Broadcast giant ABS-CBN may further extend its operations until July of this year amidst the impending expiration of its current legislative franchise by the end of March.
Unknown to many, ABS-CBN’s Sports and Action (S+A) channel has a different legislative franchise tool which is set to expire on July 15 this year under Republic Act No. 8135.
In October 2010, ABS-CBN formally acquired the former Studio 23 channel from AMCARA Broadcasting Network and later rebranded it in 2014 as S+A after Congress then concurred to its acquisition.
The Kapamilya network can further operate until middle of July 2020, even its current franchise under Republic Act No. 7969 expires on March 30, since the media conglomerate can use the remaining shelf life of its sister station’s air waves to continue operating on a borrowed time while pursuing to secure a brand new legislative franchise from Congress.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman earlier said ABS-CBN needs to secure franchise renewal within 24 session days or face closure, considering that there are only two dozen session days before the Congressional recess from March 14 up to May 3 for the long Holy Week break.
Politiko learned from Congressional insiders that they were told by some network executives of the Lopez-owned media outfit that the company will temporarily transfer its news and entertainment broadcast to S+A by the end of March, hoping that it can secure a fresh 25-year franchise from Congress before the first regular session adjourns sine die sometime in June.
Lagman on Monday filed a resolution urging the House Committee on Legislative Franchises to immediately expedite without further delay for plenary action nine pending proposed legislations that seek to grant ABS-CBN a fresh 25-year franchise.
Lagman’s House Resolution No. 639 urged the legislative franchise panel headed by Palawan Rep. Franz “Chicoy” Alvarez “to act immediately on the bills renewing the giant network’s franchise.”
https://politics.com.ph/abs-cbn-may-extend-operations-until-july-15/
Friday, January 10, 2020
Duterte ally, int'l human rights org back calls for ABS-CBN franchise renewal
Another ally of President Rodrigo Duterte in the House of Representatives has joined calls for the renewal of the broadcast franchise of ABS-CBN Corporation when the 18th Congress resumes session on January 20.
This as an international human rights organization called on the Philippine Congress to "take immediate steps" towards the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, set to expire in March.
In a statement Friday, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez asked the House Committee on Legislative Franchises to tackle various bills renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN, which operates free TV Channel 2 and Radio DZMM and MOR 101.9.
“I urge Chair Franz Alvarez of the House Committee on Legislative Franchise to start hearings on my House Bill No. 5705 renewing the ABS-CBN franchise for another 25 years together with 9 other bills on the same subject matter. Congress should always uphold the Constitutional mandate under Sec 4, Art 3 to ensure the freedom of the press," he said.
Rodriguez, who chairs the Committee on Constitutional Amendments that leads House efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, stressed that time is running out.
“I request the hearings to be conducted upon the resumption of session on Jan 20. Time is of the essence because the ABS-CBN Franchise will expire on March 30. Congress will adjourn on March 11. There will only be 24 session days from Jan 20 to March 11. “
Rodriguez maintained that all stakeholders must be given their day in court.
“All authors and stakeholders must be heard especially ABS-CBN. Then the Committee will have to decide to renew or not to renew. But it is not proper not to act on my bill and the other bills," he said.
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly said he would object to ABS-CBN's franchise renewal.
Aside from ABS-CBN being the Philippines' largest media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization and number of employees, Rodriguez pointed out in his Explanatory Note on his bill that ABS-CBN has been big on corporate social responsibility, helping others and in giving back.
“The late Gina Lopez initiated the Bantay Bata 163, the Bantay Kalikasan and the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig project," said Rodriguez, in reference to the corporation's programs on the protection of children and the environment.
Earlier this week, opposition lawmaker Edcel Lagman led 11 lawmakers in crossing party lines to file a resolution seeking the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise despite President Duterte’s opposition.
House committee urged to bring ABS-CBN franchise bills to plenary
The chief Executive had accused the network of biased coverage and failing to air a 2016 campaign advertisement despite being paid by his campaign.
