The House of Representatives on Tuesday abandoned a bill that would have reopened ABS-CBN sooner rather than later, opting instead to take the longer route of committee deliberations, which could keep the broadcast network off the air much longer.
The decision, hammered out during an afternoon majority caucus, was a complete departure from Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s proposed provisional franchise, which was already passed on second reading last week.
Instead of tackling a temporary franchise bill until October this year, congressmen decided to take up the network’s long-pending application of a new 25-year operating franchise.
“I, together with the House of Representatives’ leadership, have decided to forego with the provisional franchise and immediately proceed with the hearings on the full 25-year renewal application of the ABS-CBN franchise,” Cayetano said during the plenary session.
Cayetano promised to “immediately proceed” with hearings by the Committee on Legislative Franchises, which did not prioritize the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bills until it expired last May 4.
Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who backed the interim franchise bill, said both chambers of Congress were not likely to finish the approval process for a regular franchise, given only 8 session days before they go on sine die break on June 6.
“I’m afraid of the lack of material time,” he told ABS-CBN News. “Kung di matapos by June 3, mahihirapan talaga. Mas matagal nakasara.”
Congress will resume session on July 27 for President Duterte's 5th State of the Nation Address.
INORDINATE DELAY
Prior to the majority caucus, minority Rep. Edcel Lagman warned Cayetano that abandoning the provisional franchise “would gravely compound the inordinate delay in the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.”
The House dropped the temporary franchise bill following heated debates on Monday when several congressmen cited complaints over ABS-CBN’s alleged violations of its old franchises.
Some congressmen complained about the swift pace with which the House was pushing the approval of ABS-CBN’s temporary franchise.
Others sought deliberations on a regular 25-year franchise, instead of a provisional one, which was tackled by the House constituted as a Committee of the Whole.
Following Tuesday’s caucus, the majority agreed that issues raised against the network were “quite credible and quite important” and should be “best ventilated and threshed out” before the legislative franchises committee, said Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Cayetano laid down “non-negotiable ground rules” before the committee would tackle ABS-CBN’s franchise, citing the need to focus on defeating the coronavirus pandemic.
Congressmen, he said, would “multi-task” and should vote on the franchise bill in accordance with their conscience and not their politics.”
Cayetano also insisted that committee hearings would be “fair, impartial, comprehensive, and thorough."
SHORT-LIVED
The short-lived provisional franchise proposal was recalled on Monday following concerns that its one-day approval on first and second reading last week violated the constitution, which requires separate days.
But instead of going through the formalities of another second reading, going through a period of debates and individual amendments, the chamber suspended deliberations in the evening.
At a Senate hearing the following day, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak said the network’s objective was “hopefully to secure a 25-year franchise.”
“But if securing a short-term franchise is the fastest way to go back on air, then we have no objection to that,” he said.
Katigbak also warned that the company might consider laying off employees by August if it failed to resume its free TV and radio broadcast. At risk are over 11,000 jobs.
"We continue to lose a substantial amount of money every month and I'm afraid that if we cannot get back on air soon, by August we may already have to consider beginning a retrenchment process," he said.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/19/20/abs-cbn-reopening-delay-seen-with-new-house-tack
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
House drops ABS-CBN's provisional franchise, to tackle bills for 25-year license
The House of Representatives on Tuesday decided to stop deliberations on a provisional franchise for ABS-CBN Corp, opting instead to hear bills for a 25-year franchise.
Speaking to the plenary, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said they have decided to forego the provisional franchise- a proposal he led giving ABS-CBN license until October 2020- citing the divisiveness it has brought to the chamber.
"Because of all this divisiveness and after consulting with the members of the House, the political parties, and the regional groups… I, together with the House of Representatives leadership have decided to forego with the provisional franchise, and immediately proceed with the hearings for the full 25-year renewal application of the ABS-CBN franchise," he said.
The proposed provisional franchise was passed on first and second reading on the same day last week, but the House opted to reopen the period of debates and amendments Monday to avoid possible legal questions.
Cayetano said the bills for the ABS-CBN franchise renewal will be tackled by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
He said the panel should "immediately and continuously hold hearings until everyone is heard." The chamber is set to go on break on June 5 and will come back when session reopens in the fourth week of July, when the President delivers his State of the Nation Address.
"And after everyone is heard, then we can decide," he said.
In his proposal last week, Cayetano said granting ABS-CBN provisional franchise would allow Congress to focus on response to the coronavirus pandemic and time to thoroughly discuss issues against ABS-CBN.
On Monday, lawmakers raised charges ABS-CBN has already answered in a Senate hearing in February, including tax and labor issues of which government officials have themselves cleared the network.
ABS-CBN's broadcast operations were halted on May 5 on orders of the National Telecommunications Commission, which issued a cease and desist order after the network's franchise lapsed on May 4.
Bills for the renewal of ABS-CBN's broadcast license have been pending for years. Its shutdown puts at risk some 11,000 jobs, with the network's President and CEO Carlo Katigbak telling a Senate hearing earlier Tuesday that it may consider layoffs by August if it remains off the air.
More details to follow.
- report from Rose Carmelle Lacuata, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/19/20/house-drops-abs-cbns-provisional-franchise-to-tackle-bills-for-25-year-license
Speaking to the plenary, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said they have decided to forego the provisional franchise- a proposal he led giving ABS-CBN license until October 2020- citing the divisiveness it has brought to the chamber.
"Because of all this divisiveness and after consulting with the members of the House, the political parties, and the regional groups… I, together with the House of Representatives leadership have decided to forego with the provisional franchise, and immediately proceed with the hearings for the full 25-year renewal application of the ABS-CBN franchise," he said.
The proposed provisional franchise was passed on first and second reading on the same day last week, but the House opted to reopen the period of debates and amendments Monday to avoid possible legal questions.
Cayetano said the bills for the ABS-CBN franchise renewal will be tackled by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
He said the panel should "immediately and continuously hold hearings until everyone is heard." The chamber is set to go on break on June 5 and will come back when session reopens in the fourth week of July, when the President delivers his State of the Nation Address.
"And after everyone is heard, then we can decide," he said.
In his proposal last week, Cayetano said granting ABS-CBN provisional franchise would allow Congress to focus on response to the coronavirus pandemic and time to thoroughly discuss issues against ABS-CBN.
On Monday, lawmakers raised charges ABS-CBN has already answered in a Senate hearing in February, including tax and labor issues of which government officials have themselves cleared the network.
ABS-CBN's broadcast operations were halted on May 5 on orders of the National Telecommunications Commission, which issued a cease and desist order after the network's franchise lapsed on May 4.
Bills for the renewal of ABS-CBN's broadcast license have been pending for years. Its shutdown puts at risk some 11,000 jobs, with the network's President and CEO Carlo Katigbak telling a Senate hearing earlier Tuesday that it may consider layoffs by August if it remains off the air.
More details to follow.
- report from Rose Carmelle Lacuata, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/19/20/house-drops-abs-cbns-provisional-franchise-to-tackle-bills-for-25-year-license
Enrile: Why can’t Congress grant 25-year franchise to ABS-CBN?
Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile warned Tuesday that Congress would risk “emasculating” the constitution should it go for a temporary franchise allowing broadcast network ABS-CBN to resume its free TV and radio operations.
Enrile said the legislature should instead tackle a 25-year franchise for the shuttered network, saying there should be “permanence” in the legislative grant.
“Why can you not give a permanent franchise to ABS-CBN right away, conduct a day-and-night hearing… instead of playing with the constitution by granting a temporary franchise? he told a Senate inquiry.
“If Congress can grant a temporary franchise, what is the compelling reason for Congress not to grant a permanent franchise with a reasonable period of 25 years?”
Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Congress could decide on the length of the franchise using its “plenary powers” so long the period would not exceed the 50-year limit in the constitution.
A number of senators expressed reservations on the Senate hearing on ABS-CBN’s franchise since the House of Representatives has yet to approve its version. Under the Constitution, private bills such as the network’s franchise application must emanate from the House.
“This hearing might be premature,” said Sen. Francis Tolentino.
But Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who presided over the inquiry as the committee’s vice chairman, said the hearing was “anticipatory.”
Enrile acknowledged Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s concern that senators might face a “constitutional challenge” in case they agreed to the House proposal of a provisional franchise for ABS-CBN.
But amending the period to cover a full 25-year franchise will be “perfectly okay,” Enrile said.
Enrile said Congress should also consider the pending case against ABS-CBN before the Supreme Court, warning it “complicates” its deliberations on franchise renewal bills.
“If the Supreme Court will decide adversely against ABS-CBN, what will happen to the legislative action of Congress granting a new franchise to ABS-CBN?” he said.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/19/20/enrile-why-cant-congress-grant-25-year-franchise-to-abs-cbn
Enrile said the legislature should instead tackle a 25-year franchise for the shuttered network, saying there should be “permanence” in the legislative grant.
“Why can you not give a permanent franchise to ABS-CBN right away, conduct a day-and-night hearing… instead of playing with the constitution by granting a temporary franchise? he told a Senate inquiry.
“If Congress can grant a temporary franchise, what is the compelling reason for Congress not to grant a permanent franchise with a reasonable period of 25 years?”
Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Congress could decide on the length of the franchise using its “plenary powers” so long the period would not exceed the 50-year limit in the constitution.
A number of senators expressed reservations on the Senate hearing on ABS-CBN’s franchise since the House of Representatives has yet to approve its version. Under the Constitution, private bills such as the network’s franchise application must emanate from the House.
“This hearing might be premature,” said Sen. Francis Tolentino.
But Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who presided over the inquiry as the committee’s vice chairman, said the hearing was “anticipatory.”
Enrile acknowledged Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s concern that senators might face a “constitutional challenge” in case they agreed to the House proposal of a provisional franchise for ABS-CBN.
But amending the period to cover a full 25-year franchise will be “perfectly okay,” Enrile said.
Enrile said Congress should also consider the pending case against ABS-CBN before the Supreme Court, warning it “complicates” its deliberations on franchise renewal bills.
“If the Supreme Court will decide adversely against ABS-CBN, what will happen to the legislative action of Congress granting a new franchise to ABS-CBN?” he said.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/19/20/enrile-why-cant-congress-grant-25-year-franchise-to-abs-cbn
ABS-CBN may 'consider' retrenchment by August if it fails to resume airing: CEO
(2nd UPDATE) - ABS-CBN Corp may "consider" retrenching workers by August if it fails to resume broadcast soon, President and CEO Carlo Katigbak told a franchise hearing at the Senate Tuesday.
"We continue to lose a substantial amount of money every month and I'm afraid that if we cannot get back on air soon, by August, we may already have to consider beginning a retrenchment process," ABS-CBN CEO and President Carlo Katigbak told senators.
The broadcaster earlier told employees that it "would not take away any jobs for 3 months" following its May 5 shutdown, given "the difficult economic situation" that the coronavirus pandemic spawned, he said.
"We felt it would be very, very painful to put our employees out on the street without them having an idea as to how they can continue earning a living and continue to feed their families," Katigbak said.
"But unfortunately, we cannot make that commitment open-ended because we are also limited by financial constraints," he added.
ABS-CBN has been losing P30-35 million in advertising revenues daily since regulators forced it off air.
If this "severe financial hemorrhage" continues, ABS-CBN told the Supreme Court in an urgent motion Monday that it "may be constrained to eventually let go of workers, reduce salaries and benefits, and substantially cut down on costs and expenses."
QUICKEST WAY BACK ON AIR
The National Telecommunications Commission, under oath, told lawmakers in March that it would let the country's top broadcaster operate provisionally beyond the May 4 expiration of its license, while bills for its franchise renewal stalled in Congress.
But days after Solicitor General Jose Calida warned NTC officials that they could face graft charges if they gave ABS-CBN a provisional permit, the regulator ordered the 65-year-old media outfit to stop its broadcast operations due to its expired license.
A bill giving ABS-CBN a provisional franchise until Oct. 31 is scheduled for second reading at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Senators said they would pass the bill before Congress goes on break in June, after which it would go to the Office of the President for signing.
"It is critical from a financial standpoint and from an employee welfare standpoint that we go back on air as quickly as possible," said ABS-CBN's Katigbak.
"If a provisional franchise until October is the quickest way to get us back on air, then we accept, with the hopes of course that we continue hearings to grant us the 25-year franchise," he said.
EMPLOYEE WELFARE
ABS-CBN gives its workers "pay and benefits that are above what the government has mandated and above what the industry is paying," Katigbak said.
"We commit that we will continue doing whatever we can to take care of employees to continuously better their compensation as the business improves," he said.
"It’s just that very difficult for us to have that discussion today…given the fact that we’re facing 2 very significant business challenges. As soon as we get back on air and as soon as business normalizes it would be easier for us to have those discussions at that point in time," he added.
