatten the curve and contain if not eliminate the spread of the virus),” he said.
Citing studies by the World Health Organization (WHO), he said the number of Covid-19 cases in the country could reach 75,000 in five months if efforts to contain the spread of the virus fail.
Goals
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, in the same media briefing, said by April 12, the goal is for the government to report that it has been able to contain Covid-19 by isolating all infected persons and maintaining zero cases in more communities.
“The victory we want to happen is hindi na siya mag-spread (there is no further spread), there are hopefully no new cases happening and just like in Wuhan kung saan wala nang (where there are no) new cases and then naka-focus na sila sa (they focus on) treatment (and recovery),” he said.
Last March 18, China's health commission announced that there were no more local transmissions of Covid-19 for the first time since the outbreak began. The new cases reported were all overseas arrivals.
In the Philippines, there are a total of 636 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Philippines and 38 fatalities as of Wednesday afternoon.
Nograles said it is too early to think of further extending the quarantine to a much later date.
“Instead of looking at that, I think we really just have to concentrate on social distancing measure, kung ano yung nasa (what’s in the) guidelines. Tsaka na natin isipin ‘yan (Let’s set that aside). Focus muna tayo on the task at hand,” he said. "Let's take it one step at a time."
No need to expand quarantine to VisMin
At present, Año said he saw no need to expand the quarantine to Visayas and Mindanao but is open to that possibility if recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease.
“Hindi pa naman kailangang buong Visayas at Mindanao para tuluy-tuloy pa rin naman yung kanilang normal na buhay lalo na sa trabaho and food production (There is still no need to expand the quarantine to the whole of Visayas and Mindanao so that they can go on with their daily lives especially at work and food production). But if there is a necessity and depending on the development, i-a-assess ng IATF ‘yan (the IATF will assess it),” he said.
Several local government units (LGUs) in Visayas and Mindanao have imposed general community quarantines to minimize the transmission of the disease.
He said he was contented by the performance of Luzon LGUs during the first week of the quarantine’s implementation but admitted that there were still challenges such as depleted food supply and Covid-19 testing kits
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday (March 24) signed the “Bayanihan To Heal As One” Act (Republic Act 11469), which grants special authority to address the Covid-19 pandemic by realigning the national budget.
The newly-signed law also gives Duterte authority to facilitate the immediate testing of persons under investigation (PUIs) and monitoring (PUMs), and direct establishments to house health workers, serve as quarantine areas, or relief and aid distribution venues, and expedite the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) suits and other medical equipment.
It also provides subsidies to low-income households, implement an expanded and enhanced Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) for those affected by the quarantine, ensure availability of credit to productive sectors, reschedule deadlines for the filing of government requirements, and order a grace period on paying residential rents or loans, among others.
Nograles is hopeful that with the signing of the Bayanihan To Heal As One, government can "move faster, mobilize more people, and more resources" to respond to the ongoing health crisis.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097795
Monday, March 23, 2020
LOOK: Proposed GMA-7 program schedule
President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law renewing the franchise granted to GMA Network for another 25 years.
He signed Republic Act No. 10925 on Friday, April 21.
GMA Network, which runs television channels, radio stations, and an online news site, had been given a franchise through Republic Act No. 7252 when it was still known as Republic Broadcasting System Inc.
RA 10925 allows GMA Network to continue operating its channels and orders it to provide air time for public service announcements, especially in times of emergency or calamity.
It also exhorts GMA Network to "comply with the applicable labor standards" with consideration to "the nature and peculiarities of the broadcast industry."
In 2015, talents hired by GMA won a case against the broadcasting company. The labor arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission ruled that GMA-7' contractual workers, given the nature of their job, should be treated as regular employees and be given security of tenure and benefits.
Members of the Talents Association sued GMA 7 for depriving them of law-mandated benefits like health insurance and social insurance.
RA No 10925 also allows the President to temporarily take over or stop operations of GMA Network if in the best interest of the public.
On March 9, 2018, GMA Network launched its new slogan "Buong Puso Para Sa Kapuso" with a new station ID.
However, the network's current station ID in short version during the top/bottom of the hour before start the programs
Aside from the new S/ID, it would be reported that the return of former programs GMA Balita, Magnegosyo, Sesame Street, Batibot and Sis on the morning slot, while Eye to Eye and other programs as well weekly programs, the daily late-night English newscast GMA Network News while GMA News TV shows Day-Off and Ang Pinaka will put on weekend slots.
Nagmamahal, Manay Gina returns on television, while Maynila reverted to a weekday drama anthology.
Weekdays (Metro Manila)
Morning
He signed Republic Act No. 10925 on Friday, April 21.
GMA Network, which runs television channels, radio stations, and an online news site, had been given a franchise through Republic Act No. 7252 when it was still known as Republic Broadcasting System Inc.
RA 10925 allows GMA Network to continue operating its channels and orders it to provide air time for public service announcements, especially in times of emergency or calamity.
It also exhorts GMA Network to "comply with the applicable labor standards" with consideration to "the nature and peculiarities of the broadcast industry."
In 2015, talents hired by GMA won a case against the broadcasting company. The labor arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission ruled that GMA-7' contractual workers, given the nature of their job, should be treated as regular employees and be given security of tenure and benefits.
Members of the Talents Association sued GMA 7 for depriving them of law-mandated benefits like health insurance and social insurance.
RA No 10925 also allows the President to temporarily take over or stop operations of GMA Network if in the best interest of the public.
On March 9, 2018, GMA Network launched its new slogan "Buong Puso Para Sa Kapuso" with a new station ID.
However, the network's current station ID in short version during the top/bottom of the hour before start the programs
Aside from the new S/ID, it would be reported that the return of former programs GMA Balita, Magnegosyo, Sesame Street, Batibot and Sis on the morning slot, while Eye to Eye and other programs as well weekly programs, the daily late-night English newscast GMA Network News while GMA News TV shows Day-Off and Ang Pinaka will put on weekend slots.
Nagmamahal, Manay Gina returns on television, while Maynila reverted to a weekday drama anthology.
Weekdays (Metro Manila)
Morning
- 4 am - The 700 Club (hosted by Pat Robertson, Gordon P. Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen and Wendy Griffith)
- 5 am - Dobol B: Balitang-Balita (Hosted by Weng Dela Peña)
- 6 am - Melo Del Prado sa Super Radyo DZBB (Hosted by Melo Del Prado)
- 7 am - Mornings @ GMA (Hosted by Mon Isberto, Tisha Silang, Cher Calvin, Ryan Agoncillo, Suzie Entrata, Lyn Ching, Arnold Clavio, Paolo Bediones, Karen Davila, Kara David and Georgette Tengco)
- 8 am - Agripreneur (Hosted by Jiggy Manicad)
- 8:30 am - Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko (hosted by Orly Mercado, Connie Angeles and Camille Angeles)
- 9 am - Sesame Street
- 9:30 am - Batibot
- 10 am - Foreign Telenovela
- 10:30 am - Mars Pa More (Hosted by Camille Prats and Iya Villania)
- 11:30 am - Wagas
Afternoon
- 12 nn - Eat Bulaga! (Hosted by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon with Jimmy Santos, Ruby Rodriguez, Samantha "Gracia" Lopez, Jose Manalo, Allan K., Toni Rose Gayda, Gladys Guevarra, Lana Asanin, Sherilyn Reyes, Anjo Yllana, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Phoemela Baranda, Sugar Mercado, Pia Guanio-Mago, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Ryan Agoncillo, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, Baste, Aicelle Santos and Luane Dy)
- 1:30 pm - T.A.P.E. Drama
- 2 pm - Nagmamahal, Manay Gina (hosted by Gina de Venecia)
- 2:30 pm - Maynila (hosted by Lito Atienza)
- 3 pm - Foreign Telenovela
- 3:30 pm - Anime
- 4 pm - That’s Entertainment (Hosted by Nora Aunor)
- 5 pm - Eye to Eye (Hosted by Dolly Anne Carvajal)
- 5:30 pm - Extra, Extra! (Hosted by Paolo Bediones, Marian Rivera and Boobay)
Primetime
- 6 pm - Saksi (Anchored by Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales and Arnold Clavio)
- 6:30 pm - Drama
- 7 pm - Drama
- 7:30 pm - Drama
- 8 pm - GoBingo
- 8:30 pm -
- Monday: Beh, Bote Nga! (Starring Janno Gibbs and Anjo Yllana)
- Tuesday: Bahay Mo Ba ‘To? (Starring Wendell Ramos)
- Wednesday: Nuts Entertainment (Starring Joey De Leon, Janno Gibbs and Anjo Yllana)
- Thursday: Tadhana (Hosted by Marian Rivera)
- Friday: Bubble Gang (Starring Michael V. and Antonio Aquitania)
- 9:30 pm -
- Monday: Mikee (Starring Mikee Cojuangco)
- Tuesday: Kool Ka Lang (Starring Raymart Santiago)
- Wednesday: Growing Up (Starring Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews and Onemig Bondoc)
- Thursday: Magpakailanman (Hosted by Mel Tiangco)
- Friday: Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko (Starring Gloria Romero)
- 10:30 pm -
- Monday: Who’s Your Daddy Now? (Starring Joey Marquez, Raymart Santiago and Ynna Asistio)
- Tuesday: Bitoy's Funniest Videos (Hosted by Michael V.)
