President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he will still stop media network ABS-CBN Corporation from operating even after it secures a franchise from Congress until it could settle its alleged unpaid taxes.
During this public address on Monday evening, he disclosed he will not interfere if the House of Representatives will decide to issue a franchise to ABS-CBN since he noted it is part of its powers.
However, the President said he will ask the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to stop the Lopez-owned media network from going back on air.
He pointed out this is because the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) purportedly condoned the loans of several Lopez holdings.
“I will ignore your franchise and I will not give them the licence to operate. That is nonsense. It is like you give them prize for committing criminal acts,” Duterte said.
Ombudsman investigation
Last month, DBP already belied allegations of some lawmakers that there were any irregularity in its disposal of the non-performing assets of the Lopez Group worth P1.6 billion in 2006.
DBP stressed no less than the Commission on Audit (COA) found no irregularity in its handling of the Lopez loans.
Duterte, however, said he was handed evidence stating otherwise.
“I think I will pass it [evidence] on to the Ombudsman. For me, the Ombudsman is the best independent body to resolve this since it involves government funds,” Duterte said.
Last year, the House rejected the renewal of the ABS-CBN’s franchise citing the media broadcasting network’s alleged violations of the law including engaging in illegal contractualization scheme, foreign ownership, non-compliance with the terms of its franchise; and using a dummy company.
The denial of its franchise caused extensive disruption in the operation and revenue stream of ABS-CBN.
It would keep GMA as the sole free TV network in the country.
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