The outfit's broadcast halt this month was the first since it was forced to sign off when martial law was declared in 1972.
The network has since asked the Supreme Court to block the NTC's cease-and-desist order.
news.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/19/20/abs-cbn-may-consider-retrenchment-by-august-if-it-fails-to-resume-airing-ceo
"We continue to lose a substantial amount of money every month and I'm afraid that if we cannot get back on air soon, by August, we may already have to consider beginning a retrenchment process," ABS-CBN CEO and President Carlo Katigbak told senators.
The broadcaster earlier told employees that it "would not take away any jobs for 3 months" following its May 5 shutdown, given "the difficult economic situation" that the coronavirus pandemic spawned, he said.
"We felt it would be very, very painful to put our employees out on the street without them having an idea as to how they can continue earning a living and continue to feed their families," Katigbak said.
"But unfortunately, we cannot make that commitment open-ended because we are also limited by financial constraints," he added.
ABS-CBN has been losing P30-35 million in advertising revenues daily since regulators forced it off air.
If this "severe financial hemorrhage" continues, ABS-CBN told the Supreme Court in an urgent motion Monday that it "may be constrained to eventually let go of workers, reduce salaries and benefits, and substantially cut down on costs and expenses."
QUICKEST WAY BACK ON AIR
The National Telecommunications Commission, under oath, told lawmakers in March that it would let the country's top broadcaster operate provisionally beyond the May 4 expiration of its license, while bills for its franchise renewal stalled in Congress.
But days after Solicitor General Jose Calida warned NTC officials that they could face graft charges if they gave ABS-CBN a provisional permit, the regulator ordered the 65-year-old media outfit to stop its broadcast operations due to its expired license.
A bill giving ABS-CBN a provisional franchise until Oct. 31 is scheduled for second reading at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Senators said they would pass the bill before Congress goes on break in June, after which it would go to the Office of the President for signing.
"It is critical from a financial standpoint and from an employee welfare standpoint that we go back on air as quickly as possible," said ABS-CBN's Katigbak.
"If a provisional franchise until October is the quickest way to get us back on air, then we accept, with the hopes of course that we continue hearings to grant us the 25-year franchise," he said.
EMPLOYEE WELFARE
ABS-CBN gives its workers "pay and benefits that are above what the government has mandated and above what the industry is paying," Katigbak said.
"We commit that we will continue doing whatever we can to take care of employees to continuously better their compensation as the business improves," he said.
"It’s just that very difficult for us to have that discussion today…given the fact that we’re facing 2 very significant business challenges. As soon as we get back on air and as soon as business normalizes it would be easier for us to have those discussions at that point in time," he added.
The outfit's broadcast halt this month was the first since it was forced to sign off when martial law was declared in 1972.
The network has since asked the Supreme Court to block the NTC's cease-and-desist order.
news.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/19/20/abs-cbn-may-consider-retrenchment-by-august-if-it-fails-to-resume-airing-ceo
Monday, May 18, 2020
ABS-CBN asks NTC to suspend proceedings seeking to recall its frequencies
ABS-CBN to NTC: No reason to hastily recall frequencies as Congress hinted grant of franchise
MANILA -- There is no basis for the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to hastily recall the frequencies assigned to ABS-CBN Corp. as it would turn out to be useless and costly, the media giant told the regulatory body last Friday.
"Recent developments in Congress...strongly indicate that ABS-CBN will soon be granted a new legislative franchise and will be able to resume operations," ABS-CBN said in its Verified Answer and Compliance.
Instead, ABS-CBN asked the NTC to suspend its proceedings pending the resolution of the network's petition before the Supreme Court.
The NTC, on May 5, gave the network 10 days to explain why the frequencies assigned to it should not be recalled as it ordered the ABS-CBN, DZMM and all its stations nationwide to immediately cease its broadcasts. The network complied with the cease and desist order.
The order covered 23 AM and FM radio stations, 42 analog TV stations and 10 DTV stations across the country.
On May 13, the House of Representatives passed on second reading House Bill No. 6732 which seeks to grant ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to operate until October 31 this year.
According to the network, the Senate, which is expected to also pass the bill, and the President, who will sign it, have indicated the grant of a franchise to ABS-CBN.
"An order to recall ABS-CBN's existing frequencies at this time will not only be useless but will even be wasteful," it argued, explaining that recalling ABS-CBN's frequencies would mean that the network would not be able to resume its broadcasts immediately.
"Worse, if the frequencies were to be reassigned to a third party, ABS-CBN would have to comply with all the regulatory processes for transferring to a new set of frequencies, even assuming that there would be available frequencies. ABS-CBN would also have to incur significant capital expenditures for re-tuning its equipment or replacing its broadcast system," it explained.
The network also said allowing ABS-CBN to continue operating is consistent with legislative intent, Congress having the sole power to grant and renew legislative franchises.
SUSPEND PROCEEDINGS
Rather than continue with the recall proceedings, ABS-CBN said the NTC should halt its proceedings as a matter of judicial courtesy, invoking the same reason NTC said in its response to the House of Representatives' show cause order.
The House had asked the NTC to explain why it should not be cited for disobeying its order to issue a provisional authority to ABS-CBN and instead issued a CDO.
The network cited its pending petition before the Supreme Court.
"While the relief sought before the Supreme Court is distinct, some arguments on the invalidity of the CDO are inextricably intertwined with the issue of whether this Honorable Commission should recall ABS-CBN's existing frequencies, in particular: (a) that due deference should have been accorded by this Honorable Commission to the legislature's exercise of its plenary power, and (b) that the Honorable Commission deviated from past practice and violated ABS-CBN's right to equal protection of the laws," it said.
"Due respect for the Supreme Court and practical and ethical considerations, therefore, dictate that that this Honorable Commission await the final determination of ABS-CBN's Petition in G.R. No. 252119 before proceeding with the instant case."
On Monday, ABS-CBN urged the Supreme Court to act on its plea for a temporary restraining order to halt the implementation of the NTC's cease and desist order and bring it back to air in a bid to stem P30-35 million pesos in revenue losses every day and save the jobs of its 11,000 workers.
ABS-CBN also reminded the NTC to comply with the requirements of procedural due process such as the right to a hearing before its frequencies can be recalled.
In its Supreme Court petition, it said its right to due process was violated when it was not notified nor heard prior to the issuance of the closure order.
"[T]he recall of ABS-CBN's frequencies at this time would serve no useful purpose, in light of the forthcoming grant of a franchise and the pendency of a case with similar issues before the Supreme Court," the network stressed.
"In fact, the recall could only be detrimental to the public interest, as it would hamper the ability of ABS-CBN to immediately resume serving the public through its broadcasts, once the franchise is granted."
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/18/20/abs-cbn-asks-ntc-to-suspend-proceedings-seeking-to-recall-its-frequencies
MANILA -- There is no basis for the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to hastily recall the frequencies assigned to ABS-CBN Corp. as it would turn out to be useless and costly, the media giant told the regulatory body last Friday.
"Recent developments in Congress...strongly indicate that ABS-CBN will soon be granted a new legislative franchise and will be able to resume operations," ABS-CBN said in its Verified Answer and Compliance.
Instead, ABS-CBN asked the NTC to suspend its proceedings pending the resolution of the network's petition before the Supreme Court.
The NTC, on May 5, gave the network 10 days to explain why the frequencies assigned to it should not be recalled as it ordered the ABS-CBN, DZMM and all its stations nationwide to immediately cease its broadcasts. The network complied with the cease and desist order.
The order covered 23 AM and FM radio stations, 42 analog TV stations and 10 DTV stations across the country.
On May 13, the House of Representatives passed on second reading House Bill No. 6732 which seeks to grant ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to operate until October 31 this year.
According to the network, the Senate, which is expected to also pass the bill, and the President, who will sign it, have indicated the grant of a franchise to ABS-CBN.
"An order to recall ABS-CBN's existing frequencies at this time will not only be useless but will even be wasteful," it argued, explaining that recalling ABS-CBN's frequencies would mean that the network would not be able to resume its broadcasts immediately.
"Worse, if the frequencies were to be reassigned to a third party, ABS-CBN would have to comply with all the regulatory processes for transferring to a new set of frequencies, even assuming that there would be available frequencies. ABS-CBN would also have to incur significant capital expenditures for re-tuning its equipment or replacing its broadcast system," it explained.
The network also said allowing ABS-CBN to continue operating is consistent with legislative intent, Congress having the sole power to grant and renew legislative franchises.
SUSPEND PROCEEDINGS
Rather than continue with the recall proceedings, ABS-CBN said the NTC should halt its proceedings as a matter of judicial courtesy, invoking the same reason NTC said in its response to the House of Representatives' show cause order.
The House had asked the NTC to explain why it should not be cited for disobeying its order to issue a provisional authority to ABS-CBN and instead issued a CDO.
The network cited its pending petition before the Supreme Court.
"While the relief sought before the Supreme Court is distinct, some arguments on the invalidity of the CDO are inextricably intertwined with the issue of whether this Honorable Commission should recall ABS-CBN's existing frequencies, in particular: (a) that due deference should have been accorded by this Honorable Commission to the legislature's exercise of its plenary power, and (b) that the Honorable Commission deviated from past practice and violated ABS-CBN's right to equal protection of the laws," it said.
"Due respect for the Supreme Court and practical and ethical considerations, therefore, dictate that that this Honorable Commission await the final determination of ABS-CBN's Petition in G.R. No. 252119 before proceeding with the instant case."
On Monday, ABS-CBN urged the Supreme Court to act on its plea for a temporary restraining order to halt the implementation of the NTC's cease and desist order and bring it back to air in a bid to stem P30-35 million pesos in revenue losses every day and save the jobs of its 11,000 workers.
ABS-CBN also reminded the NTC to comply with the requirements of procedural due process such as the right to a hearing before its frequencies can be recalled.
In its Supreme Court petition, it said its right to due process was violated when it was not notified nor heard prior to the issuance of the closure order.
"[T]he recall of ABS-CBN's frequencies at this time would serve no useful purpose, in light of the forthcoming grant of a franchise and the pendency of a case with similar issues before the Supreme Court," the network stressed.
"In fact, the recall could only be detrimental to the public interest, as it would hamper the ability of ABS-CBN to immediately resume serving the public through its broadcasts, once the franchise is granted."
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/18/20/abs-cbn-asks-ntc-to-suspend-proceedings-seeking-to-recall-its-frequencies
ABS-CBN urges Supreme Court to stop shutdown immediately, protect 11,000 workers
ABS-CBN Corp on Monday urged the Supreme Court to immediately act on its plea to resume its broadcast operation in a bid to stop millions of pesos in revenue loss and protect the jobs of 11,000 workers.
The country's top broadcaster said it had lost P30 to P35 million in advertising revenues daily since the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) forced it off air last May 5 over its stalled franchise renewal in Congress.
"If this severe financial hemorrhage is not stopped, ABS-CBN may be constrained to eventually let go of workers, reduce salaries and benefits, and substantially cut down on costs and expenses," the network said in a motion filed before the Supreme Court.
ABS-CBN on May 7 filed petition for the high court to stop the NTC's cease and desist order. The Supreme Court will tackle the petition on Tuesday, May 19.
In its motion, the media giant said the Court had granted temporary restraining orders (TRO) in the past where it found irreparable damage which could lead to tremendous loss or even closure of a business and where there is no assurance that a company can recover from the losses.
It also cited public interest as a ground for the issuance of the TRO or a writ of preliminary injunction, noting that ABS-CBN employed 11,000 workers throughout its various subsidiaries and affiliates.
Its shutdown, its lawyers argued, also affects third parties like talents, content creators, security guards, canteen helpers, drivers, utility personnel, even the multibillion-peso advertising industry which spends 75 percent of its P151-billion business into television.
ABS-CBN also invoked its contributions to Philippine society: P70.5 billion in taxes paid from 2003 to 2020; providing needed information to 99 percent of households in the Philippine, 70% of whom tuned in to ABS-CBN in 2019.
"With ABS-CBN's unparalleled reach, it is imperative that ABS-CBN be on air to give timely and reliable information to the public, especially in light of the current public health emergency and the natural calamities that regularly threaten the country, such as typhoons, earthquakes and floods," it said.
The network also noted that is has raised P237 million to fund response to the coronavirus pandemic but fund raising efforts have been curtailed by the CDO.
ABS-CBN shares fell by 9.6 percent as it resumed trading on Monday, down to P15.82 per share from P17.50 on May 5 when the CDO was served. Analysts predict it could go as low as P12.25 per share.