- Wednesday: Campus Romance
- Thursday: Stories for the Soul (Hosted by Manny Pacquiao)
- Friday: The Boobay and Tekla Show (Hosted by Boobay and Super Tekla)
- 11:30 pm - GMA Network News (anchored by Pia Arcangel)
- 12 mn -
- Monday: I-Witness (hosted by Sandra Aguinaldo, Kara David, Howie Severino, Jay Taruc and Atom Araullo)
- Tuesday: The Probe Team (hosted by Cheche Lazaro)
- Wednesday: Emergency (hosted by Arnold Clavio)
- Thursday: Case Unclosed (hosted by Arnold Clavio)
- Friday: Debate with Mare and Pare (Hosted by Prof. Winnie Monsod and Oscar Orbos)
- 1 am - Camera Cafe
- 1:05 am - Not So Late Night with Edu
- 1:35 to 2:35 am - The 700 Club (hosted by Pat Robertson, Gordon P. Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen and Wendy Griffith)
Weekdays (Regional Stations)
Morning
- 4 am - The 700 Club
- 5 am - Dobol B: Balitang-Balita (Hosted by Weng Dela Peña)
- 6 am - Melo Del Prado sa Super Radyo DZBB (Hosted by Melo Del Prado)
- 7 am - Mornings @ GMA (Hosted by Mon Isberto, Tisha Silang, Cher Calvin, Ryan Agoncillo, Suzie Entrata, Lyn Ching, Arnold Clavio, Paolo Bediones, Karen Davila, Kara David and Georgette Tengco)
- 8 am - Agripreneur (Hosted by Jiggy Manicad)
- 8:30 am - Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko (Hosted by Orly Mercado, Connie Angeles and Camille Angeles)
- 9 am - Sesame Street
- 9:30 am - Batibot
- 10 am - Foreign Telenovela
- 10:30 am - Mars Pa More (Hosted by Camille Prats and Iya Villania)
- 11:30 am - Wagas
Afternoon
- 12 nn - Eat Bulaga! (Hosted by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon with Jimmy Santos, Ruby Rodriguez, Samantha "Gracia" Lopez, Jose Manalo, Allan K., Toni Rose Gayda, Gladys Guevarra, Lana Asanin, Sherilyn Reyes, Anjo Yllana, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Phoemela Baranda, Sugar Mercado, Pia Guanio-Mago, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Ryan Agoncillo, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, Baste, Aicelle Santos and Luane Dy)
- 1:30 pm - T.A.P.E. Drama
- 2 pm - Nagmamahal, Manay Gina (hosted by Gina de Venecia)
- 2:30 pm - Maynila (hosted by Lito Atienza)
- 3 pm - Foreign Telenovela
- 3:30 pm - Anime
- 4 pm - That’s Entertainment (Hosted by Nora Aunor)
- 5 pm - Eye to Eye (Hosted by Dolly Anne Carvajal)
- 5:30 pm - GMA Regional Newscasts
- Balitang Amianan (GMA Channel 10 Dagupan)
- Baretang Bikol (GMA Channel 7 Naga)
- Ratsada (GMA Channel 6 Iloilo)
- Balitang Bisdak (GMA Channel 7 Cebu)
- One Mindanao (GMA Channel 5 Davao)
Primetime
- 6 pm - Saksi (anchored by Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales and Arnold Clavio)
- 6:30 pm - Drama
- 7 pm - Drama
- 7:30 pm - Drama
- 8 pm - GoBingo
- 8:30 pm -
- Monday: Beh, Bote Nga! (Starring Janno Gibbs and Anjo Yllana)
- Tuesday: Bahay Mo Ba ‘To? (Starring Wendell Ramos)
- Wednesday: Nuts Entertainment (Starring Joey De Leon, Janno Gibbs and Anjo Yllana)
- Thursday: Tadhana (Hosted by Marian Rivera)
- Friday: Bubble Gang (Starring Michael V. and Antonio Aquitania)
- 9:30 pm -
- Monday: Mikee (Starring Mikee Cojuangco)
- Tuesday: Kool Ka Lang (Starring Raymart Santiago)
- Wednesday: Growing Up (Starring Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews and Onemig Bondoc)
- Thursday: Magpakailanman (Hosted by Mel Tiangco)
- Friday: Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko (Starring Gloria Romero)
- 10:30
- Monday: Who’s Your Daddy Now? (Starring Joey Marquez, Raymart Santiago and Ynna Asistio)
- Tuesday: Bitoy's Funniest Videos (Hosted by Michael V.)
- Wednesday: Campus Romance
- Thursday: Stories for the Soul (Hosted by Manny Pacquiao)
- Friday: The Boobay and Tekla Show (Hosted by Boobay and Super Tekla)
- 11:30 pm - GMA Network News (anchored by Pia Arcangel)
- 12 mn -
- I-Witness (hosted by Sandra Aguinaldo, Kara David, Howie Severino, Jay Taruc and Atom Araullo) (Monday)
- The Probe Team (hosted by Cheche Lazaro) (Tuesday)
- Emergency (hosted by Arnold Clavio) (Wednesday)
- Tunay na Buhay (with Rhea Santos) (Thursday)
- Best Men (hosted by Jun Veneracion, Jace Flores and RJ Ledesma) (Friday)
- 1 am - Camera Cafe
- 1:05 am - Not So Late Night with Edu
- 1:35 to 2:35 am - The 700 Club (hosted by Pat Robertson, Gordon P. Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen and Wendy Griffith)
Saturday
- 4 am - Jesus the Healer
- 5 am - The 700 Club
- 6 am - Pasugo
- 7 am - Tipong Pinoy
- 7:30 am - Chikiting Patrol
- 8 am - 5 & Up
- 9 am - Art Angel
- 9:30 am - Lovely Day (Hosted by Love Anover)
- 10 am - Ka-Blog! (Hosted by Andrea Torres, Mico Aytona and Monica Verallo)
- 10:30 am - Digital LG Quiz (Hosted by Paolo Bediones and Regine Tolentino)
- 11:30 am - Campus Video
- 12 nn - Eat Bulaga! (hosted by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon with Jimmy Santos, Ruby Rodriguez, Jose Manalo, Allan K., Anjo Yllana, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Pia Guanio-Mago, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Ryan Agoncillo, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, Baste and Luane Dy)
- 2:30 pm - StarTalk (hosted by Butch Francisco, Joey de Leon, Lolit Solis and Heart Evangelista-Escudero)
- 4 pm - Click
- 5 pm - Misteryo (Hosted by Ryan Eigenmann)
- 5:30 pm - Ilaban Natin Yan! (Hosted by Vicky Morales)
- 6:30 pm - Brigada Siete (Hosted by Jessica Soho and Mike Enriquez)
- 7:30 pm - Pepito Manaloto (Starring Michael V.)
- 8:30 pm - Daddy’s Gurl (Starring Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza)
- 9:30 pm - GMA’s Best
- 11:30 pm - Wattajob
- 12:30 am - Master Showman
- 1:30 am - GMA Network News
- 2 to 2:30 am - The 700 Club (Answers)
Sunday
- 4 am - Ecclesia in Asia
- 5 am - In Touch
- 6 am - Word of Hope
- 6:30 am - The 700 Club
- 7:30 am - Cathedral of Praise
- 8 am - Parents’ Guide
- 8:30 am - Gameplan
- 9:30 am - AHA!
- 10:30 am - Born to Be Wild
- 11:30 am - Joey’s Quirky World
- 12 nn - All-Out Sunday
- 2:30 pm - Dear Friend
- 4 pm - H.O.T. TV: Hindi Ordinaryong Tsismis
- 5:30 pm - I-Shine Talent Camp TV
- 6 pm - Partners with Mel & Joey
- 7 pm - Kap's Amazing Stories
- 8 pm - All Star K!
- 9 pm - SNBO: Sunday Night Box Office (Note: Instead na movies and TV specials na ineere diyan sa SNBO, gusto ko ibalik na din yung Pinoy Meets World: now with Miriam Quiambao-Roberto and JC Tiuseco, 100% Pinoy, Case Unclosed at World View Presents: as a substitute once a month program)
- 11 pm - Cheche Lazaro Presents
- 12 mn - GMA Network News
- 12:30 am - A Little Night of Music (with John Lesaca and Fides Cuyugan-Asencio)
- 1:30 to 2 am - The 700 Club (Answers)
Every Last Sunday of the Month:
- 11 pm - Aawitan Kita
- 12:30 am - A Little Night of Music (with John Lesaca and Fides Cuyugan-Asencio)
- 1:30 to 2 am - The 700 Club (Answers)
Sunday, March 22, 2020
A reminder from the manager
Effective April 9, 2020 at midnight, my account will be deactivated.
New accounts will start on Black Saturday:
kpr3131961@gmail.com
elvd1988@gmail.com
jbrw1986@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Duterte declares nationwide state of calamity amid Covid-19 threat
By Prince Golez
President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 929 on March 16 declaring a state of calamity throughout the Philippines due to coronavirus (Covid-19).
The state of calamity proclamation would remain in force for six months until lifted.
“Such declaration will allow the national government and the local government units (LGUs) ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 and to continue to provide basic services to the affected population,” said Duterte.
The President also enjoined all government agencies and LGUs to render full assistance to and cooperation with each other and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of the disease.
Under the proclamation, all law enforcement agencies are directed to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas.
On Monday, Duterte placed the entire Luzon under “Enhanced Community Quarantine” until midnight of April 13 following the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Under the month long containment, “strict home quarantine shall be implemented in all households; transportation shall be suspended; provision for food and essential services shall be regulated; and heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce quarantine procedures will be implemented.”
https://politics.com.ph/duterte-declares-nationwide-state-of-calamity-amid-covid-19-threat/
President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 929 on March 16 declaring a state of calamity throughout the Philippines due to coronavirus (Covid-19).
The state of calamity proclamation would remain in force for six months until lifted.
“Such declaration will allow the national government and the local government units (LGUs) ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 and to continue to provide basic services to the affected population,” said Duterte.
The President also enjoined all government agencies and LGUs to render full assistance to and cooperation with each other and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of the disease.
Under the proclamation, all law enforcement agencies are directed to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas.
On Monday, Duterte placed the entire Luzon under “Enhanced Community Quarantine” until midnight of April 13 following the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Under the month long containment, “strict home quarantine shall be implemented in all households; transportation shall be suspended; provision for food and essential services shall be regulated; and heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce quarantine procedures will be implemented.”
https://politics.com.ph/duterte-declares-nationwide-state-of-calamity-amid-covid-19-threat/
Pilipinas isinailalim sa 6-month 'state of calamity' ni Duterte
Isinailalim na ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang buong Pilipinas sa "state of calamity" kasunod ng pagdami ng mga kaso ng coronavirus disease (COVID-19) sa Pilipinas.