Due to the President’s continuing objection to the franchise renewal, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises has not acted on eight (8) pending bills similarly proposing a 25-year extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise. Lagman also emphasized that time is running out.
The other authors of bills renewing the ABS-CBN franchise are either leaders or members of the Duterte Majority in the House: Deputy Speakers Johnny Pimentel, Aurelio Dong Gonzales, Rosemarie Baby Arenas and Vilma Santos; Committee Chairs Sol Aragones, a former ABS-CBN reporter, Joey Salceda and Rufus Rodriguez, Commission on Appointments Member Josephine Ramirez-Sato and Representatives Doy Leachon and Joy Myra Tambunting.
The House Leadership has yet to respond to Lagman’s resolution.
In an interview earlier this week, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano did not mention the ABS-CBN franchise renewal among House priorities when asked by the media.
In a previous statement, Alvarez assured ABS-CBN that it would be fair and objective in reviewing its application for the renewal of its franchise, but reminded the media network that this congressional grant allowing it to continue its operations is a privilege, not a right, under the law.
“The advice of Speaker Alan (Peter Cayetano) to us was to make sure that we would be always fair and impartial in reviewing the application of ABS-CBN, or the application of any other public utility, for that matter. At the same time it is Congress' duty to accept complaints and hear issues brought up... or objection," Alvarez said.
“But we should all be reminded that under the law, the grant of a franchise is not a right, but a privilege,” Alvarez added. “This is why we have to hear all sides, and find out if ABS-CBN violated the provisions of its franchise."
Alvarez noted that the Supreme Court, in the case of Radio Communications Philippines Inc. v. National Telecommunications Commission, has already stated that the grant of a franchise is “merely a privilege emanating from the sovereign power of the state and owing its existence to a grant, is subject to regulation by the state itself by virtue of its police power through its administrative agencies.”
HUMAN RIGHTS ORG CALLS CONGRESS TO ACTION
An Asian human rights group, meanwhile, called on Congress to renew ABS-CBN's franchise and "resist pressure from the President to block efforts to do so."
In a statement, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-Asia) said the Philippines' Congress must "stand for freedom of the press" at a time of worsening attacks against the media and press freedom in the country.
"At a time when the international community recognizes the gravity of the violations committed in pursuit of the ‘war on drugs’ and efforts to promote accountability are slowly yielding results, Congress must prove itself capable of standing by its principles and promote the interests of the people. It must resist pressure from the executive and refuse to allow itself to be used to shield the President from accountability," said FORUM-Asia, which has 81 member organizations from 21 Asian countries.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/10/20/duterte-ally-intl-human-rights-org-back-calls-for-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
This as an international human rights organization called on the Philippine Congress to "take immediate steps" towards the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, set to expire in March.
In a statement Friday, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez asked the House Committee on Legislative Franchises to tackle various bills renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN, which operates free TV Channel 2 and Radio DZMM and MOR 101.9.
“I urge Chair Franz Alvarez of the House Committee on Legislative Franchise to start hearings on my House Bill No. 5705 renewing the ABS-CBN franchise for another 25 years together with 9 other bills on the same subject matter. Congress should always uphold the Constitutional mandate under Sec 4, Art 3 to ensure the freedom of the press," he said.
Rodriguez, who chairs the Committee on Constitutional Amendments that leads House efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, stressed that time is running out.
“I request the hearings to be conducted upon the resumption of session on Jan 20. Time is of the essence because the ABS-CBN Franchise will expire on March 30. Congress will adjourn on March 11. There will only be 24 session days from Jan 20 to March 11. “
Rodriguez maintained that all stakeholders must be given their day in court.
“All authors and stakeholders must be heard especially ABS-CBN. Then the Committee will have to decide to renew or not to renew. But it is not proper not to act on my bill and the other bills," he said.
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly said he would object to ABS-CBN's franchise renewal.