PROVISIONAL FRANCHISE BILL
While the network acknowledged efforts in Congress to pass a provisional franchise to allow it to operate until October 31 this year, it said it would still take time before House Bill No. 6732 is passed into law and it will still go through approval in the Senate and by the President as well as publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
"Moreover, ABS-CBN will, thereafter, have to seek and obtain from the NTC the necessary permits to operate. This may take some week, if not months," it said.
"In the meantime, ABS-CBN, its employees, various stakeholders, and the general public will continue to suffer grave and irreparable injury as a result of the Cease and Desist Order issued by the NTC."
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez earlier said he would ask House leaders on Monday to recall the approval of the bill on second reading to prevent questions on its constitutionality.
Rodriguez also said he wanted to amend a provision that required ABS-CBN to allot 10 percent of its advertisement airtime to "public service time for the judiciary, for the executive, for the legislature, for the constitutional commission."
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/18/20/abs-cbn-urges-supreme-court-to-stop-shutdown-immediately-protect-11000-workers
The country's top broadcaster said it had lost P30 to P35 million in advertising revenues daily since the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) forced it off air last May 5 over its stalled franchise renewal in Congress.
"If this severe financial hemorrhage is not stopped, ABS-CBN may be constrained to eventually let go of workers, reduce salaries and benefits, and substantially cut down on costs and expenses," the network said in a motion filed before the Supreme Court.
ABS-CBN on May 7 filed petition for the high court to stop the NTC's cease and desist order. The Supreme Court will tackle the petition on Tuesday, May 19.
In its motion, the media giant said the Court had granted temporary restraining orders (TRO) in the past where it found irreparable damage which could lead to tremendous loss or even closure of a business and where there is no assurance that a company can recover from the losses.
It also cited public interest as a ground for the issuance of the TRO or a writ of preliminary injunction, noting that ABS-CBN employed 11,000 workers throughout its various subsidiaries and affiliates.
Its shutdown, its lawyers argued, also affects third parties like talents, content creators, security guards, canteen helpers, drivers, utility personnel, even the multibillion-peso advertising industry which spends 75 percent of its P151-billion business into television.
ABS-CBN also invoked its contributions to Philippine society: P70.5 billion in taxes paid from 2003 to 2020; providing needed information to 99 percent of households in the Philippine, 70% of whom tuned in to ABS-CBN in 2019.
"With ABS-CBN's unparalleled reach, it is imperative that ABS-CBN be on air to give timely and reliable information to the public, especially in light of the current public health emergency and the natural calamities that regularly threaten the country, such as typhoons, earthquakes and floods," it said.
The network also noted that is has raised P237 million to fund response to the coronavirus pandemic but fund raising efforts have been curtailed by the CDO.
ABS-CBN shares fell by 9.6 percent as it resumed trading on Monday, down to P15.82 per share from P17.50 on May 5 when the CDO was served. Analysts predict it could go as low as P12.25 per share.
PROVISIONAL FRANCHISE BILL
While the network acknowledged efforts in Congress to pass a provisional franchise to allow it to operate until October 31 this year, it said it would still take time before House Bill No. 6732 is passed into law and it will still go through approval in the Senate and by the President as well as publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
"Moreover, ABS-CBN will, thereafter, have to seek and obtain from the NTC the necessary permits to operate. This may take some week, if not months," it said.
"In the meantime, ABS-CBN, its employees, various stakeholders, and the general public will continue to suffer grave and irreparable injury as a result of the Cease and Desist Order issued by the NTC."
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez earlier said he would ask House leaders on Monday to recall the approval of the bill on second reading to prevent questions on its constitutionality.
Rodriguez also said he wanted to amend a provision that required ABS-CBN to allot 10 percent of its advertisement airtime to "public service time for the judiciary, for the executive, for the legislature, for the constitutional commission."
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/18/20/abs-cbn-urges-supreme-court-to-stop-shutdown-immediately-protect-11000-workers
House bill on Kapamilya franchise a welcome development
Thank you, Our Lady of Fatima! On May 13, her feast day, ABS-CBN got its Provisional License from Congress with House Bill 6732, authored by Congressmen Alan Peter Cayetano, Boyet Gonzalez, Raneo Abu, Robbie Puno, Dan Fernandez, LRay Villafuerte, Martin Romualdez and Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado.
The bill allows the network to operate until Oct. 31, 2020. An optimistic and expeditious timeline starts today, May 18, where congress is expected to have its third and final reading, after which the bill will be transmitted to the Senate tomorrow, May 19. On May 20, the Senate will have its first hearing, its second reading on May 25, and its third and final reading on June 1.
Hopefully, both houses will ratify the bill by June 3 and then submit it to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte for his signature. The president then has three options: One, sign it into law; two, veto it; and three, not sign it and wait 30 days until it automatically becomes a law. Barring any delays or objections, ABS-CBN will be back on air by the first week of June. In the interim, the House of Representatives and the Senate will start deliberating on the franchise renewal good for 25 years.
This is a very welcome development since ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5. Social media was flooded with messages of sympathy, support and love for the network. On the other hand, many netizens also gloated and criticized the network, rejoicing at ABS-CBN’s plight. The network became a divisive issue that added more stress and anxiety during this pandemic, especially to loyal viewers and listeners of ABS-CBN and DZMM who only have free TV and radio to rely on for their news and entertainment. At least TV Patrol and Teleradyo are still available online and on SkyCable Channel 26 and TV Plus Channel 5.
There is also a chance that ABS-CBN can go back on air sooner if the Supreme Court issues a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) earlier filed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against the network. Several legal luminaries have expressed that what NTC did was a clear violation of due process. It blatantly disregarded the power of Congress, which has the sole authority to revoke and issue franchises. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will come out with a favorable decision.
The clamor for ABS-CBN to return has been overwhelming. As I write this (on May 15), signal No. 3 has been raised over Samar and Sorsogon because of Typhoon Ambo, which has brought heavy rains and strong winds. There are some remote areas in these regions that rely solely on the radio for news. Sadly, because ABS-CBN is off the air there, those who reside in these remote areas will not be getting the accurate weather updates and pandemic situationers. They count on us to deliver. The loyal viewers of our teleseryes are also undoubtedly restless at this time, the hours seeming longer because entertainment options are limited or absent.
At this point, however, all we can do is wait for our lawmakers to conduct fair and impartial hearings, and pray fervently and relentlessly that our lawmakers are blessed with discernment, propriety and compassion for the majority.
OKS gives Kapamilya a new viewing experience
Beginning May 20, Kapamilya will be able to enjoy a new digital channel called OKS (Online Kapamilya Shows), a straight-to-digital website housed in abscbn.com. Because the globe is going digital, the Kapamilya network is pioneering our country’s efforts to produce original online content. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted the production of taped shows, an opportunity arose to focus the network’s efforts on the creation of short-form web content. Thirty shows were approved for the May 20 launch, all of which are edgy, experimental, interactive and highly entertaining. Of course, the shows will all bear the “tatak Kapamilya” seal since they are topbilled by ABS-CBN artists. According to Digital Content head Richard Reynante, OKS will be a new viewing experience.
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2020/05/18/2014664/house-bill-kapamilya-franchise-welcome-development-pat-p
The bill allows the network to operate until Oct. 31, 2020. An optimistic and expeditious timeline starts today, May 18, where congress is expected to have its third and final reading, after which the bill will be transmitted to the Senate tomorrow, May 19. On May 20, the Senate will have its first hearing, its second reading on May 25, and its third and final reading on June 1.
Hopefully, both houses will ratify the bill by June 3 and then submit it to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte for his signature. The president then has three options: One, sign it into law; two, veto it; and three, not sign it and wait 30 days until it automatically becomes a law. Barring any delays or objections, ABS-CBN will be back on air by the first week of June. In the interim, the House of Representatives and the Senate will start deliberating on the franchise renewal good for 25 years.
This is a very welcome development since ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5. Social media was flooded with messages of sympathy, support and love for the network. On the other hand, many netizens also gloated and criticized the network, rejoicing at ABS-CBN’s plight. The network became a divisive issue that added more stress and anxiety during this pandemic, especially to loyal viewers and listeners of ABS-CBN and DZMM who only have free TV and radio to rely on for their news and entertainment. At least TV Patrol and Teleradyo are still available online and on SkyCable Channel 26 and TV Plus Channel 5.
There is also a chance that ABS-CBN can go back on air sooner if the Supreme Court issues a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) earlier filed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against the network. Several legal luminaries have expressed that what NTC did was a clear violation of due process. It blatantly disregarded the power of Congress, which has the sole authority to revoke and issue franchises. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will come out with a favorable decision.
The clamor for ABS-CBN to return has been overwhelming. As I write this (on May 15), signal No. 3 has been raised over Samar and Sorsogon because of Typhoon Ambo, which has brought heavy rains and strong winds. There are some remote areas in these regions that rely solely on the radio for news. Sadly, because ABS-CBN is off the air there, those who reside in these remote areas will not be getting the accurate weather updates and pandemic situationers. They count on us to deliver. The loyal viewers of our teleseryes are also undoubtedly restless at this time, the hours seeming longer because entertainment options are limited or absent.
At this point, however, all we can do is wait for our lawmakers to conduct fair and impartial hearings, and pray fervently and relentlessly that our lawmakers are blessed with discernment, propriety and compassion for the majority.
OKS gives Kapamilya a new viewing experience
Beginning May 20, Kapamilya will be able to enjoy a new digital channel called OKS (Online Kapamilya Shows), a straight-to-digital website housed in abscbn.com. Because the globe is going digital, the Kapamilya network is pioneering our country’s efforts to produce original online content. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted the production of taped shows, an opportunity arose to focus the network’s efforts on the creation of short-form web content. Thirty shows were approved for the May 20 launch, all of which are edgy, experimental, interactive and highly entertaining. Of course, the shows will all bear the “tatak Kapamilya” seal since they are topbilled by ABS-CBN artists. According to Digital Content head Richard Reynante, OKS will be a new viewing experience.
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2020/05/18/2014664/house-bill-kapamilya-franchise-welcome-development-pat-p
House panel to probe ABS-CBN violations
A key leader of the House of Representatives served notice to the Lopez-owned ABS-CBN that the chamber will still look into alleged violations of the TV giant’s legislative franchise even if a new franchise is already underway.
Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, made it clear that they will take up all House resolutions related to the renewal, “including” that of Davao City Rep. and Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte’s House Resolution 853.
The resolution, co-authored by Reps. Abraham Tolentino (Tagaytay) – brother of Sen. Francis Tolentino – and ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Go Yap, wants the House leadership to conduct “an investigation into ABS-CBN’s alleged violations of its franchise.”
Both Tolentino and Yap are allies of the Duterte administration – Tolentino heads the House accounts committee while Yap sits as chairman of the committee on appropriations.
“Whereas, ABS-CBN Corp. is operating a pay-per-view channel through free-to-air signals in violation of its legislative franchise. By charging the public with this pay-per-view Kapamilya Box Office channel through TV Plus, it has been gaining huge profits at the expense of the public while using the air frequencies provided by the government for free,” they declared.
The Alvarez committee was tasked to investigate the alleged franchise violations as ABS-CBN tries to renew its expired May 4 franchise, hoping to extend it for another 25 years, or until 2045.
The House has constituted itself into a committee of the whole and approved on second reading a bill giving the broadcast network franchise that will be valid until Oct. 31 this year, subject to the lawmakers’ final decision to issue a 25-year franchise or not.
Last week, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has asked their counterparts in the Senate to respect the discretion and actions of the House on the franchise renewal application of broadcast giant ABS-CBN.
“We want to work with you, to build our nation, but respect our timing and manner of holding our hearings. In other words, let’s all play nice and not just pretend to be nice,” Cayetano said in a statement.
“Allow us to do our jobs. Remember it is always easier to get 24 people to agree than 300. Remember we represent specific constituencies and sectors and that is why the 1987 Constitution provides that franchise bills will exclusively emanate from the House,” he said.
The Speaker made the appeal as several senators questioned the bill passed by the House allowing the network to return on air by granting a provisional franchise until October while Congress deliberates on its franchise renewal application.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, meantime, called on Cayetano to “cure” what he called as “defective passage of interim franchise” that may eventually be passed on third reading in the chamber.
“Exigency or even good motives cannot excuse or validate the repetition of an unconstitutional act or procedure,” he said, calling on the House leader to “desist from intransigence to cure defective passage of interim franchise.”
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/05/18/2014788/house-panel-probe-abs-cbn-violations
Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, made it clear that they will take up all House resolutions related to the renewal, “including” that of Davao City Rep. and Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte’s House Resolution 853.
The resolution, co-authored by Reps. Abraham Tolentino (Tagaytay) – brother of Sen. Francis Tolentino – and ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Go Yap, wants the House leadership to conduct “an investigation into ABS-CBN’s alleged violations of its franchise.”