Sa Proclamation 929, na pinetsahang ika-16 ng Marso, sinabi ni Digong sa pamamagitan ni Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea ang sumusunod:
"Idinedeklara ang State of Calamity sa kabuuan ng Pilipinas na tatagal ng anim (6) na buwan, maliban na lang kung bawiin o palawigin depende sa sirkumstansya," sabi ni Digong sa Inggles.
Patuloy pa rin naman daw ang ipinatutupad na enhanced community quarantine sa kabuuan ng Luzon hanggang ika-12 ng Abrilo 2020, maliban kung bawiin pa.
Inaatasan din ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno at local government units na magbigay ng kanilang tulong at pakikipag-ugnayan sa isa't isa: "mabobilisa ang mga kinakailangang rekurso para makapagpatupad ng kritikal, agaran at wastong disaster response aid and measures sa lalong madaling panahon upang masawata at mapuksa ang banta ng COVID-19."
Inaatasan na rin ang lahat ng law enforcement agencies, sa tulong ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, para siguruhin ang "peace and order" sa mga apektadong lugar, depende sa pangangailangan. — may mga ulat mula kay The STAR/Christina Mendez
Antabayanan ang mga karagdagang detalye sa balitang ito.
https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/bansa/2020/03/17/2001652/pilipinas-isinailalim-sa-6-month-state-calamity-ni-duterte
Sa Proclamation 929, na pinetsahang ika-16 ng Marso, sinabi ni Digong sa pamamagitan ni Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea ang sumusunod:
"Idinedeklara ang State of Calamity sa kabuuan ng Pilipinas na tatagal ng anim (6) na buwan, maliban na lang kung bawiin o palawigin depende sa sirkumstansya," sabi ni Digong sa Inggles.
Patuloy pa rin naman daw ang ipinatutupad na enhanced community quarantine sa kabuuan ng Luzon hanggang ika-12 ng Abrilo 2020, maliban kung bawiin pa.
Inaatasan din ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno at local government units na magbigay ng kanilang tulong at pakikipag-ugnayan sa isa't isa: "mabobilisa ang mga kinakailangang rekurso para makapagpatupad ng kritikal, agaran at wastong disaster response aid and measures sa lalong madaling panahon upang masawata at mapuksa ang banta ng COVID-19."
Inaatasan na rin ang lahat ng law enforcement agencies, sa tulong ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, para siguruhin ang "peace and order" sa mga apektadong lugar, depende sa pangangailangan. — may mga ulat mula kay The STAR/Christina Mendez
Antabayanan ang mga karagdagang detalye sa balitang ito.
https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/bansa/2020/03/17/2001652/pilipinas-isinailalim-sa-6-month-state-calamity-ni-duterte
Saturday, March 14, 2020
ABS-CBN suspends live shows and tapings of its ‘teleseryes’
FOLLOWING the government’s declaration of a “community quarantine” and ban on mass gatherings due to an outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), ABS-CBN has temporarily suspended live entertainment shows and production of teleseryes starting on March 15.
“ABS-CBN is temporarily suspending the staging of its live entertainment shows and production of its teleserye starting Sunday in compliance with the goverment’s declaration of a community quarantine and ban on mass gatherings to contain the spread of Covid-19,” the network said in a statement released on their social media accounts.
“The company is taking these initiatives for the safety and health of our artists, crew, production teams, their families and the general public,” it added.
While this measure is in place, the network said it would continue to serve the audiences by bringing back well-loved shows “to help provide inspiration, hope and upliftment.”
“We assure the public that ABS-CBN will continue to bring the latest news and information through our TV and radio newscasts and digital platforms, especially at this time when the country is facing a public health crisis,” the post read.
“We thank our Kapamilya viewers for their understanding and continued support,” it said.
The latest statement was released just three days after ABS-CBN also decided to temporarily stop admitting studio audience to its shows.
The affected TV programs in the said audience ban include “It’s Showtime,” “ASAP Natin ‘To,” “Magandang Buhay,” “Banana Sundae,” and “I Can See Your Voice.”
Noontime show Eat Bulaga, which airs on GMA, also temporarily stopped admitting live audience for their show, in relation to the sudden virus spread. WITH RED MENDOZA
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/14/news/latest-stories/abs-cbn-suspends-live-shows-and-tapings-of-its-teleseryes/703009/
“ABS-CBN is temporarily suspending the staging of its live entertainment shows and production of its teleserye starting Sunday in compliance with the goverment’s declaration of a community quarantine and ban on mass gatherings to contain the spread of Covid-19,” the network said in a statement released on their social media accounts.
“The company is taking these initiatives for the safety and health of our artists, crew, production teams, their families and the general public,” it added.
While this measure is in place, the network said it would continue to serve the audiences by bringing back well-loved shows “to help provide inspiration, hope and upliftment.”
“We assure the public that ABS-CBN will continue to bring the latest news and information through our TV and radio newscasts and digital platforms, especially at this time when the country is facing a public health crisis,” the post read.
“We thank our Kapamilya viewers for their understanding and continued support,” it said.
The latest statement was released just three days after ABS-CBN also decided to temporarily stop admitting studio audience to its shows.
The affected TV programs in the said audience ban include “It’s Showtime,” “ASAP Natin ‘To,” “Magandang Buhay,” “Banana Sundae,” and “I Can See Your Voice.”
Noontime show Eat Bulaga, which airs on GMA, also temporarily stopped admitting live audience for their show, in relation to the sudden virus spread. WITH RED MENDOZA
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/14/news/latest-stories/abs-cbn-suspends-live-shows-and-tapings-of-its-teleseryes/703009/
Statement on ABS-CBN programming
ABS-CBN is temporarily suspending the staging of its live entertainment shows and production of its teleseryes starting Sunday (March 15) in compliance with the government’s declaration of a community quarantine and ban on mass gatherings to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The company is taking this initiative for the safety and health of our artists, crew, production teams, their families, and the general public.
While this measure is in place, ABS-CBN will continue to serve our audiences by bringing back well-loved shows to help provide inspiration, hope, and upliftment.
We assure the public that ABS-CBN will continue to bring the latest news and information through our TV and radio newscasts and digital platforms, especially at this time when the country is facing a public health crisis.
We thank our Kapamilya viewers for their understanding and continued support.
Pansamantalang ititigil ng ABS-CBN ang pagtatanghal ng mga live entertainment show at taping ng mga teleserye nito simula Linggo (Marso 15) bilang pagsunod sa deklarasyon ng pamahalaan ng community quarantine at pagbabawal ng pagtitipon nang maramihan upang pigilan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19.
Ginagawa ito ng kumpanya para sa kaligtasan at kalusugan ng aming mga artista, crew, production teams, ang kanilang mga pamilya, at ang publiko.
Habang ito ay ipinapatupad, patuloy ang ABS-CBN na maglilingkod sa mga manonoood sa paghahatid ng mga kinagiliwang palabas na magbibigay ng inspirasyon, pag-asa, at sigla.
Makakaasa ang publiko na patuloy na ihahatid ng ABS-CBN ang pinakahuling balita at impormasyon sa aming newscasts sa TV at radyo, pati sa digital, lalo na sa panahon ngayong may public health crisis ang bansa.
Nagpapasalamat kami sa aming mga Kapamilya para sa kanilang pag-unawa at patuloy na suporta.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/13/20/statement-on-abs-cbn-programming
The company is taking this initiative for the safety and health of our artists, crew, production teams, their families, and the general public.
While this measure is in place, ABS-CBN will continue to serve our audiences by bringing back well-loved shows to help provide inspiration, hope, and upliftment.
We assure the public that ABS-CBN will continue to bring the latest news and information through our TV and radio newscasts and digital platforms, especially at this time when the country is facing a public health crisis.
We thank our Kapamilya viewers for their understanding and continued support.
Pansamantalang ititigil ng ABS-CBN ang pagtatanghal ng mga live entertainment show at taping ng mga teleserye nito simula Linggo (Marso 15) bilang pagsunod sa deklarasyon ng pamahalaan ng community quarantine at pagbabawal ng pagtitipon nang maramihan upang pigilan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19.
Ginagawa ito ng kumpanya para sa kaligtasan at kalusugan ng aming mga artista, crew, production teams, ang kanilang mga pamilya, at ang publiko.
Habang ito ay ipinapatupad, patuloy ang ABS-CBN na maglilingkod sa mga manonoood sa paghahatid ng mga kinagiliwang palabas na magbibigay ng inspirasyon, pag-asa, at sigla.
Makakaasa ang publiko na patuloy na ihahatid ng ABS-CBN ang pinakahuling balita at impormasyon sa aming newscasts sa TV at radyo, pati sa digital, lalo na sa panahon ngayong may public health crisis ang bansa.
Nagpapasalamat kami sa aming mga Kapamilya para sa kanilang pag-unawa at patuloy na suporta.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/13/20/statement-on-abs-cbn-programming
Friday, March 13, 2020
Inquirer Lifestyle Series Fitness.Fashion with Samsung 12th Anniversary
Fashion becomes less a spectator sport when sport itself becomes the fashion.
Last Thursday, Inquirer Lifestyle staged the rousing, filled-to-the-bleachers (despite the heavy rains and flooding) curtain-raiser to its Lifestyle Series of events with “Fitness.Fashion,” a catwalk team-up between some of the country’s top designers and best-selling activewear brands, at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City.
Co-presented with Samsung, it drew guests who cut across the fields of fashion, business and commerce, arts, media and entertainment. With the support of HSBC and Peninsula, the show had 12 sought-after designers melding their creations with the latest brand collections: Kipling with Vic Barba; Fila with Lulu Tan-Gan; Nike Golf with Anthony Nocom; Speedo with Louis Claparols; Adidas with Patrice Ramos-Diaz and Rhett Eala; Marks & Spencer with Arcy Gayatin; Aigle and Oxbow with Rajo Laurel; Bench with Joey Samson; and Puma with Ivarluski Aseron and Randy Ortiz. (Read the fashion report in this Friday’s Lifestyle Fashion and Beauty.)