Aside from ABS-CBN being the Philippines' largest media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization and number of employees, Rodriguez pointed out in his Explanatory Note on his bill that ABS-CBN has been big on corporate social responsibility, helping others and in giving back.
“The late Gina Lopez initiated the Bantay Bata 163, the Bantay Kalikasan and the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig project," said Rodriguez, in reference to the corporation's programs on the protection of children and the environment.
Earlier this week, opposition lawmaker Edcel Lagman led 11 lawmakers in crossing party lines to file a resolution seeking the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise despite President Duterte’s opposition.
House committee urged to bring ABS-CBN franchise bills to plenary
The chief Executive had accused the network of biased coverage and failing to air a 2016 campaign advertisement despite being paid by his campaign.
Due to the President’s continuing objection to the franchise renewal, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises has not acted on eight (8) pending bills similarly proposing a 25-year extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise. Lagman also emphasized that time is running out.
The other authors of bills renewing the ABS-CBN franchise are either leaders or members of the Duterte Majority in the House: Deputy Speakers Johnny Pimentel, Aurelio Dong Gonzales, Rosemarie Baby Arenas and Vilma Santos; Committee Chairs Sol Aragones, a former ABS-CBN reporter, Joey Salceda and Rufus Rodriguez, Commission on Appointments Member Josephine Ramirez-Sato and Representatives Doy Leachon and Joy Myra Tambunting.
The House Leadership has yet to respond to Lagman’s resolution.
In an interview earlier this week, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano did not mention the ABS-CBN franchise renewal among House priorities when asked by the media.
In a previous statement, Alvarez assured ABS-CBN that it would be fair and objective in reviewing its application for the renewal of its franchise, but reminded the media network that this congressional grant allowing it to continue its operations is a privilege, not a right, under the law.
“The advice of Speaker Alan (Peter Cayetano) to us was to make sure that we would be always fair and impartial in reviewing the application of ABS-CBN, or the application of any other public utility, for that matter. At the same time it is Congress' duty to accept complaints and hear issues brought up... or objection," Alvarez said.
“But we should all be reminded that under the law, the grant of a franchise is not a right, but a privilege,” Alvarez added. “This is why we have to hear all sides, and find out if ABS-CBN violated the provisions of its franchise."
Alvarez noted that the Supreme Court, in the case of Radio Communications Philippines Inc. v. National Telecommunications Commission, has already stated that the grant of a franchise is “merely a privilege emanating from the sovereign power of the state and owing its existence to a grant, is subject to regulation by the state itself by virtue of its police power through its administrative agencies.”
HUMAN RIGHTS ORG CALLS CONGRESS TO ACTION
An Asian human rights group, meanwhile, called on Congress to renew ABS-CBN's franchise and "resist pressure from the President to block efforts to do so."
In a statement, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-Asia) said the Philippines' Congress must "stand for freedom of the press" at a time of worsening attacks against the media and press freedom in the country.
"At a time when the international community recognizes the gravity of the violations committed in pursuit of the ‘war on drugs’ and efforts to promote accountability are slowly yielding results, Congress must prove itself capable of standing by its principles and promote the interests of the people. It must resist pressure from the executive and refuse to allow itself to be used to shield the President from accountability," said FORUM-Asia, which has 81 member organizations from 21 Asian countries.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/10/20/duterte-ally-intl-human-rights-org-back-calls-for-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
Sharon Cuneta 'prays' Duterte will reconsider ABS-CBN franchise renewal
The media giant's congressional franchise is set to expire on March 30, 2020
As the expiry of media giant ABS-CBN's congressional franchise draws nearer, one of the network's biggest stars, Sharon Cuneta, said she "prays" that President Rodrigo Duterte will reconsider his stand on the franchise's renewal.
Sharon, who renewed her contract with ABS-CBN on Thursday, January 9, called Duterte "tatay" or father. While the "megastar" is married to the head of the opposition Liberal Party, she is a known supporter of the President.