Both Tolentino and Yap are allies of the Duterte administration – Tolentino heads the House accounts committee while Yap sits as chairman of the committee on appropriations.
“Whereas, ABS-CBN Corp. is operating a pay-per-view channel through free-to-air signals in violation of its legislative franchise. By charging the public with this pay-per-view Kapamilya Box Office channel through TV Plus, it has been gaining huge profits at the expense of the public while using the air frequencies provided by the government for free,” they declared.
The Alvarez committee was tasked to investigate the alleged franchise violations as ABS-CBN tries to renew its expired May 4 franchise, hoping to extend it for another 25 years, or until 2045.
The House has constituted itself into a committee of the whole and approved on second reading a bill giving the broadcast network franchise that will be valid until Oct. 31 this year, subject to the lawmakers’ final decision to issue a 25-year franchise or not.
Last week, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has asked their counterparts in the Senate to respect the discretion and actions of the House on the franchise renewal application of broadcast giant ABS-CBN.
“We want to work with you, to build our nation, but respect our timing and manner of holding our hearings. In other words, let’s all play nice and not just pretend to be nice,” Cayetano said in a statement.
“Allow us to do our jobs. Remember it is always easier to get 24 people to agree than 300. Remember we represent specific constituencies and sectors and that is why the 1987 Constitution provides that franchise bills will exclusively emanate from the House,” he said.
The Speaker made the appeal as several senators questioned the bill passed by the House allowing the network to return on air by granting a provisional franchise until October while Congress deliberates on its franchise renewal application.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, meantime, called on Cayetano to “cure” what he called as “defective passage of interim franchise” that may eventually be passed on third reading in the chamber.
“Exigency or even good motives cannot excuse or validate the repetition of an unconstitutional act or procedure,” he said, calling on the House leader to “desist from intransigence to cure defective passage of interim franchise.”
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/05/18/2014788/house-panel-probe-abs-cbn-violations
Friday, May 15, 2020
Closure of ABS-CBN broadcast operations affects Filipinos in far-flung areas amid Ambo’s onslaught
Some checkpoint authorities in the border of Aurora Province were hopeful that media giant ABS-CBN will resume its broadcasting operations as the country faces its first typhoon, claiming it is the only network that has signal in far-flung areas.
Jeff Canoy, one of the network’s broadcast journalists who cover disasters, shared that he and his team encountered these police officers when they reached Aurora for the Typhoon “Ambo” (international name: “Vongfong”) coverage.
He narrated that when the authorities listed their names as they presented their identification cards issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force, one of the police officers asked him if he is one of the reporters who usually cover natural disasters.
Canoy confirmed this and he was later asked, “Babalik na ba kayo, sir?”
The reporter told the police officer that he and his team are just on their way to Aurora but the cop later clarified that he was referring to the network’s broadcasting operations and not their itinerary.
“Hindi sir. ‘Yung ABS, babalik na ba?” the officer asked.
Canoy answered that he is hoping the network can resume its broadcasting operations soon.
The police officer then told him that he is likewise hopeful for the network’s return, citing mobile signal woes.
“Facebook na lang ba kayo? Hirap ng data dito sa bundok, sir,” the officer said.
ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5, a day after its 25-year legislative franchise granted by the Congress on March 30, 1995 expired.
This was in compliance with the cease-and-desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission on May 5.
The network shifted its broadcasts to online platforms and other properties not affected by the closure order on May 7, where viewers can watch and listen to its news provided they have a stable internet connection.
The police officer claimed that in Aurora, only ABS-CBN has a strong network signal.
“ABS lang ang malakas ang signal dito. May bagyo ngayon, ‘di namin malaman kung ano nangyayari,” he told the reporter.
“Sana makabalik na kayo sir,” the police officer added.
Aurora is one of the provinces directly affected by Typhoon “Ambo” which has since made six landfalls ever since it entered the Philippine area of responsibility and initially landed on Eastern Samar on Thursday.
As of 11 a.m. today, parts of the province are under tropical cyclone wind signal number three which carries winds measuring 121 to 170 km/h expected in 18 hours.
The typhoon has so far complicated the country’s response in fighting the novel coronavirus as authorities enforce physical distancing measures in evacuation centers, among others.
Meanwhile, Canoy shared the whole story of the incident on Facebook, where it has gone viral with more than 6,000 shares and 39,000 reactions. He also shared this on Twitter.
Struggle of getting news updates
Other Filipinos in the comments section shared similar stories of residents supposedly having a hard time receiving news updates, citing that ABS-CBN is the only channel which their television and radios can pick signals from, living in far-flung areas.
“I got a tweet with similar concerns. Nag-aalala daw siya sa parents niya kasi malayo siya at sa lugar ng parents niya, ABS lang ang meron,” a Facebook user wrote and then shared a screengrab of the tweet.
The tweet reads, “Namomroblema po tuloy ang parents ko sa Sorsogon kasi sa munisipyo pa kami, malayo sa (siyudad). Wala silang mapapanoodan. Hay naku. Ngayon pa talaga. Without consideration ang NTC.”
Similar sentiments on the issue could also be found on the microblogging platform where Filipinos shared concerns about getting information while a typhoon is ravaging some parts of the country.
Another ABS-CBN broadcast journalist, Jervis Manahan, shared his fears over families affected by the typhoon whose only source of information is Channel 2.
“Nakakaiyak basahin ang mga comments at tweets ng mga taong nangangamba para sa mga kapamilya nilang taga-malayong lugar o isla ngayong may bagyo at walang ABS-CBN. Akala kasi ng publiko, lahat ng Pinoy may data, signal, o access sa social media. Hindi pala,” he said on Facebook.
“Nalalagay tuloy sa panganib ang mga tao. Sa halip na maging ligtas, mas nalalapit sila sa peligro. Paano kung hindi sila nakapaghanda sa bagyo?” Manahan added.
He recalled a past coverage where he interviewed a group of fishermen in Palawan who was nearly victimized by Typhoon “Vinta” which claimed more than 200 lives.
“Noong January 2018, sa Palawan, may mga na-interview akong mangingisda. Inabutan ng bagyo sa dagat. Na-radiohan naman noong malapit na ang Bagyong Vinta,” Manahan said.
“Pero nasira pa rin ang bangka, mabuti na lang at nakaligtas sila.Kaya naman napakahalaga ang access sa impormasyon at balita, kasi minsan, buhay ang nakataya,” he continued.
Manahan hoped that people who are against the network would consider others in far-flung areas whose only means of information is through television or radio which could only gather signals transmitted by Channel 2, especially in times of disasters.
Franchise renewal woes
The ABS-CBN shutdown affected 42 analog television stations, including the network’s flagship Channel 2, ten digital broadcasting channels, 18 FM radio stations and five AM radio stations.
The network’s franchise was supposed to be renewed by the legislative body this year but it has since languished in the Congress, particularly the lower House, where at least 11 of different bills have already been filed.
A blame game occurred among some members of the House of Representatives in which House Speaker Alan Cayetano accused the NTC of “ambushing” the lower House who he claimed was supposed to tackle the bill.
The NTC was reportedly threatened by Solicitor General Jose Calida prior to the issuance of the cease-and-desist order.
The lower chamber has since approved a bill giving the network provisional franchise up to December 31, 2020. Latest reports indicate that ABS-CBN’s provisional franchise has already been approved on the second reading.
Once it gets the House’s nod on the third deliberation, it would then be tackled by the Senate and will later be up for the president’s approval.
https://www.interaksyon.com/politics-issues/2020/05/15/168549/closure-abs-cbn-broadcast-operations-affects-filipinos-in-far-flung-areas-amid-ambos-onslaught/
Jeff Canoy, one of the network’s broadcast journalists who cover disasters, shared that he and his team encountered these police officers when they reached Aurora for the Typhoon “Ambo” (international name: “Vongfong”) coverage.
He narrated that when the authorities listed their names as they presented their identification cards issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force, one of the police officers asked him if he is one of the reporters who usually cover natural disasters.
Canoy confirmed this and he was later asked, “Babalik na ba kayo, sir?”
The reporter told the police officer that he and his team are just on their way to Aurora but the cop later clarified that he was referring to the network’s broadcasting operations and not their itinerary.
“Hindi sir. ‘Yung ABS, babalik na ba?” the officer asked.
Canoy answered that he is hoping the network can resume its broadcasting operations soon.
The police officer then told him that he is likewise hopeful for the network’s return, citing mobile signal woes.
“Facebook na lang ba kayo? Hirap ng data dito sa bundok, sir,” the officer said.
ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5, a day after its 25-year legislative franchise granted by the Congress on March 30, 1995 expired.
This was in compliance with the cease-and-desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission on May 5.
The network shifted its broadcasts to online platforms and other properties not affected by the closure order on May 7, where viewers can watch and listen to its news provided they have a stable internet connection.
The police officer claimed that in Aurora, only ABS-CBN has a strong network signal.
“ABS lang ang malakas ang signal dito. May bagyo ngayon, ‘di namin malaman kung ano nangyayari,” he told the reporter.
“Sana makabalik na kayo sir,” the police officer added.
Aurora is one of the provinces directly affected by Typhoon “Ambo” which has since made six landfalls ever since it entered the Philippine area of responsibility and initially landed on Eastern Samar on Thursday.
As of 11 a.m. today, parts of the province are under tropical cyclone wind signal number three which carries winds measuring 121 to 170 km/h expected in 18 hours.
The typhoon has so far complicated the country’s response in fighting the novel coronavirus as authorities enforce physical distancing measures in evacuation centers, among others.
Meanwhile, Canoy shared the whole story of the incident on Facebook, where it has gone viral with more than 6,000 shares and 39,000 reactions. He also shared this on Twitter.
Struggle of getting news updates
Other Filipinos in the comments section shared similar stories of residents supposedly having a hard time receiving news updates, citing that ABS-CBN is the only channel which their television and radios can pick signals from, living in far-flung areas.
“I got a tweet with similar concerns. Nag-aalala daw siya sa parents niya kasi malayo siya at sa lugar ng parents niya, ABS lang ang meron,” a Facebook user wrote and then shared a screengrab of the tweet.
The tweet reads, “Namomroblema po tuloy ang parents ko sa Sorsogon kasi sa munisipyo pa kami, malayo sa (siyudad). Wala silang mapapanoodan. Hay naku. Ngayon pa talaga. Without consideration ang NTC.”
Similar sentiments on the issue could also be found on the microblogging platform where Filipinos shared concerns about getting information while a typhoon is ravaging some parts of the country.
Kahit dito sa Bicol sa Bulan Sorsogon ABS-CBN ang pinapanuod sobrang hirap kasi di Alam balita sa bagyo 😢#AmboPH https://t.co/793ax1NbXM— Sandrex (@drexgmiranda) May 14, 2020
nakakalungkot, Sa panahon pa tlaga ngaun nawala ang ABS CBN, isa ito sa pinagkukunan ng impormasyon sa isla nmin. kase ito ang may malakas na signal dun. nangangapa kung ano na, at gaano kalakas ang bagyo. mabibigla nalang na humahagupit na. @ANCALERTS @ABSCBNNews— Mikmik (@mikayfabian) May 15, 2020
Malaking tulong sana kung nagbabalita ngayon ang ABS-CBN. May bagyo tapos ang iba dito saamin, channel 2 lang ang abot ng signal. Awinduh baga san. 😪— death the kid (@yjjyx) May 14, 2020
Another ABS-CBN broadcast journalist, Jervis Manahan, shared his fears over families affected by the typhoon whose only source of information is Channel 2.
“Nakakaiyak basahin ang mga comments at tweets ng mga taong nangangamba para sa mga kapamilya nilang taga-malayong lugar o isla ngayong may bagyo at walang ABS-CBN. Akala kasi ng publiko, lahat ng Pinoy may data, signal, o access sa social media. Hindi pala,” he said on Facebook.
“Nalalagay tuloy sa panganib ang mga tao. Sa halip na maging ligtas, mas nalalapit sila sa peligro. Paano kung hindi sila nakapaghanda sa bagyo?” Manahan added.
He recalled a past coverage where he interviewed a group of fishermen in Palawan who was nearly victimized by Typhoon “Vinta” which claimed more than 200 lives.
“Noong January 2018, sa Palawan, may mga na-interview akong mangingisda. Inabutan ng bagyo sa dagat. Na-radiohan naman noong malapit na ang Bagyong Vinta,” Manahan said.
“Pero nasira pa rin ang bangka, mabuti na lang at nakaligtas sila.Kaya naman napakahalaga ang access sa impormasyon at balita, kasi minsan, buhay ang nakataya,” he continued.
Manahan hoped that people who are against the network would consider others in far-flung areas whose only means of information is through television or radio which could only gather signals transmitted by Channel 2, especially in times of disasters.