“Fitness.Fashion” also scored a coup with the runway debut of fitness enthusiast and sports advocate Sen. Pia Cayetano. Other guest models were Akiko Thompson, Amanda Carpo, Rina Go, Paolo Abrera, Phoemela Baranda, Svetlana Osmeña, Jeena Lopez, Enchong Dee, Ruby Gan, Fely Atienza, Trishan Cuazo, catwalk queens Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and Apples Aberin-Sadhwani, and Inquirer’s own Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Leica Carpo.
Plus co-guest models are German Moreno, Sharon Cuneta, Jackie Lou Blanco, Bing Loyzaga, Lani Mercado, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gretchen Barretto, Dawn Zulueta, Princess Punzalan, Maricel Laxa, Mariz, Jean Garcia, Princess Revilla, Rachel Anne Wolfe, Jam Morales, Raymond Lauchengco, Richard Reynoso, Chad Borja, John Nite, The Rainmakers, Sheryl Cruz, Karina Ramos, Cristina Gonzales, That's Entertainment barkada, Kris Aquino, Ana Gonzales, Mutya Crisostomo, Alicia Mayer, Caloy Garcia, Arlene Muhlach, Ogie Alcasid, Francis Magalona, Long Meija, Chikiting Patrol Kids, APO Hiking Society, Ruffa Gutierrez, Edna Diaz, Boots Anson-Roa, Toni Rose Gayda, Charo Santos-Concio, Loren Legarda, Cherie Gil, Lorna Tolentino, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Aurora Salve, Robin Padilla, Lilibeth Ranillo, Maritess Gutierrez, Sandy Andolong, Alma Moreno, Ana Gonzales, Chiqui Hollman, Pilita Corrales, Snooky Serna, Pops Fernandez, Aiko Melendez, Vina Morales, Carmina Villarroel, Charlene Gonzalez, Mikee Cojuangco, Janice de Belen, Jaclyn Jose, Christine Jacob, Karla Estrada, Amy Perez, Regine Velasquez, Orly Mercado, Rico J. Puno, Randy Santiago, Willie Revillame, Lito Pimentel, Tina Revilla, Louie Heredia, Manilyn Reynes, Dennis Padilla, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Jenine Desiderio, Smokey Manaloto, Liezl Martinez, Anjanette Abayari, Joy Ortega, Giselle Sanchez, Bayani Agbayani, Willie Nepomuceno, Candy Pangilinan, Jon Santos, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Joy Viado, Klaudia Koronel, Mystica, Raffy Rodriguez, Marissa Sanchez, Selina Sevilla, Madeline Nicholas, Leo Martinez, Pekto, Ate Shawie, Ate Guy, Lorraine Baretto, Maribeth Bichara, Lara Fabregas, Jerome John Hughes, Melisa Henderson, Everly Locsin, Glydel Mercado, Cody Moreno, Dolly Anne Carvajal, Angelu de Leon, TJ Manotoc, Marissa del Mar, Presbitero Velasco, Jr., Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, Erik Santos, BJ Manalo, Jenny Hernandez, Empoy, Baby Bunot, Viva Hot Babes, Archie Alemania, Sheryn Regis, Jasmine Trias, Pokwang, TV Idols Ahron Villena, AJ Dee, Marc Cortez, JE Sison and Kiko Matos, Mike Chan, "Spicy" Susan Quinico, Hyubs Azarcon, Luane Dy, Angelica Jones, Dominic Ochoa, Bobby Yan, Cacai Velasquez, Amanda Page, Gabby Eigenmann, Bernadette Allyson, Mo Twister, Lalaine Edson, Jake Roxas, Angelika dela Cruz, Antoinette Taus, Jaya, Lani Misalucha, Anne Curtis, Toni Gonzaga, Jolo Revilla, Karylle, Angel Locsin, Nina, Danica and Oyo Boy Sotto, Kevin Vernal, Champagne Morales, Cogie Domingo, Roxanne Barcelo, James Blanco, Richard Gutierrez, Brad Turvey, Chynna Ortaleza, Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, Rainier Castillo, Cristine Reyes, Maxene Magalona, Dennis Trillo, Gab Valenciano, LJ Reyes, Lovi Poe, EB Babes, Karel Marquez, Isabella Gonzalez, La Diva, You've Got Male, Sugarpop, Chris Cayzer, Martin Escudero, Marina Benipayo, Patty Betita, Annette Coronel, Suyen Chi, Wilma Dassent, Marky Cielo, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Stef Prescott, Rich Asuncion, Jesi Corcuera, Kiko Junio, Paulo Avelino, Sheena Halili, Jan Manual, Ailyn Luna, Paolo Bediones, Pia Guanio, Raymond Gutierrez, John Lapus, Mel Tiangco, Jay Sonza, John Lesaca, Fides Cuyugan-Asencio, Kata Inocencio, Lyn Ching, Suzi Entrata, Ryan Agoncillo, Mickey Ferriols, Mon Isberto, Arnold Clavio, Miriam Quiambao, Eagle Riggs, Hans Montenegro, Lhar Santiago, Dina Bonnevie, Patricia Javier, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Ritchie d’Horsie, Becca Godinez, Tessie Tomas, Coney Reyes, Jimmy Santos, Manilyn Reynes, Helen Gamboa, Dingdong Avanzado, Aiza Seguerra, Herbert Bautista, Plinky Recto, Angela Luz, Carmina Villaroel, Ces Quesada, Aiko Melendez, Ruby Rodriguez, Jaime Garchitorena, Lady Lee, Eric Quizon, Samantha "Gracia" Lopez, Val Sotto, Yoyong Martirez, Jose Manalo, Michelle van Eimeren, Allan K., Donna Cruz, Sunshine Cruz, Maricel Soriano, Onemig Bondoc, Ana Marie Craig, Bea Bueno, Jericho Rosales, Donita Rose, Valentin Simon, Jenny Syquia, Mitoy Yonting, Kristine Florendo, Camille Ocampo, Mausi Wohlfarth, Mike Zerrudo, Rosanna Roces, Gladys Guevarra, Lana Asanin, Steven Claude Goyong, Dindin Llarena, Sherilyn Reyes, Gemma Fitzgerald, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Aji Estornino, Nadine Schmidt, Teri Onor, Diana Zubiri, Michael V., Keempee de Leon, Lana Jalosjos, Pauleen Luna, Alicia Mayer, Sugar Mercado, Ciara Sotto, BJ Forbes, Julia Clarete, Edgar Allan Guzman, Mark Ariel Fresco, Ryan Julio, Cindy Kurleto, Ho and Ha, Daiana Menezes, Ariani Nogueira, Vivian Velez, Gina de Venecia, Love Anover, Christian Esteban, Pia Arcangel, Drew Arellano, Tonipet Gaba, Jigs Mayuga, Avi Siwa, Ramon Bautista, Angel Rivero, Tado Jimenez, Hero Angeles, Sandara Park, Roxanne Guinoo, Joross Gamboa, Melissa Ricks, Michelle Madrigal, Joseph Bitangcol, Neri Naig, Raphael Martinez, Errol Abalayan, Kiray Celis, Katrina Legaspi, Mikylla Ramirez, Eliza Pineda, Kristel Fulgar, Sharlene San Pedro, Miles Ocampo, Angel Sy, Nikki Bagaporo, Julia Montes, Alfred Labatos, John Manalo, Iggy Boy Flores, Kobe Vidanes, EJ Jallorina, Carl Barrameda, Steven Fermo, Yong Chiu, Angel Aquino, Daphne Osena-Paez, Amanda Griffin, Iya Villania, Cheska Garcia, Iya Yotoko, Manu Sandejas, Archie Alemania, Kennevic and Kennie Asuncion, Laura Jean, Tim Yap, KC Montero, Miggy Eugenio, Rico Barrera, Chiqui Alcala, Jayson Gainza, Nene Tamayo, Jun Bob dela Cruz, Cass Ponti, JB Magsaysay, Racquel Reyes, Uma Khouny, Jenny Suico, Franzen Fajardo, Bettina Carlos, Reema Chanco, Bianca King, Inah Estrada, Alynna Asistio, Winwyn Marquez, Megan Young, Benj Punzalan, Ailyn Luna, Carmina Villarroel, Kat de Castro, Alex Gonzaga, Badjie Mortiz, Bangs Garcia, Joem Bascon, Charee Pineda, Timmy Boy Sta. Maria, Eda Nolan, Janelle Quintana, Mikel Campos, Blumark Roces, Jana Pablo, Kontin Roque, Smokey Manaloto, Kristoff Abrenica, Jamilla Obispo, Keanna Reeves, John Prats, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Yeng Constantino, Jay-R Siaboc, Ronnie Liang, Panky Trinidad, Irish Fullerton, Chad Peralta, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Grace Lee, Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Cheche Lazaro, Janno Gibbs, Anjo Yllana, Raymart Santiago, Oscar Orbos, Winnie Monsod, Aiko Melendez, Sunshine Cruz, Eric Fructuoso, Susan Lozada, Assunta De Rossi, Jackie De Guzman, Wendell Ramos, Antonio Aquitania, Diego Llorico, Shirley Fuentes, Alma Concepcion, Myka Flores, Luis Alandy, Aya Medel, Ara Mina, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Wowie De Guzman, Maureen Larrazabal, Francine Prieto, Regine Tolentino, Renford Alano, Aria Cariño, Isabella Dayto, Romina de Jesus, Mikee de Vega, Caleb Gotico, Ella Guevara, Nikki Liu, Sam Turingan, Rob Pengson, Mico Aytona, Lucky Mercado, Andrea Torres, Monica Verallo, Lolit Solis, Butch Francisco, Lorna Tolentino, Bobby Andrews, Michael Flores, Rica Peralejo, Ciara Sotto, Red Sternberg, Raven Villanueva, Lee Robin Salazar, Chico Ventoza, Polo Ravales, Menchu Macapagal, Karen Joanne Organo, Kim Delos Santos, Chubi del Rosario, Chantal Umali, Ardie Aquino, Idelle Martinez, Sunshine Dizon, Dino Guevarra, Jam Melendez, Kenneth Cajucom, Maui Taylor, Aiza Marquez, Maybelyn dela Cruz, Trina Zuñiga, Biboy Ramirez, Sherwin Ordoñez, Joseph Izon, Danilo Barrios, Jason Red, Erwin Aquino, AJ Eigenmann, Roanna Ruiz-Jamir, Railey Valeroso, Karen delos Reyes, Tricia Roman, Valerie Concepcion, Charina Scott, Denise Laurel, Mitzi Borromeo, JC de Vera, Lester Llansang, Crystal Moreno, Lauren Young, AJ Perez, Empress Schuck, Carla Humphries, Valeen Montenegro, Aldred Gatchalian, Mikki Arceo, Mikee Lee, Angelo Patrimonio, Chris Gutierrez, Zia Marquez, Isabel Blaesi, Fred Payawan, Sam Concepcion, Kevin Lapena, Cheska Ortega, Miguel Aguila, Kamae de Jesus, Dino Imperial, Bianca Manalo, Sam YG, Say Alonzo, Joaqui Mendoza, Aaron Juantas, Japoy Lizardo, Nica Calapatan, Tim Polero, Anton Asistio, Sara Castaneda, Pauline Lopez, Katrice delos Reyes, Michael Christian Martinez, Carlos Yulo, Micco Sollano, Marielle Infantado, Kyle Arrieta, Rafael Olbes, Eugene Herrera, Nash Aguas, Prince Carlos, Lukas Magallano, Princess Gaiser, Alyssa Valdez, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, Jeron Teng, Matteo Guidicelli, Tyson Sy, Mark Bumgarner, Javi Benitez, Enzo Pastor, Illac Diaz, Ginggay Joven-dela Merced, Paco Magsaysay, Maggie Wilson, Divine Lee, Camille Villar, Mons Romulo-Tantoco, Zanjoe Marudo, Jake Cuenca, Victor Basa, Jon Avila, Rayver Cruz, Richard Gomez, Dingdong Dantes, Diether Ocampo, John Estrada, Priscilla Meirelles, Kristine Hermosa, Chris Tiu, Johnny Litton, Anton San Diego, Tomy Florencio, JC Buendia, Jojie Lloren, Ito Curata, Anton Mendoza, Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Tony Abad, Sander Tantoco, Santi Picornell and Michelle Pantoja.