"I pray that our dear President reconsiders his decision about ABS-CBN. Not just because I renewed – I can always find a job – but everybody that I grew up with here – [those] who have remained loyal to the station, grown up here, have learned from the school of hard knocks here, have become family, good friends – will lose almost everything they've built over the years. And even those who might choose to stay, if indeed [it] unfortunately goes that way, it won't be the same."
"So I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of employees who have grown up here, learn the ropes here, and that includes me."
Duterte has threatened to block the passage of a law that would grant the station a congressional franchise. Back in April 2017, he accused the network of "swindling" him because they allegedly did not air his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential elections.
In December 2019, he once reiterated his threat, saying: "Ang iyong franchise mag-end next year. If you expect ma-renew 'yan, I'm sorry. I will see to it that you’re out." (Your franchise will end next year. If you expect it to be renewed, I'm sorry. I will see to it that you're out.)
In the Philippines, broadcast companies such as radio and television networks must obtain a franchise from Congress under Republic Act No. 3846.
The franchise bill needs approval by the House of Representatives before it is forwarded to the Senate. A version of the bill approved by both the House and the Senate will still require presidential approval.
ABS-CBN's current franchise, which was approved through Republic Act No. 7966 on March 30, 1995, is set to expire on March 30, 2020.
https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/248917-sharon-cuneta-prays-duterte-reconsider-decision-abs-cbn-franchise
As the expiry of media giant ABS-CBN's congressional franchise draws nearer, one of the network's biggest stars, Sharon Cuneta, said she "prays" that President Rodrigo Duterte will reconsider his stand on the franchise's renewal.
Sharon, who renewed her contract with ABS-CBN on Thursday, January 9, called Duterte "tatay" or father. While the "megastar" is married to the head of the opposition Liberal Party, she is a known supporter of the President.
"I pray that our dear President reconsiders his decision about ABS-CBN. Not just because I renewed – I can always find a job – but everybody that I grew up with here – [those] who have remained loyal to the station, grown up here, have learned from the school of hard knocks here, have become family, good friends – will lose almost everything they've built over the years. And even those who might choose to stay, if indeed [it] unfortunately goes that way, it won't be the same."
"So I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of employees who have grown up here, learn the ropes here, and that includes me."
Duterte has threatened to block the passage of a law that would grant the station a congressional franchise. Back in April 2017, he accused the network of "swindling" him because they allegedly did not air his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential elections.
In December 2019, he once reiterated his threat, saying: "Ang iyong franchise mag-end next year. If you expect ma-renew 'yan, I'm sorry. I will see to it that you’re out." (Your franchise will end next year. If you expect it to be renewed, I'm sorry. I will see to it that you're out.)
In the Philippines, broadcast companies such as radio and television networks must obtain a franchise from Congress under Republic Act No. 3846.
The franchise bill needs approval by the House of Representatives before it is forwarded to the Senate. A version of the bill approved by both the House and the Senate will still require presidential approval.
ABS-CBN's current franchise, which was approved through Republic Act No. 7966 on March 30, 1995, is set to expire on March 30, 2020.
https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/248917-sharon-cuneta-prays-duterte-reconsider-decision-abs-cbn-franchise
Megastar renews ABS CBN contract, asks Duterte to reconsider franchise
MEGASTAR Sharon Cuneta has renewed her contract with ABS-CBN for another year despite earlier indications on social media that she is contemplating retirement after over four decades in show business.
At the same time, the Megastar took the opportunity to appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider the renewal of the TV network’s franchise that is due to expire in March 2020.
Cuneta—unlike most celebrities who would rather keep mum on the franchise renewal woes of ABS-CBN—surprised everyone by sending a direct message to the President.
“I’ll just say this before saying goodbye—I pray that our dear President reconsiders his decision about ABS-CBN, not just because I just renewed I can always find a job.
“But because everybody I grew up with here—who have remained loyal to the station and have grown up here having learned from the school of hard knocks and have become family and good friends—will lose almost everything they’ve built over the years,
“And even those that might choose to stay—if indeed, unfortunately goes that way—it won’t be the same,
“So, I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of Filipinos who have grown up here and learned the ropes here, and that includes me,” Cuneta said.