Franchise renewal woes
The ABS-CBN shutdown affected 42 analog television stations, including the network’s flagship Channel 2, ten digital broadcasting channels, 18 FM radio stations and five AM radio stations.
The network’s franchise was supposed to be renewed by the legislative body this year but it has since languished in the Congress, particularly the lower House, where at least 11 of different bills have already been filed.
A blame game occurred among some members of the House of Representatives in which House Speaker Alan Cayetano accused the NTC of “ambushing” the lower House who he claimed was supposed to tackle the bill.
The NTC was reportedly threatened by Solicitor General Jose Calida prior to the issuance of the cease-and-desist order.
The lower chamber has since approved a bill giving the network provisional franchise up to December 31, 2020. Latest reports indicate that ABS-CBN’s provisional franchise has already been approved on the second reading.
Once it gets the House’s nod on the third deliberation, it would then be tackled by the Senate and will later be up for the president’s approval.
https://www.interaksyon.com/politics-issues/2020/05/15/168549/closure-abs-cbn-broadcast-operations-affects-filipinos-in-far-flung-areas-amid-ambos-onslaught/
ABS-CBN says 'all conditions, qualifications' present for franchise renewal
ABS-CBN Corp told the stock Friday that it has "all the conditions and qualifications" to renew its franchise, adding its shutdown would significantly affect media, networks and studio entertainment operations.
The country's largest media and entertainment company said it "has not committed any violation" of its franchise that would merit its non-renewal or the suspension of its broadcast operations.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed on second reading a bill that would grant ABS-CBN a temporary franchise until Oct. 31. This will give lawmakers time to deliberate on pending bills for a fresh 25-year license.
ABS-CBN signed off on May 5, a day after after its franchise expired, on orders from the National Telecommunications Commission. The NTC later apologized to the House for failing to notify lawmakers of the shutdown order.
The MNSE or Media, Networks, and Studio Entertainments (MNSE) operations tallied revenues of P23.3 billion at the end of September 2019, of which, P15.9 billion or approximately 68 percent was from free-to-air advertising, ABS-CBN said.
Free-to-air advertising accounted for half of consolidated revenue fo the same period.
"Even as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Philippine and global economy is yet to be fully realized, the Order will put additional financial burden on the company," it said.
ABS-CBN is "exploring alternative means to reach its audience and substitute sources of revenues," which includes expanding its digital footprint, according to the disclosure.
The network's flagship newscast, TV Patrol, started airing on YouTube and Facebook, gaining millions of views.
The company will implement cost control measures reduce overhead expenses and rationalize capital expenditures. It is also formulating measures to protect the welfare and interest of its employees, according to the disclosure.
Below is the full text of ABS-CBN Corp's disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on May 15, 2020:
Under the Order, the Company was directed to immediately cease and desist from operating its radio and television stations in Metro Manila and other regional stations (Channel 2, Sports and Action, DZMM, and MOR). On the same day, the Company advised its audience of the development and thereafter, signed off-air its television and radio stations in compliance with the Order of the NTC.
The Order will significantly impact the Company’s Media, Networks, and Studio Entertainments (MNSE) operations. For the period ended September 30, 2019, the revenues of this segment amounted to Php23.3B, of which, Php15.9B or approximately 68% of MSNE revenues, was free to-air advertising.
On a consolidated basis, free-to-air advertising was approximately 50% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the period ended September 30, 2019. The actual impact on MNSE operations is difficult to estimate at this point since it will depend, among other things, on the duration of the time its television and radio stations are off-air, and its ability to generate alternative sources of revenues to make up for the shortfall.
Even as the impact of the CoVID19 pandemic on the Philippine and global economy is yet to be fully realized, the Order will put additional financial burden on the Company. As developments on these are still quickly evolving and changing from day-to-day, the Company finds that the transforming scenarios make assumptions, assessments and projections challenging and may not necessarily be valid or accurate for future scrutiny. Nonetheless, the Company has already undertaken and will continue to undertake measures to mitigate this impact and effect. Thus:
A. The Company continues to operate the following:
1. Media, Networks, and Studio Entertainment:
Content Creation – entertainment, news, sports, movie, music, channels, other content.
Content Distribution –The Filipino Channel (TFC), ABS CBN News Channel (ANC), Teleradyo, Cinema One, Metro Channel, Myx, Cinemo, Jeepney TV, and Yey
2. Cable, Satellite, and Broadband – Sky Cable, Sky Broadband, Sky Direct, and Sky on Demand
3. Digital and Interactive Media –iWant, abs-cbn.com, YouTube, Facebook, and other digital and other social media platforms
4. Consumer Products and Experiences – merchandise and promotional licensing, and physical experience business
B. The Company is exploring alternative means to reach its audience and substitute sources of revenues, such as but not limited to, expanding its digital platforms and developing new products.
C. The Company will continue to implement cost control measures, reducing general administrative expenses (GAEX) or overhead and rationalizing capital expenditures.
D. The Company is formulating measures to protect the welfare and interest of its employees.
As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s long-term debts amounted to Php21.336B. In light of the Order, the creditor banks have been apprised and are aware of the Company’s situation.
During these challenging and unprecedented times, the Company is committed to honor all existing obligations for goods delivered and services rendered by its third party suppliers.
Currently, we expect to pay all our bank debts in accordance with the existing payment schedule.
The Company intends to pursue such courses of action and shall exhaust all legal remedies available to it in order to resume its broadcasting operations. On May 7, 2020, the Company filed with the Supreme Court a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition (the “Petition”), with urgent application of the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order and/or a Writ of Preliminary Injunction (G.R Case No. 352119). In the Petition, the Company sought relief from the Supreme Court, as follows: (i) issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order, (ii) the issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Injunction after proceedings held and while the Petition is pending; and (iii) after further proceedings, the annulment and setting aside of the Order and declaration of permanent injunction, against the implementation of the Order. The following basic arguments were put forth and extensively discussed in the Petition in support of its prayer:
1. Direct resort to the Supreme Court is necessary and justified given the urgency and transcendental importance of the subject matter, and the grave and irreparable repercussions on public interest brought about by the issuance of the Order;
2. There is no plain, speedy and adequate remedy available to ABS-CBN other than the Petition;
3. Congress has the plenary power to grant and renew legislative franchises. Thus, instead of issuing the Order, the NTC should have just deferred to Congress;
4. The issuance of the Order deviated from past practice and violated the Company's right to equal protection of the law;
5. The Order likewise violates the Company's right to due process, because it was issued without due notice and hearing; violates the right of the public to information and curtail freedom of speech as well as cause serious and irreparable damage on ABS-CBN and thousands of its employees. Thus, strong public interest and equity demand that the Company be allowed to continue its operations.
Even as this Petition is pending, the Company is actively pursuing the renewal of its franchise from Congress and is ready to participate in any hearings or proceedings that may be scheduled at
any time.
In the current (or 18th) Congress, there are eleven bills, seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which are currently pending with the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, as well as three (3) Resolutions in relation to the renewal or extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
As of May 11, 2020, the following developments transpired in the House of Representatives:
a. included in its Order of Business on said date the first reading of House Bill No. 6694, entitled: An Act granting the ABS-CBN Corporation (formerly ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation) a franchise to construct, install, operate and maintain television and radio broadcasting stations in the Philippines, and for other purposes.
b. issued an Order, dated May 11, 2020, requiring the NTC and its Commissioners to explain why they should not be cited for contempt or proceeded against for issuing the Order.
c. three (3) Congressmen filed a resolution seeking an investigation on the alleged violations of ABS-CBN Corporation of its legislative franchise.Then, on May 13, 2020, the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole approved on second reading House Bill No. 6732 (HB 6732) or “An Act Granting the ABS-CBN Corporation A Franchise to Construct, Install, Operate and Maintain Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines, and For Other Purposes”, which bill grants ABS-CBN Corporation a franchise valid until October 31, 2020.
In the Senate, two (2) Bills seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, as well as a bill seeking to extended the term of the franchise, have also been introduced before and pending with the
Senate Committee on Rules. Upon approval of HB6732 on third reading, it is expected that the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its concurrence.
The Company is confident that it is has not committed any violation of the terms of its franchise, permits and licenses or any applicable law or regulations as to merit the non-renewal of its franchise or suspension of its broadcast operations as a consequence.
Thus, the Company believes that while a franchise is a privilege which is the sole prerogative of Congress to grant, it possesses all the conditions and qualifications to have its franchise renewed.
We are prepared to update this disclosure in due course and as soon as new developments arise.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/15/20/abs-cbn-says-all-conditions-qualifications-present-for-franchise-renewal
The country's largest media and entertainment company said it "has not committed any violation" of its franchise that would merit its non-renewal or the suspension of its broadcast operations.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed on second reading a bill that would grant ABS-CBN a temporary franchise until Oct. 31. This will give lawmakers time to deliberate on pending bills for a fresh 25-year license.
ABS-CBN signed off on May 5, a day after after its franchise expired, on orders from the National Telecommunications Commission. The NTC later apologized to the House for failing to notify lawmakers of the shutdown order.
The MNSE or Media, Networks, and Studio Entertainments (MNSE) operations tallied revenues of P23.3 billion at the end of September 2019, of which, P15.9 billion or approximately 68 percent was from free-to-air advertising, ABS-CBN said.
Free-to-air advertising accounted for half of consolidated revenue fo the same period.
"Even as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Philippine and global economy is yet to be fully realized, the Order will put additional financial burden on the company," it said.
ABS-CBN is "exploring alternative means to reach its audience and substitute sources of revenues," which includes expanding its digital footprint, according to the disclosure.
The network's flagship newscast, TV Patrol, started airing on YouTube and Facebook, gaining millions of views.
The company will implement cost control measures reduce overhead expenses and rationalize capital expenditures. It is also formulating measures to protect the welfare and interest of its employees, according to the disclosure.
Below is the full text of ABS-CBN Corp's disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on May 15, 2020:
Under the Order, the Company was directed to immediately cease and desist from operating its radio and television stations in Metro Manila and other regional stations (Channel 2, Sports and Action, DZMM, and MOR). On the same day, the Company advised its audience of the development and thereafter, signed off-air its television and radio stations in compliance with the Order of the NTC.
The Order will significantly impact the Company’s Media, Networks, and Studio Entertainments (MNSE) operations. For the period ended September 30, 2019, the revenues of this segment amounted to Php23.3B, of which, Php15.9B or approximately 68% of MSNE revenues, was free to-air advertising.
On a consolidated basis, free-to-air advertising was approximately 50% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the period ended September 30, 2019. The actual impact on MNSE operations is difficult to estimate at this point since it will depend, among other things, on the duration of the time its television and radio stations are off-air, and its ability to generate alternative sources of revenues to make up for the shortfall.
Even as the impact of the CoVID19 pandemic on the Philippine and global economy is yet to be fully realized, the Order will put additional financial burden on the Company. As developments on these are still quickly evolving and changing from day-to-day, the Company finds that the transforming scenarios make assumptions, assessments and projections challenging and may not necessarily be valid or accurate for future scrutiny. Nonetheless, the Company has already undertaken and will continue to undertake measures to mitigate this impact and effect. Thus:
A. The Company continues to operate the following:
1. Media, Networks, and Studio Entertainment:
Content Creation – entertainment, news, sports, movie, music, channels, other content.
Content Distribution –The Filipino Channel (TFC), ABS CBN News Channel (ANC), Teleradyo, Cinema One, Metro Channel, Myx, Cinemo, Jeepney TV, and Yey
2. Cable, Satellite, and Broadband – Sky Cable, Sky Broadband, Sky Direct, and Sky on Demand
3. Digital and Interactive Media –iWant, abs-cbn.com, YouTube, Facebook, and other digital and other social media platforms
4. Consumer Products and Experiences – merchandise and promotional licensing, and physical experience business
B. The Company is exploring alternative means to reach its audience and substitute sources of revenues, such as but not limited to, expanding its digital platforms and developing new products.
C. The Company will continue to implement cost control measures, reducing general administrative expenses (GAEX) or overhead and rationalizing capital expenditures.
D. The Company is formulating measures to protect the welfare and interest of its employees.
As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s long-term debts amounted to Php21.336B. In light of the Order, the creditor banks have been apprised and are aware of the Company’s situation.
During these challenging and unprecedented times, the Company is committed to honor all existing obligations for goods delivered and services rendered by its third party suppliers.
Currently, we expect to pay all our bank debts in accordance with the existing payment schedule.