The show was supported by L’Oreal Phils. and Swatch.
Plus our newest additions in the Manila leg of the fashion show are Anne Curtis, Judy Ann Santos, Marian Rivera, Jodi Sta. Maria, JK Labajo, Darren Espanto, Darlene Vibares, Lyca Gairanod, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Jolo Revilla, Edu Manzano, Bianca Manalo, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Mike Enriquez, Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres, Ogie Alcasid, MJ Lastimosa, Sam Concepcion, Michael Pangilinan, Jona Viray, Dulce, Rachel Alejandro, Manilyn Reynes, Jessa Zaragoza, Dingdong Avanzado, Iya Villania, Cesar Montano, Robin Padilla, Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, John Estrada, Vice Ganda, Jessica Sanchez, Randy Santiago, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Richard Yap, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Dingdong Dantes, Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Rayver Cruz, Daniel Matsunaga, Gretchen Ho, Robi Domingo, Diego Loyzaga, Ella Cruz, Luigi D’ Avola, Bubbles Paraiso, Robin Nievera, Amber Davis, Cheyser Pedregosa, CJ Jaravata, Tim Yap, Kean Cipriano, Boom Gonzales, Luke Landrigan, Marc Nelson, Divine Maitland-Smith, Jessica Connelly, Stefan Aliño, Sandra Seifert, Dani Barretto, Bianca Gonzalez, Kiefer Ravena, Phil Younghusband, Heart Evangelista, Boy Abunda, Carla Abellana, Allison Harvard, Solenn Heussaff, Lovi Poe, Rocco Nacino, Atom Araullo, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza, Drew Arellano, Jason Abalos, JC Intal, Mike Tan, Matteo Guidicelli, Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid, Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, Chynna Ortaleza, Gabby Concepcion, Tony Labrusca, Derrick Monasterio, Jeric Gonzales, Gil Cuerva, Paul Salas, Elise Joson, McCoy de Leon, Enrique Gil, Alex Gonzaga, Janine Gutierrez, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Kim Last, Lovely Abella, Hiro Peralta, Juancho Trivino, John Philip Balang Bughaw, Boobay, Phytos Ramirez, Taki Saito, Kyline Alcantara, Joyce Pring, Clint Bondad, Donita Nose, Krissy, Yuan Francisco, Angelica Ulip, Leanne Bautista, Will Ashley, Bruce Roeland, Sofia Pablo, Kelvin Miranda, Alonzo Muhlach, Ricci Rivero, Johnvic de Guzman, Kianna Dy, JC Santos, Tommy Esguerra, Donny Pangilinan, Hannah Pangilinan, Alwyn Uytingco, Vin Abrenica, Victor Silayan, John James Uy, Shaira Mae Dela Cruz, Xian Lim, Jessy Mendiola, Jeron Teng, Jeric Teng, Chesca Garcia-Kramer and kids Kendra and Scarlett, Dimples Romana and daughter Callie, Anton and Armand del Rosario, Paulo “Kuya Pao” Pingol, Kenneth Cruz and Vince Ferraren, LA Aguinaldo, Slick Rick, Tony Toni and Sam YG, Marj Sia and Harry Cheng, Coleen Garcia, Tony Taus, Andi Eigenmann, Nicole Anderson, Michael Christian Martinez, Gino Quillamor, Erwan Heussaff, Kris Aquino, Georgina Wilson, Liz Uy, BJ Pascual, Charina Sarte, Dong Ronquillo, Nix Alanon, Tanner Mata, Tyler Mata, Emilio Francisco Perez, Loisa Andalio, Sofia Andres, Maria Fabiana, Ronnie Alonte, Khalil Ramos, Maris Racal, Ivan Dorschner, Lauren Reid, Kenzo Gutierrez, Alex Diaz, Ryle Santiago, Jameson Blake, Karen Reyes, Klea Pineda, Lharby Policarpio, Jak Roberto, Kelley Day, Zeus Collins, Sue Ramirez, James Reid and Nadine Lustre, JM de Guzman, Joshua Colet, Ben Isaac, Jess Wilson, G3 San Diego, Vivoree Esclito, Gretchen Fullido, Kylie Verzosa, Alice Dixon, Bianca King, Tippy Dos Santos, Christian Bautista, Nico Bolzico, Carla Humphries, Richard Juan, Chi Gibbs, Anton Cruz, Cristalle Belo-Henares with husband Justin Pitt, Karylle, Vicki Belo, Hayden Kho, Andre Drilon, Kyle Echarri, Pat Sugui, Jacob Munez, Denden Lazaro, Kaye Tinga, Rosenthal Tee, Champ Lui Pio, Mike Carandang, JP Anglo, Paolo Maranan, Sam Milby, Noel Cabangon, Chie Filomeno, Fabio Ide, Aubrey Miles, Troy Montero, Gerald Anderson, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Dominic Roque, Ellen Adarna, Raymond Gutierrez, Marco Gumabao, Chris Banchero, Fabio Ide, Roxanne Barcelo, Ex-Battalion, Momoland, Sinon Loresca, Jr., Rhys Miguel Eugenio, Seth Fedelin, BakClash Divas, Kisses Delavin, Broadway Boys, Music Hero Band, Herlene Nicole "Hipon" Budol, Elaine Timbol, Almira Teng, Boobsie Wonderland, Erik Santos, Ian Veneracion, Jay R Siliona, Jed Madela, K Brosas, Klarisse De Guzman, Kyla, Kuh Ledesma, Moira dela Torre, Piolo Pascual, Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Zephanie Dimaranan, Verniece Enciso, Vern Enciso, TJ Monterde, Xander Angeles, Cocoy Ponce, Chris Nick Delos Reyes, Joanna Eden, Cassandra Laforteza, Kat de Jesus, Joshua Torralba, Timo Pangilinan and RJ dela Fuente.
Marixi Prieto, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc., announced on June 8 at the company’s annual stockholders meeting her retirement as chair effective immediately.
Fr. Richmond Nilo of the Diocese of Cabanatuan was shot to death by unidentified gunmen on June 10 in the Nuestra Señora de la Nieve Chapel in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, according to a spot report from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Provincial Office.
Nilo, 40-year-old parish priest of Zaragoza, was behind the altar getting ready to start Mass at around 6:05 p.m. when two unidentified men shot him through a window four times.
The 10th Anniversary of the first-ever Samsung-sponsored Lifestyle "Fitness.Fashion" show at the Peninsula Manila to be held on August 1, 2018 at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila (for the large gathering of people) and Smart Araneta Coliseum (for the pop concert).
His Excellency, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd.
In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; former presidents Benigno Aquino III, Joseph Estrada and Fidel Ramos; several senators led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, several congressmen led by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Supreme Court Chief Justice Teresita Leonora de Castro and friends of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
ABS-CBN franchise: Calida mum on NTC provisional authority, Gadon petition
Solicitor General Jose Calida on Thursday begged off comment on the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) plan to grant ABS-CBN Corp. provisional authority to operate so it could continue operations pending renewal of its broadcast franchise.
“I won’t comment on that because you know it’s before the Supreme Court,” Calida told reporters shortly after oral arguments on a different case at the high tribunal.
The NTC on Wednesday said it would issue provisional authority to allow ABS-CBN and its subsidiaries to operate until June 2022 while Congress deliberates on its franchise renewal.
Calida cited a gag order although the high court has yet to make any announcement on whether it has ruled on his motion requesting such.
“There’s a gag order. I was the one who filed that gag order so I could not comment,” he said.
Calida filed a gag order motion on Feb. 18, a week after filing the quo warranto petition seeking to revoke ABS-CBN’s franchise due to alleged franchise violations. Calida accused ABS-CBN of engaging in propaganda in its reports.
Calida also did not comment on lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon’s petition seeking to stop NTC from issuing provisional authority to ABS-CBN, claiming it has no authority in the absence of a law.
“That’s his petition. It’s not our petition,” Calida said.
Gadon cited the Office of the Solicitor General as the NTC’s counsel in his petition. The OSG represents government agencies in cases before higher courts.
Asked if the OSG would represent the NTC, Calida gave a noncommittal answer: “I’ll cross the bridge when I see it.”