Speaking about her retirement, the movie and music icon said that whenever she would verbalize her feelings about slowing down from the industry where she has practically lived her entire life — Cuneta — who started singing professionally at the age of 12 — finds an avalanche of offers coming her way.
“Sabi ko nga kay (I tell the) Lord, [it seems] every time I tell Him that I’d retire, He sends something my way. The first time around, He sent me ‘Madrasta’ [the 1996 Olivia Lamasan blockbuster], tapos (after) when ZZ, I’d say it again, may concert naman (a concert comes along),” the Megastar said. “But kahit anong gawin ko basta may pagkakataon (no matter what I do, as long as there is an opportunity), I try to be a good Christian, a good daughter and, so I listen to Him and I glorify Him. That’s how I see it.”
One of the most prominent stars of the country who just turned 54 on January 6 added, “Ang target kong (My target) retirement really is when I turn 55, which is next year.”
However, based on the projects she’ll take on this 2020, slowing down by then will still be impossible.
For television, Cuneta is soon to return to the Philippine franchise of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” with fellow OPM greats Gary Valenciano and Ogie Alcasid. Movie-wise, she has seven projects in the pipeline, while a solo concert tour in Australia awaits her in February and a North American tour of her Aliw Award-winning collaboration with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez is already locked for May.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Cuneta took a deep breath. “I can’t imagine completing seven movies in a year, and there’s also talk of a teleserye but it’s just a possibility for now.”
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/09/second-headline/megastar-renews-contract-with-abs-cbn-asks-duterte-to-reconsider-franchise/673040/
At the same time, the Megastar took the opportunity to appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider the renewal of the TV network’s franchise that is due to expire in March 2020.
Cuneta—unlike most celebrities who would rather keep mum on the franchise renewal woes of ABS-CBN—surprised everyone by sending a direct message to the President.
“I’ll just say this before saying goodbye—I pray that our dear President reconsiders his decision about ABS-CBN, not just because I just renewed I can always find a job.
“But because everybody I grew up with here—who have remained loyal to the station and have grown up here having learned from the school of hard knocks and have become family and good friends—will lose almost everything they’ve built over the years,
“And even those that might choose to stay—if indeed, unfortunately goes that way—it won’t be the same,
“So, I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of Filipinos who have grown up here and learned the ropes here, and that includes me,” Cuneta said.
Speaking about her retirement, the movie and music icon said that whenever she would verbalize her feelings about slowing down from the industry where she has practically lived her entire life — Cuneta — who started singing professionally at the age of 12 — finds an avalanche of offers coming her way.
“Sabi ko nga kay (I tell the) Lord, [it seems] every time I tell Him that I’d retire, He sends something my way. The first time around, He sent me ‘Madrasta’ [the 1996 Olivia Lamasan blockbuster], tapos (after) when ZZ, I’d say it again, may concert naman (a concert comes along),” the Megastar said. “But kahit anong gawin ko basta may pagkakataon (no matter what I do, as long as there is an opportunity), I try to be a good Christian, a good daughter and, so I listen to Him and I glorify Him. That’s how I see it.”
One of the most prominent stars of the country who just turned 54 on January 6 added, “Ang target kong (My target) retirement really is when I turn 55, which is next year.”
However, based on the projects she’ll take on this 2020, slowing down by then will still be impossible.
For television, Cuneta is soon to return to the Philippine franchise of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” with fellow OPM greats Gary Valenciano and Ogie Alcasid. Movie-wise, she has seven projects in the pipeline, while a solo concert tour in Australia awaits her in February and a North American tour of her Aliw Award-winning collaboration with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez is already locked for May.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Cuneta took a deep breath. “I can’t imagine completing seven movies in a year, and there’s also talk of a teleserye but it’s just a possibility for now.”
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/09/second-headline/megastar-renews-contract-with-abs-cbn-asks-duterte-to-reconsider-franchise/673040/