The Company intends to pursue such courses of action and shall exhaust all legal remedies available to it in order to resume its broadcasting operations. On May 7, 2020, the Company filed with the Supreme Court a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition (the “Petition”), with urgent application of the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order and/or a Writ of Preliminary Injunction (G.R Case No. 352119). In the Petition, the Company sought relief from the Supreme Court, as follows: (i) issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order, (ii) the issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Injunction after proceedings held and while the Petition is pending; and (iii) after further proceedings, the annulment and setting aside of the Order and declaration of permanent injunction, against the implementation of the Order. The following basic arguments were put forth and extensively discussed in the Petition in support of its prayer:
1. Direct resort to the Supreme Court is necessary and justified given the urgency and transcendental importance of the subject matter, and the grave and irreparable repercussions on public interest brought about by the issuance of the Order;
2. There is no plain, speedy and adequate remedy available to ABS-CBN other than the Petition;
3. Congress has the plenary power to grant and renew legislative franchises. Thus, instead of issuing the Order, the NTC should have just deferred to Congress;
4. The issuance of the Order deviated from past practice and violated the Company's right to equal protection of the law;
5. The Order likewise violates the Company's right to due process, because it was issued without due notice and hearing; violates the right of the public to information and curtail freedom of speech as well as cause serious and irreparable damage on ABS-CBN and thousands of its employees. Thus, strong public interest and equity demand that the Company be allowed to continue its operations.
Even as this Petition is pending, the Company is actively pursuing the renewal of its franchise from Congress and is ready to participate in any hearings or proceedings that may be scheduled at
any time.
In the current (or 18th) Congress, there are eleven bills, seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which are currently pending with the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, as well as three (3) Resolutions in relation to the renewal or extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
As of May 11, 2020, the following developments transpired in the House of Representatives:
a. included in its Order of Business on said date the first reading of House Bill No. 6694, entitled: An Act granting the ABS-CBN Corporation (formerly ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation) a franchise to construct, install, operate and maintain television and radio broadcasting stations in the Philippines, and for other purposes.
b. issued an Order, dated May 11, 2020, requiring the NTC and its Commissioners to explain why they should not be cited for contempt or proceeded against for issuing the Order.
c. three (3) Congressmen filed a resolution seeking an investigation on the alleged violations of ABS-CBN Corporation of its legislative franchise.Then, on May 13, 2020, the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole approved on second reading House Bill No. 6732 (HB 6732) or “An Act Granting the ABS-CBN Corporation A Franchise to Construct, Install, Operate and Maintain Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines, and For Other Purposes”, which bill grants ABS-CBN Corporation a franchise valid until October 31, 2020.
In the Senate, two (2) Bills seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, as well as a bill seeking to extended the term of the franchise, have also been introduced before and pending with the
Senate Committee on Rules. Upon approval of HB6732 on third reading, it is expected that the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its concurrence.
The Company is confident that it is has not committed any violation of the terms of its franchise, permits and licenses or any applicable law or regulations as to merit the non-renewal of its franchise or suspension of its broadcast operations as a consequence.
Thus, the Company believes that while a franchise is a privilege which is the sole prerogative of Congress to grant, it possesses all the conditions and qualifications to have its franchise renewed.
We are prepared to update this disclosure in due course and as soon as new developments arise.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/15/20/abs-cbn-says-all-conditions-qualifications-present-for-franchise-renewal
Multiply Tries for a Comeback Seven Years After Closed
KEY POINTS
- When Multiply ceasing all business operations on May 31, 2013, its lenders took over its intellectual property, including the Multiply brand name.
- Magdalinski is owning the company itself, which will operate the business supporting those brand.
- Much of their business plan remains uncertain. It is exploring many options, including offices and partnerships.
Some former Multiply executives are looking to bring back the iconic website and all.
Multiply closed as a social networking site on December 1, 2012 and close down last May 6 and ceasing all business operations on May 31, 2013 along with the official online channels for the site had been removed along with all their content, including its YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, after years of financial and managerial turmoil and following a failed bid to reinvent itself from being a social networking site to a vibrant e-commerce destination in Southeast Asia.
“We regret to announce that Multiply will be closing on May 6, 2013, and ceasing all business operations by May 31, 2013,” it announced Friday on its website.
After May 6, the rest of the month will be used to ensure that all accounts are settled and merchants get full payment for their transactions, it said.
Multiply said the month-long grace period will provide its users enough time to find and migrate to alternative e-commerce platforms, settle all payments on items bought and delivered, and minimize disruption to businesses of its users.
“Multiply will ensure that you receive all funds you earned on the platform no later than May 31, 2013. We will close the actual marketplace sooner, on May 6, 2013, to ensure that all orders have sufficient time to complete and be delivered to your customers before the end of the month,” it said.
In December 2012, Multiply stopped its social networking service to focus on e-commerce, targeting the 350 million consumers in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Whether the Multiply, can continue to operate in another form remains unknown. At issue is whether to withdraw liquidation petition against the company.
Mainland investor Si Rongbin’s China Culture Media, had sold the controlling stake in the former E-commerce and social networking site, refused to call it quits and pledged to keep Multiply’s brand name alive through archive photo and video services.
On June 12, 2013, Magdalinski said they had put in place Rp 8.9 billion for wages owed to former Multiply staff.
The Labour Department said earlier that around 400 former Multiply staff had applied for compensation through the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund, a safety net for employees affected by business closures.
On June 9, 2014 the company had earlier declared bankruptcy, saying it owes some $800 million from Philippine banks aside from $10 billion in debts from lenders in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
The company expected the financial restructuring to reduce its debt by $30 billion, as well as adding $3 billion of new investment, and refinancing other debt.
It was scheduled to announce the launch of a mobile application that allows to download and view their old photos and videos from Friendster, Multiply and Webshots accounts on the computers, smartphones and tablets.
As of May 15, 2020, Multiply Media LLC based in Saint Louis, Missouri to own and manage the website, when the website itself to become its flagship brand.
Multiply is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. Other employees include former Multiply workers, though it will be a "much tighter team overall" than those employed.
The full business plan for Multiply is still a work in progress, Magdalinski told CNBC. The new company is exploring multiple options, including offices. When asked whether Multiply would partner with Instagram, Magdalinski said he would “not take anything off the table at all.”
Its focus will be on growing the Multiply name. Globally, the website continues to operate worldwide, not just Indonesia and the Philippines, generating more than $20 billion in overall business operations in 2013.
“The Philippines is the biggest social networking market in the world,” said Magdalinski. “Fundamentally, this is the place where the business began Peter Pezaris.”
Multiply will look to avoid some of the pitfalls that brought down its predecessor. Unlike Multiply, which was criticized for failing to invest in its website and digital strategy, Multiply will put an emphasis on technology, Magdalinski said.
Still, to be successful, Multiply will need to win over social networking sites, many of which had fractured relations with Instagram following its closure. During its closure, the company had continued to operate from June 1, 2013 up to June 30, 2028.
“We fully appreciate the impact the bankruptcy had on our partners, and fact that it left our vendors impaired,” said Magdalinski. Although they were upset, Magdalinski said social networking users “recognize the value” Multiply brought to the industry.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Plebiscite on division of Palawan into 3 provinces may be held in July
By Aira Genesa Magdayao
Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez said he is expecting the plebiscite on the division of Palawan into three provinces to be held in July.
The polling, which was originally scheduled last May 10, was sidetracked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his “Pakimanan ta si Gob” live address, Alvarez said the lifting of the GCQ in Palawan will prompt the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold the plebiscite.
“I believe that sometime in July, matutuloy ang plebisito,” he said.
Alvarez said the Comelec en banc will decide on the new schedule of the plebiscite when everything returns back to normal.
He emphasized that the activity will happen in accordance with the law.
“Matutuloy yan dahil may batas yan. Immediately after this emergency ay Comelec will issue a resolution, I think June or July matutuloy ‘yan. Comelec en banc na ang magde-decide. Imbis na isang araw ay gagawing dalawang araw, medyo magastos lang, but we are ready. Of course, matutuloy yan this year,” Alvarez said.
Under the Omnibus Election Code and established jurisprudence, the Comelec has the authority to suspend plebiscites if needed.
The Comelec ordered the immediate suspension of ongoing preparatory activities for the holding of the plebiscite in May on the planned division, taking note of the quarantine measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In a memorandum dated March 25 addressed to Malacañang, the poll body stated that they decided to approve the recommendations to suspend the preparations “effective immediately.”
“The Comelec en banc, after due deliberation, has approved the suspension of all preparatory activities relative to the conduct of plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan upon the recommendation, citing the ongoing ECQ declared by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The suspension of the preparatory activities of the Palawan plebiscite is effective immediately,” the memorandum signed by acting Comelec secretary Consuelo B. Diola stated.
Republic Act No. 11259 was approved and signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2019.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/14/plebiscite-on-division-of-palawan-into-3-provinces-may-be-held-in-july/
Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez said he is expecting the plebiscite on the division of Palawan into three provinces to be held in July.
The polling, which was originally scheduled last May 10, was sidetracked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his “Pakimanan ta si Gob” live address, Alvarez said the lifting of the GCQ in Palawan will prompt the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold the plebiscite.
“I believe that sometime in July, matutuloy ang plebisito,” he said.
Alvarez said the Comelec en banc will decide on the new schedule of the plebiscite when everything returns back to normal.
He emphasized that the activity will happen in accordance with the law.
“Matutuloy yan dahil may batas yan. Immediately after this emergency ay Comelec will issue a resolution, I think June or July matutuloy ‘yan. Comelec en banc na ang magde-decide. Imbis na isang araw ay gagawing dalawang araw, medyo magastos lang, but we are ready. Of course, matutuloy yan this year,” Alvarez said.
Under the Omnibus Election Code and established jurisprudence, the Comelec has the authority to suspend plebiscites if needed.
The Comelec ordered the immediate suspension of ongoing preparatory activities for the holding of the plebiscite in May on the planned division, taking note of the quarantine measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In a memorandum dated March 25 addressed to Malacañang, the poll body stated that they decided to approve the recommendations to suspend the preparations “effective immediately.”
“The Comelec en banc, after due deliberation, has approved the suspension of all preparatory activities relative to the conduct of plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan upon the recommendation, citing the ongoing ECQ declared by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The suspension of the preparatory activities of the Palawan plebiscite is effective immediately,” the memorandum signed by acting Comelec secretary Consuelo B. Diola stated.
Republic Act No. 11259 was approved and signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2019.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/14/plebiscite-on-division-of-palawan-into-3-provinces-may-be-held-in-july/
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Excerpt: Cignal - BENCH/ Under the Stars 2017 Teaser
"Swimmer and 3-time UAAP Swimming Championships MVP Enchong Dee is wearing JINS Airframe U377 (Spider), 2009 Adidas DLSU hoodie (green), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (white), BENCH/ body Hipster Brief - White (BUB2032WH3), BENCH/ Skinny Jeans - Black (LAM6000) and DC Shoes Men's AT-3 Mid Sneaker (Royal Blue/Armor) would be exhibited at BENCH/ stores nationwide because he was in Bench Uncut: A Bolder Look at the Future also got wild cheers from the audience and he shows his athletic side with these dance moves, and doing workouts at Bodyworx Spa & Fitness Club instead of Anytime Fitness Dona Hemady before doing a photo shoot at BENCH/ Tower."
"The colorful Brazil portion was inspired by exotic birds of the Amazon, according to designer Val Taguba. The most action-packed segment featuring accidental porn star Katrina Halili and young heartthrob Enchong Dee." ('Bench Uncut': It's a tradition!', CHUVANESS By Cecile Van Straten, The Philippine Star, July 7, 2010)
“When Enchong Dee made his entrance at this year’s Bench Universe show, he owned the night in no less than an aerial canoe, looking every bit the gladiator with his toned body and feisty stance.” (Metro Magazine, November 2012)
Provisional franchise for ABS-CBN will shield network from political pressure: Cayetano
A provisional franchise for ABS-CBN valid until October pending deliberations on its 25-year license renewal bid will shield the network from succumbing to "political pressure" ahead of the 2022 presidential elections, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano told ABS-CBN News on Wednesday.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday constituted itself as a Committee of the Whole to tackle House Bill No. 6732, Cayetano's proposal which would grant ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, before Congress deliberates on long-pending bills giving the media giant license to broadcast for another 25 years.
In an interview with TV Patrol, Cayetano defended the length of the proposed provisional franchise, saying this would prevent the network from playing "kingmaker" in 2022.
At least 13 senators on Monday filed a bill that will grant ABS-CBN Corp. "provisional franchise" until June 30, 2022 while Congress is still tackling the media giant's bid for a fresh 25-year broadcast license.
"Para sa akin freedom of the press and freedom of expression is so important in the democracy but if you have a giant network playing kingmaker, na-endanger din 'yung democracy. So sa akin kung bibigyan natin ng until end of 2022 or middle of 2022 ang ABS, lalong mapupunta under political pressure ang ABS," Cayetano said.