“Regards to ABS-CBN,” told reporters as the interview ended.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/12/20/abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-calida-mum-on-ntc-provisional-authority-gadon-petition
“I won’t comment on that because you know it’s before the Supreme Court,” Calida told reporters shortly after oral arguments on a different case at the high tribunal.
The NTC on Wednesday said it would issue provisional authority to allow ABS-CBN and its subsidiaries to operate until June 2022 while Congress deliberates on its franchise renewal.
Calida cited a gag order although the high court has yet to make any announcement on whether it has ruled on his motion requesting such.
“There’s a gag order. I was the one who filed that gag order so I could not comment,” he said.
Calida filed a gag order motion on Feb. 18, a week after filing the quo warranto petition seeking to revoke ABS-CBN’s franchise due to alleged franchise violations. Calida accused ABS-CBN of engaging in propaganda in its reports.
Calida also did not comment on lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon’s petition seeking to stop NTC from issuing provisional authority to ABS-CBN, claiming it has no authority in the absence of a law.
“That’s his petition. It’s not our petition,” Calida said.
Gadon cited the Office of the Solicitor General as the NTC’s counsel in his petition. The OSG represents government agencies in cases before higher courts.
Asked if the OSG would represent the NTC, Calida gave a noncommittal answer: “I’ll cross the bridge when I see it.”
“Regards to ABS-CBN,” told reporters as the interview ended.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/12/20/abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-calida-mum-on-ntc-provisional-authority-gadon-petition
House adjourns without tackling ABS-CBN franchise renewal
The House of Representatives adjourned its session on Wednesday night—its last session day before it begins its Lenten break lasting for nearly two months—without tackling media giant ABS-CBN’s bid for franchise renewal.
In its last session before the Lenten break, lawmakers approved, among others, House Bill No. 5832 which creates the Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment, as well as House Bill No. 59, which amends the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000.
This, while the 11 bills seeking the renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN remain pending before the House committee on legislative franchises—the earliest of which, at least in the 18th Congress, was filed in July 2019.
So far, the committee on legislative franchises has only held one hearing—or meeting—to discuss the matter. But during this meeting, no one from ABS-CBN or from the opposition was invited.
Instead, the lawmakers decided to first draft the ground rules for the formal deliberations of the franchise renewal bid of ABS-CBN, which House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano earlier deemed to be necessary so that the hearings would not be a “circus.”
Cayetano said he wanted the hearings to be organized, noting that there should be an order in terms of tackling the various issues covering the franchise bill such as the alleged violations of ABS-CBN to its franchise, among others.
“We don’t want this hearing to look like a circus. We don’t want the session to degenerate into a bull session. We don’t want to make this a sycophancy and vilification session. We want to define the issues,” Cayetano said partly in Filipino in a press briefing in March.
What’s taking it so long?
On numerous occasions, Cayetano said there are “more urgent” measures than the ABS-CBN franchise renewal that are being prioritized by the lower chamber.
This includes, among others, the creation of the Department for Overseas Filipino Workers, the Department of Disaster Management, and the Department of Water; the improvement of the K to 12 program; the improvement of the national health preparedness; and the strengthening of the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
In February, Cayetano said the lower chamber might tackle ABS-CBN’s franchise in May or in August after President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).
The House Speaker said that he would rather tackle the measures seeking the network’s franchise renewal continuously than have it cut by the lower chamber’s scheduled breaks.
“This is not a television series where it’s better if there are cliffhangers. If we hear this for two weeks and we run out of time because we will go on recess, or even if we go on recess and conduct hearings at that time, we cannot bring it to the plenary. Nothing will happen,” Cayetano said in Filipino.
Cayetano has also said that deliberations on the network’s franchise would be a “delicate balance” between press freedom and holding ABS-CBN accountable over its alleged violations.
“How do you hold ABS accountable for some perceived violations of the franchise? On the other hand, how do you protect press freedom? And what is a just ruling vis-à-vis ‘yung mga (on the) allegations?” the House Speaker said in another interview.
To recall, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) filed a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court seeking to revoke the ABS-CBN’s license, citing “highly abusive practices” of the network.
ABS-CBN, however, has maintained that it did not violate any law governing its franchise and that it had secured all necessary approvals for its business operations.
Expiring franchise
What makes the call for the lower chamber to tackle the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN stronger is the approaching expiration of the network’s current franchise on May 4.
Many fear that ABS-CBN would shut down once its franchise expires while its bid for renewal remains hanging before the committee on legislative franchises.
Republic Act No. 3846 requires television and radio broadcasting companies to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress that will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.
Cayetano gave assurances that ABS-CBN would continue its operations even if its franchise expires since its franchise renewal bid is still pending in Congress.
At one point, the House Speaker even went on to say that he was willing to be jailed if anyone from ABS-CBN would be imprisoned for operating while hearings for its franchise renewal were ongoing in the lower chamber.
Citing precedence, Cayetano turned to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), saying that other broadcasting firms in the past have been issued provisional authority to operate while Congress has yet to act on bills seeking their franchise renewal.
On February 27, Cayetano and committee on legislative franchises chairman Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez sent a letter to the NTC enjoining the commission to grant a provisional authority to operate to ABS-CBN effective on May 4, 2020, “until such time that the House of Representatives/Congress has made a decision on its application.”
“If we have the power to grant franchise, why wouldn’t we have the power to grant provisional authority? Except that we are ordering this from the one who grants it. We can grant a franchise, which is the mother of the provisional authority,” Cayetano said partly in Filipino in an interview in Taguig City.
Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, however, said House’s suggestion of ABS-CBN being granted a provisional authority to operate is a mere “illusory remedy.”
The lawmaker pointed out that such provisional authority from NTC “can be challenged in court because it is not validated by jurisprudence,” citing Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines.
This provision states that “no person shall commence or conduct the business of being a public telecommunications entity without first obtaining a franchise.
But during the meeting held by the committee on legislative franchises, the NTC said it will “likely” issue a provisional authority to ABS-CBN.
“The NTC will follow the latest advice of the DOJ (Department of Justice) and let ABS-CBN continue operations based on equity,” NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said.
No pressure from Palace
Duterte has repeatedly said that he would block the franchise renewal of the network due to supposed “violations” committed by the media company.
At one point, Duterte even urged the Lopez family, the owner of the company, to just sell it off.
In February, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that Duterte was seething with ABS-CBN’s failure to air his paid campaign advertisements during the 2016 election.
Further, Panelo also took note of the airing an anti-Duterte advertisement which paid by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV who was then running as Vice President.
However, Panelo said that Duterte’s expression of “displeasure or disgust or anger” on ABS-CBN has nothing to do with the pending status of the network’s franchise renewal bid in the lower chamber.
“The President made utterances against ABS-CBN. He made certain statements like ‘I’ll shut down (ABS-CBN)’. But that’s not literal. He wants to shut down the fraudulent practices of your network,” Panelo said, partly in Filipino, in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel.
Cayetano and several members of the committee on legislative franchises have denied any pressure from the Palace against acting on bills on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
“I am not pressured by what the president wants. nor by media and supporters of ABS-CBN. The pressure is on how history will judge us,” Cayetano said in Filipino.
In a Senate hearing, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak apologised to Duterte—an apology that was later accepted by the President.
Duterte said he would let Congress decide on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
Cayetano, meanwhile, has said that the House’s discussions on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN should not be treated as a race, as he gave assurance the issue would be tackled with fairness.
On a break
Both the House and the Senate are now on its Lenten break which would last for nearly two months.
In a speech he delivered right before House adjourned its session on Wednesday night, Cayetano said that the lower chamber is willing to change the legislative calendar and hold special session during the break.
But ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal might not be on the table during this break as Cayetano has previously said that he wants to hold continuous hearings regarding the issue.
Ironically, House session will resume on May 4—the same day ABS-CBN’s current franchise expires.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1240451/house-adjourns-no-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-story
In its last session before the Lenten break, lawmakers approved, among others, House Bill No. 5832 which creates the Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment, as well as House Bill No. 59, which amends the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000.
This, while the 11 bills seeking the renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN remain pending before the House committee on legislative franchises—the earliest of which, at least in the 18th Congress, was filed in July 2019.
So far, the committee on legislative franchises has only held one hearing—or meeting—to discuss the matter. But during this meeting, no one from ABS-CBN or from the opposition was invited.
Instead, the lawmakers decided to first draft the ground rules for the formal deliberations of the franchise renewal bid of ABS-CBN, which House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano earlier deemed to be necessary so that the hearings would not be a “circus.”
Cayetano said he wanted the hearings to be organized, noting that there should be an order in terms of tackling the various issues covering the franchise bill such as the alleged violations of ABS-CBN to its franchise, among others.
“We don’t want this hearing to look like a circus. We don’t want the session to degenerate into a bull session. We don’t want to make this a sycophancy and vilification session. We want to define the issues,” Cayetano said partly in Filipino in a press briefing in March.
What’s taking it so long?
On numerous occasions, Cayetano said there are “more urgent” measures than the ABS-CBN franchise renewal that are being prioritized by the lower chamber.
This includes, among others, the creation of the Department for Overseas Filipino Workers, the Department of Disaster Management, and the Department of Water; the improvement of the K to 12 program; the improvement of the national health preparedness; and the strengthening of the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
In February, Cayetano said the lower chamber might tackle ABS-CBN’s franchise in May or in August after President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).
The House Speaker said that he would rather tackle the measures seeking the network’s franchise renewal continuously than have it cut by the lower chamber’s scheduled breaks.
“This is not a television series where it’s better if there are cliffhangers. If we hear this for two weeks and we run out of time because we will go on recess, or even if we go on recess and conduct hearings at that time, we cannot bring it to the plenary. Nothing will happen,” Cayetano said in Filipino.
Cayetano has also said that deliberations on the network’s franchise would be a “delicate balance” between press freedom and holding ABS-CBN accountable over its alleged violations.
“How do you hold ABS accountable for some perceived violations of the franchise? On the other hand, how do you protect press freedom? And what is a just ruling vis-à-vis ‘yung mga (on the) allegations?” the House Speaker said in another interview.
To recall, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) filed a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court seeking to revoke the ABS-CBN’s license, citing “highly abusive practices” of the network.
ABS-CBN, however, has maintained that it did not violate any law governing its franchise and that it had secured all necessary approvals for its business operations.
Expiring franchise
What makes the call for the lower chamber to tackle the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN stronger is the approaching expiration of the network’s current franchise on May 4.
Many fear that ABS-CBN would shut down once its franchise expires while its bid for renewal remains hanging before the committee on legislative franchises.
Republic Act No. 3846 requires television and radio broadcasting companies to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress that will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.
Cayetano gave assurances that ABS-CBN would continue its operations even if its franchise expires since its franchise renewal bid is still pending in Congress.
At one point, the House Speaker even went on to say that he was willing to be jailed if anyone from ABS-CBN would be imprisoned for operating while hearings for its franchise renewal were ongoing in the lower chamber.
Citing precedence, Cayetano turned to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), saying that other broadcasting firms in the past have been issued provisional authority to operate while Congress has yet to act on bills seeking their franchise renewal.
On February 27, Cayetano and committee on legislative franchises chairman Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez sent a letter to the NTC enjoining the commission to grant a provisional authority to operate to ABS-CBN effective on May 4, 2020, “until such time that the House of Representatives/Congress has made a decision on its application.”
“If we have the power to grant franchise, why wouldn’t we have the power to grant provisional authority? Except that we are ordering this from the one who grants it. We can grant a franchise, which is the mother of the provisional authority,” Cayetano said partly in Filipino in an interview in Taguig City.
Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, however, said House’s suggestion of ABS-CBN being granted a provisional authority to operate is a mere “illusory remedy.”
The lawmaker pointed out that such provisional authority from NTC “can be challenged in court because it is not validated by jurisprudence,” citing Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines.
This provision states that “no person shall commence or conduct the business of being a public telecommunications entity without first obtaining a franchise.
But during the meeting held by the committee on legislative franchises, the NTC said it will “likely” issue a provisional authority to ABS-CBN.
“The NTC will follow the latest advice of the DOJ (Department of Justice) and let ABS-CBN continue operations based on equity,” NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said.
No pressure from Palace
Duterte has repeatedly said that he would block the franchise renewal of the network due to supposed “violations” committed by the media company.
At one point, Duterte even urged the Lopez family, the owner of the company, to just sell it off.
In February, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that Duterte was seething with ABS-CBN’s failure to air his paid campaign advertisements during the 2016 election.
Further, Panelo also took note of the airing an anti-Duterte advertisement which paid by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV who was then running as Vice President.
However, Panelo said that Duterte’s expression of “displeasure or disgust or anger” on ABS-CBN has nothing to do with the pending status of the network’s franchise renewal bid in the lower chamber.
“The President made utterances against ABS-CBN. He made certain statements like ‘I’ll shut down (ABS-CBN)’. But that’s not literal. He wants to shut down the fraudulent practices of your network,” Panelo said, partly in Filipino, in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel.
Cayetano and several members of the committee on legislative franchises have denied any pressure from the Palace against acting on bills on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
“I am not pressured by what the president wants. nor by media and supporters of ABS-CBN. The pressure is on how history will judge us,” Cayetano said in Filipino.
In a Senate hearing, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak apologised to Duterte—an apology that was later accepted by the President.
Duterte said he would let Congress decide on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
Cayetano, meanwhile, has said that the House’s discussions on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN should not be treated as a race, as he gave assurance the issue would be tackled with fairness.
On a break
Both the House and the Senate are now on its Lenten break which would last for nearly two months.
In a speech he delivered right before House adjourned its session on Wednesday night, Cayetano said that the lower chamber is willing to change the legislative calendar and hold special session during the break.
But ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal might not be on the table during this break as Cayetano has previously said that he wants to hold continuous hearings regarding the issue.
Ironically, House session will resume on May 4—the same day ABS-CBN’s current franchise expires.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1240451/house-adjourns-no-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-story
6 broadcast firms near franchise OK
Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday six broadcast companies were one step closer to getting their fresh legal mandates after the Senate approved on third and final reading the bills seeking the renewal of their legislative franchises for another 25 years.
Poe said the Senate’s approval of the bills was also a manifestation that the committee on public services, which she heads, gave importance to the companies seeking applications for franchise renewal.
“We want to make sure that all franchises are given equal opportunity and prompt scrutiny as we recognize the value of able media firms as sources of job opportunities and information especially in the countryside,” Poe said.
On Tuesday, the National Telecommunications Commission agreed to issue a provisional authority to allow broadcast giant ABS-CBN to operate pending the renewal of its franchise.
NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba made the announcement during the hearing of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises led by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court again deferred taking action on the quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General seeking to forfeit the franchises of ABS-CBN Corp.
The approved bills were on the respective franchises of Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media Inc.; Crusaders Broadcasting System; Bicol Broadcasting System Inc.; Golden Broadcast Professional Inc.; Gold Label Broadcasting System Inc.; and First United Broadcasting Corp., which is now known as Global Satellite Technology Services Inc.
All six broadcast franchises were passed on third reading on Monday and were transmitted to the House of Representatives for its approval of the Senate amendments. Gold Label Broadcasting System’s franchise is set to expire in May and the rest in July.
Welcoming the development, Poe said a franchise was a public duty.
“This is not a right available to all, but a privilege given to those with capacity to do the job,” she said.
Poe said the Senate’s approval of the bills was also a manifestation that the committee on public services, which she heads, gave importance to the companies seeking applications for franchise renewal.
“We want to make sure that all franchises are given equal opportunity and prompt scrutiny as we recognize the value of able media firms as sources of job opportunities and information especially in the countryside,” Poe said.
On Tuesday, the National Telecommunications Commission agreed to issue a provisional authority to allow broadcast giant ABS-CBN to operate pending the renewal of its franchise.
NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba made the announcement during the hearing of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises led by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court again deferred taking action on the quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General seeking to forfeit the franchises of ABS-CBN Corp.
The approved bills were on the respective franchises of Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media Inc.; Crusaders Broadcasting System; Bicol Broadcasting System Inc.; Golden Broadcast Professional Inc.; Gold Label Broadcasting System Inc.; and First United Broadcasting Corp., which is now known as Global Satellite Technology Services Inc.
All six broadcast franchises were passed on third reading on Monday and were transmitted to the House of Representatives for its approval of the Senate amendments. Gold Label Broadcasting System’s franchise is set to expire in May and the rest in July.
Welcoming the development, Poe said a franchise was a public duty.
“This is not a right available to all, but a privilege given to those with capacity to do the job,” she said.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
NTC to allow ABS-CBN to operate until June 2022
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Wednesday said it would issue a provisional authority to allow ABS-CBN and its subsidiaries to operate until June 2022, while Congress continues to deliberate on its franchise renewal bid.
After receiving resolutions from the Senate and the House of Representatives, the NTC will issue the temporary permit, Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios told reporters.
“Ang advice kasi ngayon is kapag may concurrent resolution, then we can issue the provisional authority,” Cabarios, who received the copy of the resolutions, said.
(The advice is, if there is a concurrent resolution already, then we can issue the provisional authority.)
“Up to now, yun ang advice (that is the advice), so yes... unless we are restrained by the court,” he said when asked if the agency will definitely issue a provisional permit for ABS-CBN valid through June 2022.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier told senators that Congress needs to issue resolutions to serve as legal basis for the NTC's issuance of a provisional authority for ABS-CBN.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri lauded the NTC decision, saying it upheld jurisprudence and precedence by extending to ABS-CBN the same relief it gave other broadcasting networks.
"Dapat kung anong naibigay sa iba ay dapat maibigay po sa ABS-CBN, kasi kung hindi naman nangyari yun, clearly, nagkaroon ng prejudice, bias for that particular application when all the rest have been given that provisional authority," Zubiri said.
(Whatever was given to others should also be extended to ABS-CBN, because if it doesn't happen that way, clearly, there's prejudice, bias for that particular application when all the rest have been given that provisional authority.)
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also praised the NTC for extending ABS-CBN's current license until the end of the 18th Congress in June 2022.
"That is very important because a shorter provisional authority would subject ABS-CBN to question, and that is not consistent with the freedom of the press," Drilon said.
"Based on our own legislative history, while the application for the renewal of the franchise is pending, de facto the expired franchise will continue to exist, especially with provisional authority granted by NTC," he said.
Lawyer Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon earlier filed a petition asking the high court if a provisional authority from an executive agency is enough basis to allow ABS-CBN to operate after its franchise expires on May 4, 2020.
Drilon defended the NTC's decision, saying Congressional resolutions in favor of ABS-CBN's temporary permit should be given due consideration.
"If this is questioned before the court, we leave it to the court... But we maintain our jurisdiction as the grantor of franchise, kaya ang opinion ng Kongreso ay kailangan bigyan ng kaukulang pansin dahil kami po ang nagbibigay ng franchise," he said.
(But we maintain our jurisdiction as the grantor of franchise, that's why the opinion of Congress must be given due consideration because we issue the franchise.)
Until Tuesday, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises did not start tackling several bills seeking to give ABS-CBN a fresh 25-year license to broadcast. Congress goes on a break after Wednesday and will resume session on May 4.
The committee, backed by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, earlier enjoined the NTC to issue ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate past the expiry of the company's current franchise.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/11/20/abscbn-franchise-renewal-ntc-provisional-authority-2022
After receiving resolutions from the Senate and the House of Representatives, the NTC will issue the temporary permit, Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios told reporters.
“Ang advice kasi ngayon is kapag may concurrent resolution, then we can issue the provisional authority,” Cabarios, who received the copy of the resolutions, said.
(The advice is, if there is a concurrent resolution already, then we can issue the provisional authority.)
“Up to now, yun ang advice (that is the advice), so yes... unless we are restrained by the court,” he said when asked if the agency will definitely issue a provisional permit for ABS-CBN valid through June 2022.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier told senators that Congress needs to issue resolutions to serve as legal basis for the NTC's issuance of a provisional authority for ABS-CBN.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri lauded the NTC decision, saying it upheld jurisprudence and precedence by extending to ABS-CBN the same relief it gave other broadcasting networks.