(For me, freedom of the press and freedom of expression is so important in the democracy but if you have a giant network playing kingmaker, democracy is endangered. So for me, if we give ABS until the end or middle of 2022, it will be under political pressure.)
He said the provisional franchise will also put pressure on lawmakers to speed up hearings that would thresh out the issues hounding the media giant.
"Sa loob ng 6 months wala naman pong eleksyon at sa loob po ng 6 months ang pressure comes from all sides... I would rather that the whole 2021 and going into 2022 may 25-year franchise na kayo kung ibibigay para you can guarantee independence of the newsroom," said Cayetano.
(Within 6 months there will be no elections and within 6 months pressure comes from all sides... I would rather that the whole 2021 and going into 2022 you already have a 25-year franchise, if it is granted, so you can guarantee independence in the newsroom.)
ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcast company, was forced to go off the air on May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) walked back on its commitment to allow the network's continued operations following the lapse of its franchise.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/provisional-franchise-for-abs-cbn-will-shield-network-from-political-pressure-cayetano
The House of Representatives on Wednesday constituted itself as a Committee of the Whole to tackle House Bill No. 6732, Cayetano's proposal which would grant ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, before Congress deliberates on long-pending bills giving the media giant license to broadcast for another 25 years.
In an interview with TV Patrol, Cayetano defended the length of the proposed provisional franchise, saying this would prevent the network from playing "kingmaker" in 2022.
At least 13 senators on Monday filed a bill that will grant ABS-CBN Corp. "provisional franchise" until June 30, 2022 while Congress is still tackling the media giant's bid for a fresh 25-year broadcast license.
"Para sa akin freedom of the press and freedom of expression is so important in the democracy but if you have a giant network playing kingmaker, na-endanger din 'yung democracy. So sa akin kung bibigyan natin ng until end of 2022 or middle of 2022 ang ABS, lalong mapupunta under political pressure ang ABS," Cayetano said.
(For me, freedom of the press and freedom of expression is so important in the democracy but if you have a giant network playing kingmaker, democracy is endangered. So for me, if we give ABS until the end or middle of 2022, it will be under political pressure.)
He said the provisional franchise will also put pressure on lawmakers to speed up hearings that would thresh out the issues hounding the media giant.
"Sa loob ng 6 months wala naman pong eleksyon at sa loob po ng 6 months ang pressure comes from all sides... I would rather that the whole 2021 and going into 2022 may 25-year franchise na kayo kung ibibigay para you can guarantee independence of the newsroom," said Cayetano.
(Within 6 months there will be no elections and within 6 months pressure comes from all sides... I would rather that the whole 2021 and going into 2022 you already have a 25-year franchise, if it is granted, so you can guarantee independence in the newsroom.)
ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcast company, was forced to go off the air on May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) walked back on its commitment to allow the network's continued operations following the lapse of its franchise.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/provisional-franchise-for-abs-cbn-will-shield-network-from-political-pressure-cayetano
ABS-CBN thanks House leaders for approving provisional authority bill
ABS-CBN Corp. on Wednesday welcomed the approval of House Bill 6732 by the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole granting the country's largest network a 6-month provisional franchise to operate.
In a statement following the approval of HB 6732 on second reading via viva voce voting, ABS-CBN thanked the sponsors of the bill led by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez "for recognizing the role we play in providing for the needs of the people in terms of access to news, information, entertainment, and public service at this crucial time."
ABS-CBN had been broadcasting news and information about the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic via free television and radio before it was ordered shut by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) after its franchise expired on May 4.
The company also said it was looking "forward to participating in the process of our franchise renewal and stand[s] ready to respond to the issues that have been raised against the network, its owners, management and employees."
Among the issues raised are alleged violations of labor laws and the constitution, election bias, tax liabilities, and foreign ownership.
ABS-CBN said it remains "open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people."
It also thanked the various individuals and groups "who have expressed their love and support," saying "You inspire us."
HB 6732 still has to be approved on 3rd and final reading before it is sent to the Senate where senators have committed to supporting the measure.
ABS-CBN Corp. last Thursday asked the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation of the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the NTC.
“The public needs the services of ABS-CBN now more than ever, as the country grapples with the effects of COVID-19. In this time of public health emergency, ABS-CBN plays a significant role in providing continued employment to thousands of employees and delivering valuable information and entertainment to millions of Filipinos locked down in their homes,” ABS-CBN said in its petition.
The 46-page petition for certiorari and prohibition also asked the high court to set aside the CDO and declare a permanent injunction against its implementation.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/abs-cbn-thanks-house-leaders-for-approving-provisional-authority-bill
In a statement following the approval of HB 6732 on second reading via viva voce voting, ABS-CBN thanked the sponsors of the bill led by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez "for recognizing the role we play in providing for the needs of the people in terms of access to news, information, entertainment, and public service at this crucial time."
ABS-CBN had been broadcasting news and information about the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic via free television and radio before it was ordered shut by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) after its franchise expired on May 4.
The company also said it was looking "forward to participating in the process of our franchise renewal and stand[s] ready to respond to the issues that have been raised against the network, its owners, management and employees."
Among the issues raised are alleged violations of labor laws and the constitution, election bias, tax liabilities, and foreign ownership.
ABS-CBN said it remains "open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people."
It also thanked the various individuals and groups "who have expressed their love and support," saying "You inspire us."
HB 6732 still has to be approved on 3rd and final reading before it is sent to the Senate where senators have committed to supporting the measure.
ABS-CBN Corp. last Thursday asked the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation of the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the NTC.
“The public needs the services of ABS-CBN now more than ever, as the country grapples with the effects of COVID-19. In this time of public health emergency, ABS-CBN plays a significant role in providing continued employment to thousands of employees and delivering valuable information and entertainment to millions of Filipinos locked down in their homes,” ABS-CBN said in its petition.
The 46-page petition for certiorari and prohibition also asked the high court to set aside the CDO and declare a permanent injunction against its implementation.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/abs-cbn-thanks-house-leaders-for-approving-provisional-authority-bill
ABS-CBN may be back on air by June: Cayetano
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Wednesday ABS-CBN Corp may be back on air by the first week of June, amid swift proceedings on his proposed measure granting the network a temporary broadcast franchise until October.
Speaking on Teleradyo, Cayetano said the network may be able to broadcast again by next month.
"If everything goes well, God willing, Monday matapos namin on final reading, Tuesday nasa Senado. Kung kaya ng Senado one week, the week after next, latest first week ng June, on the air na ulit," Cayetano said.
(God willing, we will finish the final reading on Monday, and transmit this on Tuesday. If the Senate can finish in a week, the week after next, then ABS-CBN may be back on air by the first week of June.)
He also believes President Rodrigo Duterte will be fair and approve the provisional license.
"Ang ating Pangulo po ay abogado. Kung ako ang tanungin niya, ang sasabihin ko 'sir, pang ano lang 'to eh, pang-due process'," Cayetano said.
(Our President is a lawyer. If he asks me, I'll tell him that this is for due process.)
Cayetano said he believes the President would choose fairness and due process in deciding whether to sign the provisional authority into law.
"Hindi ko alam kung ive-veto niya o hindi, pero sa pagkakilala ko sa ating pangulo, abogado eh, fairness, due process," he said.
(I'm not sure if he will veto it or not, but I know the President, he is a lawyer and he will choose fairness and due process.)
The House of Representatives Committee of the Whole on Wednesday approved a bill that gives ABS-CBN provisional franchise until October 2020.
Cayetano filed the bill, as he cited the need for Congress to focus on addressing the coronavirus crisis and giving it sufficient time to tackle the network's "controversial" application for a fresh 25-year franchise.
The Senate also said it would "work expeditiously" to pass ABS-CBN's provisional franchise before Congress adjourns in the first week of June, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
House Bill No. 6732 grants ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, before Congress deliberates on long-pending bills giving the media giant license to broadcast for another 25 years.
The interim license will "give both the House of Representatives and the Senate [time] to hear the issues being raised for and against the renewal, and assess, with complete impartiality and fairness, whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another 25 years."
"We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug," read the bill's explanatory note.
ABS-CBN's halt in broadcast last week was the first time it was forced to sign off since the Marcos dictatorship. The shutdown imperils an estimated 11,000 jobs.
It has asked the Supreme Court to stop the NTC shutdown order.
The network, which reached millions of Filipinos through its television, radio and online platforms, said it did not violate the law in its 66 years of service. - with reports from Jauhn Villaruel, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/abs-cbn-may-be-back-on-air-by-june-cayetano
Speaking on Teleradyo, Cayetano said the network may be able to broadcast again by next month.
"If everything goes well, God willing, Monday matapos namin on final reading, Tuesday nasa Senado. Kung kaya ng Senado one week, the week after next, latest first week ng June, on the air na ulit," Cayetano said.
(God willing, we will finish the final reading on Monday, and transmit this on Tuesday. If the Senate can finish in a week, the week after next, then ABS-CBN may be back on air by the first week of June.)
He also believes President Rodrigo Duterte will be fair and approve the provisional license.
"Ang ating Pangulo po ay abogado. Kung ako ang tanungin niya, ang sasabihin ko 'sir, pang ano lang 'to eh, pang-due process'," Cayetano said.
(Our President is a lawyer. If he asks me, I'll tell him that this is for due process.)
Cayetano said he believes the President would choose fairness and due process in deciding whether to sign the provisional authority into law.
"Hindi ko alam kung ive-veto niya o hindi, pero sa pagkakilala ko sa ating pangulo, abogado eh, fairness, due process," he said.
(I'm not sure if he will veto it or not, but I know the President, he is a lawyer and he will choose fairness and due process.)
The House of Representatives Committee of the Whole on Wednesday approved a bill that gives ABS-CBN provisional franchise until October 2020.
Cayetano filed the bill, as he cited the need for Congress to focus on addressing the coronavirus crisis and giving it sufficient time to tackle the network's "controversial" application for a fresh 25-year franchise.
The Senate also said it would "work expeditiously" to pass ABS-CBN's provisional franchise before Congress adjourns in the first week of June, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
House Bill No. 6732 grants ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, before Congress deliberates on long-pending bills giving the media giant license to broadcast for another 25 years.
The interim license will "give both the House of Representatives and the Senate [time] to hear the issues being raised for and against the renewal, and assess, with complete impartiality and fairness, whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another 25 years."
"We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug," read the bill's explanatory note.
ABS-CBN's halt in broadcast last week was the first time it was forced to sign off since the Marcos dictatorship. The shutdown imperils an estimated 11,000 jobs.
It has asked the Supreme Court to stop the NTC shutdown order.
The network, which reached millions of Filipinos through its television, radio and online platforms, said it did not violate the law in its 66 years of service. - with reports from Jauhn Villaruel, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/abs-cbn-may-be-back-on-air-by-june-cayetano
House okays ABS-CBN's provisional franchise bill on 2nd reading
The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a measure seeking to grant media giant ABS-CBN a provisional franchise valid until Oct. 31, 2020.
During the plenary session, the lower chamber passed through voice voting House Bill No. 6732, which seeks to grant the ABS-CBN Corporation a franchise to construct, install, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
In his sponsorship speech, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the main rationale of the bill is to enable Congress to have an “impartial, comprehensive, and extensive” hearing to address the issues surrounding the ABS-CBN franchise.
He pertained to the network’s issues of taxes, labor conditions, foreign ownership, pay-per-view service, and Philippine Depositary Receipts.
“If we do not extensively hear the issues surrounding this franchise, we will be reneging on our constitutional duty and mandate to ensure a due process that will enable us, members of Congress, to decide freely and objectively whether to approve or deny this franchise,” Villafuerte said.
“We want to grant a temporary provisional franchise until October of this year because this is a contentious bill… We have to hear all sides,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the House Committee of the Whole approved the provisional franchise measure.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who is a principal author of the bill, said the sudden turn-around of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from its earlier commitment during a March 10 House hearing to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority has distracted Congress from focusing on the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The NTC issued a cease and desist order on May 5 against ABS-CBN to stop the operations of its television and radio stations after the broadcast firm’s legislative franchise expired on May 4.
“This distraction is the reason why we must not allow the betrayal of NTC and the unconstitutional meddling of the Solicitor General in this exclusive power of Congress to go unchallenged,” he said,, referring to the power to grant or cancel any franchise.
“Their actions are not only an upfront to this institution, it also delays the discussion and passage of crucial legislation that our people sorely need,” he added.
He said the grant of a provisional franchise to ABS-CBN would give Congress time to assess with complete impartiality and fairness whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another 25 years.
“We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug and proceed as if nothing happened. As we have always promised, these hearings will be fair, impartial, and above all, thorough,” Cayetano said.
“There will be no rush to judgment. Both the praise for and the charges against the network will be heard and will be put on public record,” he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102787
During the plenary session, the lower chamber passed through voice voting House Bill No. 6732, which seeks to grant the ABS-CBN Corporation a franchise to construct, install, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
In his sponsorship speech, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the main rationale of the bill is to enable Congress to have an “impartial, comprehensive, and extensive” hearing to address the issues surrounding the ABS-CBN franchise.
He pertained to the network’s issues of taxes, labor conditions, foreign ownership, pay-per-view service, and Philippine Depositary Receipts.
“If we do not extensively hear the issues surrounding this franchise, we will be reneging on our constitutional duty and mandate to ensure a due process that will enable us, members of Congress, to decide freely and objectively whether to approve or deny this franchise,” Villafuerte said.
“We want to grant a temporary provisional franchise until October of this year because this is a contentious bill… We have to hear all sides,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the House Committee of the Whole approved the provisional franchise measure.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who is a principal author of the bill, said the sudden turn-around of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from its earlier commitment during a March 10 House hearing to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority has distracted Congress from focusing on the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The NTC issued a cease and desist order on May 5 against ABS-CBN to stop the operations of its television and radio stations after the broadcast firm’s legislative franchise expired on May 4.
“This distraction is the reason why we must not allow the betrayal of NTC and the unconstitutional meddling of the Solicitor General in this exclusive power of Congress to go unchallenged,” he said,, referring to the power to grant or cancel any franchise.
“Their actions are not only an upfront to this institution, it also delays the discussion and passage of crucial legislation that our people sorely need,” he added.
He said the grant of a provisional franchise to ABS-CBN would give Congress time to assess with complete impartiality and fairness whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another 25 years.
“We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug and proceed as if nothing happened. As we have always promised, these hearings will be fair, impartial, and above all, thorough,” Cayetano said.
“There will be no rush to judgment. Both the praise for and the charges against the network will be heard and will be put on public record,” he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102787
Senators eye passing ABS-CBN's provisional license before session adjourns in June
The Senate will "work expeditiously" to pass ABS-CBN's provisional franchise before Congress adjourns in the first week of June, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Wednesday, as the House of Representatives swiftly acted on a measure that would allow the Philippines' largest media network to operate until December 31, 2020.
The Senate will begin committee deliberations for a counterpart measure early next week and vote on ABS-CBN's temporary license "by Wednesday afternoon," Zubiri told reporters in a text message.
"Hopefully we can pass the measure the week after. We will work expeditiously to pass the measure up to ratification before the June 3 break," he said.
At least 13 senators earlier filed a bill granting ABS-CBN 'provisional franchise' until June 2022.
Under the law, franchise bills must emanate from the House of Representatives before the Senate can tackle it in plenary.
Under Senate rules, a bill approved on committee level can only be taken to the plenary after 3 days to give lawmakers enough time to study the measure, unless the President certifies it as urgent.
More details to follow.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/senators-eye-passing-abs-cbns-provisional-license-before-session-adjourns-in-june
The Senate will begin committee deliberations for a counterpart measure early next week and vote on ABS-CBN's temporary license "by Wednesday afternoon," Zubiri told reporters in a text message.
"Hopefully we can pass the measure the week after. We will work expeditiously to pass the measure up to ratification before the June 3 break," he said.
At least 13 senators earlier filed a bill granting ABS-CBN 'provisional franchise' until June 2022.
Under the law, franchise bills must emanate from the House of Representatives before the Senate can tackle it in plenary.
Under Senate rules, a bill approved on committee level can only be taken to the plenary after 3 days to give lawmakers enough time to study the measure, unless the President certifies it as urgent.
More details to follow.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/senators-eye-passing-abs-cbns-provisional-license-before-session-adjourns-in-june
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
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Senate panel eyes law to 'automatically extend' franchises pending in Congress
The Senate Committee on Public Services "will look" at the possibility of crafting a bill that would "automatically extend for a certain period" expired franchises provided that a renewal bid is still pending in Congress, the panel's chair Sen. Grace Poe said Tuesday.
Lawmakers have to solve a "gap in the law" to ensure that networks and their employees are not left in limbo should Congress fail to act on their franchise applications, Poe told reporters in an online press conference.
"Hindi naman natin puwede sabihin na open-ended forever. Baka ang mangyari kasi mawalan kami ng sense of urgency, kaming mga mambabatas," the senator said.
(We cannot leave it open-ended forever. If we do that, we lawmakers might lose our sense of urgency.)
"So kailangan natin ilagay sa isang batas ang kinakailangan na 'pag ang prangkisa mo ay mag-e-expire na, puwede kang automatically extended for a certain period," she said.
(So we have to put in place a law that will automatically extend your franchise for a certain period if it is about to expire.)
The proposed policy has yet to be drafted but it would likely contain "remedial measures" for companies with nearly-expired franchises, Poe said, noting that Congress cannot be compelled to prioritize tackling franchise bills.
The plan followed the shutdown of ABS-CBN Corp's broadcast operations after its franchise lapsed on May 4. Its bid for franchise renewal has been pending for years.
Sen. Lito Lapid filed a separate bill that would provide provisional licenses to radio stations with pending franchise renewal applications before Congress.
Under Lapid's Senate Bill No. 1522, the "validity of the provisional renewal shall be until the next adjournment of Congress."
"Malinaw na may pagkukulang o butas sa ating batas kaugnay sa pagrenew ng prangkisa ng isang kumpanya pero kaya naman itong remedyuhan ng isa ring batas," he said in a statement.
(It is clear that there is a loophole or gap in our law with regards to franchise renewals, but this can also be remedied by another law.)
Lapid did not explain why his bill was limited to radio stations.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevara first pointed out the legal loophole when Poe's committee tackled ABS-CBN's franchise issue in February.
"The DOJ stands by its position that there is sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the renewal of their franchise remain pending with Congress," Guevarra said.
In March, the House of Representatives and the Senate issued resolutions directing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue a temporary permit for ABS-CBN, whose 25-year franchise renewal bid has languished in the House Legislative Franchises Committee since 2014.
The NTC did not heed Congress' directive and ordered the Philippines' largest media network off the air on May 5 without due process.
At least 13 senators have authored a bill seeking to allow ABS-CBN to operate until June 2022, while Congress is still deliberating on its renewal application.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/senate-panel-eyes-law-to-automatically-extend-franchises-pending-in-congress
Lawmakers have to solve a "gap in the law" to ensure that networks and their employees are not left in limbo should Congress fail to act on their franchise applications, Poe told reporters in an online press conference.
"Hindi naman natin puwede sabihin na open-ended forever. Baka ang mangyari kasi mawalan kami ng sense of urgency, kaming mga mambabatas," the senator said.
(We cannot leave it open-ended forever. If we do that, we lawmakers might lose our sense of urgency.)
"So kailangan natin ilagay sa isang batas ang kinakailangan na 'pag ang prangkisa mo ay mag-e-expire na, puwede kang automatically extended for a certain period," she said.
(So we have to put in place a law that will automatically extend your franchise for a certain period if it is about to expire.)
The proposed policy has yet to be drafted but it would likely contain "remedial measures" for companies with nearly-expired franchises, Poe said, noting that Congress cannot be compelled to prioritize tackling franchise bills.
The plan followed the shutdown of ABS-CBN Corp's broadcast operations after its franchise lapsed on May 4. Its bid for franchise renewal has been pending for years.
Sen. Lito Lapid filed a separate bill that would provide provisional licenses to radio stations with pending franchise renewal applications before Congress.
Under Lapid's Senate Bill No. 1522, the "validity of the provisional renewal shall be until the next adjournment of Congress."
"Malinaw na may pagkukulang o butas sa ating batas kaugnay sa pagrenew ng prangkisa ng isang kumpanya pero kaya naman itong remedyuhan ng isa ring batas," he said in a statement.
(It is clear that there is a loophole or gap in our law with regards to franchise renewals, but this can also be remedied by another law.)
Lapid did not explain why his bill was limited to radio stations.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevara first pointed out the legal loophole when Poe's committee tackled ABS-CBN's franchise issue in February.
"The DOJ stands by its position that there is sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the renewal of their franchise remain pending with Congress," Guevarra said.
In March, the House of Representatives and the Senate issued resolutions directing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue a temporary permit for ABS-CBN, whose 25-year franchise renewal bid has languished in the House Legislative Franchises Committee since 2014.
The NTC did not heed Congress' directive and ordered the Philippines' largest media network off the air on May 5 without due process.
At least 13 senators have authored a bill seeking to allow ABS-CBN to operate until June 2022, while Congress is still deliberating on its renewal application.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/senate-panel-eyes-law-to-automatically-extend-franchises-pending-in-congress
Cayetano urged to 'immediately' conduct House hearings on ABS-CBN franchise
At least 14 lawmakers on Tuesday urged House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to "immediately convene" the chamber's committee on legislative franchises to tackle ABS-CBN's bid for a fresh 25-year license to operate, a week after it was forced off air by the country's telecoms body.
Cayetano earlier said the committee would conduct hearings that are "fair, impartial, thorough, and comprehensive," but he did not say when.
The group of lawmakers said it was now the chamber's "primary duty and responsibility to put an end to the uncertainties and confusion" on the network's franchise.
"We understand that there are more important measures that the House leadership has to attend to in this extraordinary time. However, we believe too that resolving the ABS-CBN issue the soonest is equally important given the impact, economically and politically, of its continued shutdown in this time of crisis," they said in a letter to Cayetano.
ABS-CBN halted its broadcast operations last week after the National Telecommunications Commission went back on its commitment to allow the network to operate beyond its lapsed franchise.
The cease-and-desist order from the NTC came a few days after the Office of the Solicitor General warned the telecoms body against issuing a provisional authority to ABS-CBN.
"The Committee and the House are now being blamed and vilified for the shutdown of the network and for being off the air since then, as well as the displacement of thousands of its employees and workers," they said.
"That the citizenry also lost one of their main sources of credible and efficient news and information in this time of crisis brought by the COVID-10 pandemic was also largely blamed on our chamber."
Among lawmakers who signed the petition are:
Rodriguez last week filed a joint resolution that would grant ABS-CBN a temporary franchise until the end of the 18th Congress or June 30, 2022. At least 13 senators have filed a measure seeking the same.
ABS-CBN has asked the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order against the NTC's order.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/cayetano-urged-to-immediately-conduct-house-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise
Cayetano earlier said the committee would conduct hearings that are "fair, impartial, thorough, and comprehensive," but he did not say when.
The group of lawmakers said it was now the chamber's "primary duty and responsibility to put an end to the uncertainties and confusion" on the network's franchise.
"We understand that there are more important measures that the House leadership has to attend to in this extraordinary time. However, we believe too that resolving the ABS-CBN issue the soonest is equally important given the impact, economically and politically, of its continued shutdown in this time of crisis," they said in a letter to Cayetano.
ABS-CBN halted its broadcast operations last week after the National Telecommunications Commission went back on its commitment to allow the network to operate beyond its lapsed franchise.
The cease-and-desist order from the NTC came a few days after the Office of the Solicitor General warned the telecoms body against issuing a provisional authority to ABS-CBN.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers said they "take strong exceptions to NTC’s trickery and the Office of the Solicitor General’s interventionist action."READ: Letter to Speaker Cayetano and Joint Statement of Authors of ABS-CBN Franchise bills to register strong frustrations with the non-issuance of a provisional authority to the network by the National Telecommunications Commission pic.twitter.com/eNB1zcuO0J— RG Cruz (@R_G_Cruz888) May 12, 2020
"The Committee and the House are now being blamed and vilified for the shutdown of the network and for being off the air since then, as well as the displacement of thousands of its employees and workers," they said.
"That the citizenry also lost one of their main sources of credible and efficient news and information in this time of crisis brought by the COVID-10 pandemic was also largely blamed on our chamber."
Among lawmakers who signed the petition are:
- Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Rose Marie Arenas
- Surigao Del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel
- Batangas 6th District Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
- Bayan Muna Partylist Representatives Carlos Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, Ferdinand Gaite
- Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas
- ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro
- Laguna 3rd District Rep. Sol Aragones
- Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez
- Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato
- Paranaque 2nd District Rep. Joy Tambunting
- Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago
- Nueva Ecija 2nd SItrict Rep. Micaela Violago
Rodriguez last week filed a joint resolution that would grant ABS-CBN a temporary franchise until the end of the 18th Congress or June 30, 2022. At least 13 senators have filed a measure seeking the same.
ABS-CBN has asked the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order against the NTC's order.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/cayetano-urged-to-immediately-conduct-house-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise
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