"Dapat kung anong naibigay sa iba ay dapat maibigay po sa ABS-CBN, kasi kung hindi naman nangyari yun, clearly, nagkaroon ng prejudice, bias for that particular application when all the rest have been given that provisional authority," Zubiri said.
(Whatever was given to others should also be extended to ABS-CBN, because if it doesn't happen that way, clearly, there's prejudice, bias for that particular application when all the rest have been given that provisional authority.)
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also praised the NTC for extending ABS-CBN's current license until the end of the 18th Congress in June 2022.
"That is very important because a shorter provisional authority would subject ABS-CBN to question, and that is not consistent with the freedom of the press," Drilon said.
"Based on our own legislative history, while the application for the renewal of the franchise is pending, de facto the expired franchise will continue to exist, especially with provisional authority granted by NTC," he said.
Lawyer Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon earlier filed a petition asking the high court if a provisional authority from an executive agency is enough basis to allow ABS-CBN to operate after its franchise expires on May 4, 2020.
Drilon defended the NTC's decision, saying Congressional resolutions in favor of ABS-CBN's temporary permit should be given due consideration.
"If this is questioned before the court, we leave it to the court... But we maintain our jurisdiction as the grantor of franchise, kaya ang opinion ng Kongreso ay kailangan bigyan ng kaukulang pansin dahil kami po ang nagbibigay ng franchise," he said.
(But we maintain our jurisdiction as the grantor of franchise, that's why the opinion of Congress must be given due consideration because we issue the franchise.)
Until Tuesday, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises did not start tackling several bills seeking to give ABS-CBN a fresh 25-year license to broadcast. Congress goes on a break after Wednesday and will resume session on May 4.
The committee, backed by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, earlier enjoined the NTC to issue ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate past the expiry of the company's current franchise.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/11/20/abscbn-franchise-renewal-ntc-provisional-authority-2022
‘Too early’ to tell effect of SC case on ABS-CBN franchise bid – Cayetano
It’s still “too early” to say if the pending quo warranto case against media giant ABS-CBN before the Supreme Court would affect the network’s bid for franchise renewal in Congress, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano in a press briefing on Tuesday.
Cayetano underscored the difference between the quo warranto case filed by the Office of Solicitor General (OSG) and ABS-CBN’s bid for its franchise to be renewed.
Last Feb. 10, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN, accusing the network of “abusive practices.”
“SolGen Calida’s petition is regarding the existing franchise. What is pending the House is [the bid for a franchise renewal] for the next 25 years,” Cayetano, speaking partly in Filipino, told reporters.
“It is too early — because we have not seen the decision — to see whether or not it [the Supreme Court ruling] will affect the new franchise, because if there is no violation, it should not affect the franchise,” the House Speaker said.
But in the event that the Supreme Court sees that ABS-CBN indeed violated its franchise, the committee on legislative franchises has to see if the committed violations would be enough to affect the granting of a new franchise to the network.
“For me, we will not second-guess the Supreme Court. Definitely, we will follow their decision. But there’s difference between what is pending in the Supreme Court and what is pending before the committee [on legislative franchises],” Cayetano said.
He also responded to the petition filed by lawyer Lorenzo G. Gadon urging the Supreme Court to stop the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from granting ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate once its franchise had expired on May 4.
Cayetano and Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, who chairs the Committee on Legislative Franchises, sent a letter to the NTC enjoining it to grant ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate, effective on May 4, 2020 “until such time that the House of Representatives/Congress has made a decision on its application.”
Gadon questioned this move, saying that the Cayetano’s directive to the NTC would violate the doctrine of separation of powers and would be a “grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.”
“On my part, I’m requesting countrymen: Please don’t stop us from doing our job. But it’s his right. He’s a lawyer. He’s a citizen of this country. He didn’t take my advice. He wants ABS-CBN to be shut down immediately,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano believes that the Supreme Court would not stop their action on the franchise since “it’s part of our congressional responsibilities and duties and constitutional mandate to look into and grant franchises.”
“Of course, if the Supreme Court says that the Congress’ action was not allowed, then that’s a different story,| he said. “But until that point in time, Attorney Gadon has one opinion in 110 million Filipinos. We don’t share his opinion.”
The Committee on Legislative Franchises held its first hearing on ABS-CBN franchise renewal on Tuesday afternoon.
But rather than hearing stakeholders involved in the issue, the committee instead focused on discussing the ground rules for May, when the formal deliberations on the franchise renewal begin.
There are 11 bills seeking to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN for another 25 years.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1239622/cayetano-on-abs-cbn-supreme-court-story
Cayetano underscored the difference between the quo warranto case filed by the Office of Solicitor General (OSG) and ABS-CBN’s bid for its franchise to be renewed.
Last Feb. 10, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN, accusing the network of “abusive practices.”
“SolGen Calida’s petition is regarding the existing franchise. What is pending the House is [the bid for a franchise renewal] for the next 25 years,” Cayetano, speaking partly in Filipino, told reporters.
“It is too early — because we have not seen the decision — to see whether or not it [the Supreme Court ruling] will affect the new franchise, because if there is no violation, it should not affect the franchise,” the House Speaker said.
But in the event that the Supreme Court sees that ABS-CBN indeed violated its franchise, the committee on legislative franchises has to see if the committed violations would be enough to affect the granting of a new franchise to the network.
“For me, we will not second-guess the Supreme Court. Definitely, we will follow their decision. But there’s difference between what is pending in the Supreme Court and what is pending before the committee [on legislative franchises],” Cayetano said.
He also responded to the petition filed by lawyer Lorenzo G. Gadon urging the Supreme Court to stop the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from granting ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate once its franchise had expired on May 4.
Cayetano and Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, who chairs the Committee on Legislative Franchises, sent a letter to the NTC enjoining it to grant ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate, effective on May 4, 2020 “until such time that the House of Representatives/Congress has made a decision on its application.”
Gadon questioned this move, saying that the Cayetano’s directive to the NTC would violate the doctrine of separation of powers and would be a “grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.”
“On my part, I’m requesting countrymen: Please don’t stop us from doing our job. But it’s his right. He’s a lawyer. He’s a citizen of this country. He didn’t take my advice. He wants ABS-CBN to be shut down immediately,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano believes that the Supreme Court would not stop their action on the franchise since “it’s part of our congressional responsibilities and duties and constitutional mandate to look into and grant franchises.”
“Of course, if the Supreme Court says that the Congress’ action was not allowed, then that’s a different story,| he said. “But until that point in time, Attorney Gadon has one opinion in 110 million Filipinos. We don’t share his opinion.”
The Committee on Legislative Franchises held its first hearing on ABS-CBN franchise renewal on Tuesday afternoon.
But rather than hearing stakeholders involved in the issue, the committee instead focused on discussing the ground rules for May, when the formal deliberations on the franchise renewal begin.
There are 11 bills seeking to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN for another 25 years.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1239622/cayetano-on-abs-cbn-supreme-court-story
House leaders, NTC say ABS-CBN may operate without new franchise
THE House of Representatives and the National Telecommunications Communication (NTC) on Tuesday gave assurances that ABS-CBN Corp. will be allowed to continue its operations beyond May 4, 2020.
During the meeting of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises on 11 pending bills renewing the franchise of the ABS-CBN, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said the agency will heed the opinion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to allow the network to continue operations.
“The NTC will follow the latest advice of the DOJ and let ABS-CBN continue operations based on equity,” he said.
With this, Cordoba said the NTC will “most likely” issue a provisional authority to the TV network.
“Based on the foregoing discussion, there is sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the renewal of their respective franchise remain pending with Congress,” Cordoba said, citing the opinion of the DOJ.
However, Congress is schedule to take a Lenten break starting March 12 without approving the franchise of ABS-CBN. The session will resume on May 4. The ABS-CBN franchise is also set to expire on May 4.
Adopt
During the hearing, the House committee approved a motion to adopt a letter enjoining the agency to grant a provisional authority to operate effective from May 4, 2020 until such time that Congress has made a decision on its application.
Cayetano, meanwhile, gave assurances that the House would conduct its hearing in “a fair, objective, and transparent manner.”
“We definitely did the right thing to focus on more important issues. We want a continuous hearing, not a circus. The issue is really contentious and emotional,” Cayetano said.
“Second, innocent until proven guilty. As far as we are concerned, there is still no violation so there is no reason in this world the NTC should shut them down,” he added.
Cayetano also reiterated his call for the submission of position papers on the ABS-CBN franchise until April 15, 2020.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/03/11/house-leaders-ntc-say-abs-cbn-may-operate-without-new-franchise/
During the meeting of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises on 11 pending bills renewing the franchise of the ABS-CBN, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said the agency will heed the opinion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to allow the network to continue operations.
“The NTC will follow the latest advice of the DOJ and let ABS-CBN continue operations based on equity,” he said.
With this, Cordoba said the NTC will “most likely” issue a provisional authority to the TV network.
“Based on the foregoing discussion, there is sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the renewal of their respective franchise remain pending with Congress,” Cordoba said, citing the opinion of the DOJ.
However, Congress is schedule to take a Lenten break starting March 12 without approving the franchise of ABS-CBN. The session will resume on May 4. The ABS-CBN franchise is also set to expire on May 4.
Adopt
During the hearing, the House committee approved a motion to adopt a letter enjoining the agency to grant a provisional authority to operate effective from May 4, 2020 until such time that Congress has made a decision on its application.
Cayetano, meanwhile, gave assurances that the House would conduct its hearing in “a fair, objective, and transparent manner.”
“We definitely did the right thing to focus on more important issues. We want a continuous hearing, not a circus. The issue is really contentious and emotional,” Cayetano said.
“Second, innocent until proven guilty. As far as we are concerned, there is still no violation so there is no reason in this world the NTC should shut them down,” he added.
Cayetano also reiterated his call for the submission of position papers on the ABS-CBN franchise until April 15, 2020.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/03/11/house-leaders-ntc-say-abs-cbn-may-operate-without-new-franchise/
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