Leading TV network ABS-CBN has met repeated insults and threats from the President over its franchise renewal
With the clock ticking before its franchise expiration on March 30, leading TV network ABS-CBN depends on at least 9 bills filed with Congress seeking a renewal.
ABS-CBN's television broadcast arm would have to cease operations if the renewal is not granted on time. However, they may still be able to operate by distributing its content onto other media platforms, such as online and through the company's publishing and movie production arms.
Here’s what you need to know about the company’s years-long tussle with the government under President Rodrigo Duterte:
March 30, 1995
ABS-CBN’s franchise is approved through Republic Act No. 7966, with an expiration date on March 30, 2020.
May 5, 2016
During the 2016 elections campaign period, ABS-CBN airs an advertisement showing clips of Duterte cursing, uttering a controversial rape remark, and saying he is ready to kill. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV paid for this ad.
ABS-CBN later says that it was “duty-bound to air a legitimate ad.”
June 11, 2016
ABS-CBN says they applied for early renewal in 2014 through the normal legislative process. However, due to time constraints, ABS-CBN withdraws, opting to seek renewal in the 17th Congress.
“Claims that the franchise will not be extended are purely speculative,” ABS-CBN says in a statement.
November 10, 2016
Nueva Ecija Representative Micaela Violago files House Bill (HB) 4349 in the 17th Congress. The bill seeks to renew the franchise for another 25 years.
March 30, 2017
Duterte calls ABS-CBN and newspaper Philippine Daily Inquirer “bastos (rude)” for allegedly reporting unfair news about him and writing in favor of the interests of the owners. He says that one day, “karma will come” to them.
He says the Inquirer is “bullshit” and that ABS-CBN “published trash.” Duterte calls the Prietos and Lopezes, the respective owners of the companies, “oligarchs and elites.”
In response, the Inquirer says it has “upheld the highest standards of excellence in journalism” since its founding in 1985.
March 31, 2017
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) calls out Duterte for lashing out against the media, saying it was a “brazen abuse of your immense power as chief executive of this land and only shows how little, if any, appreciation you have of democracy and governance.”
April 6, 2017
ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III says that the administration's anger triggered by the reports is “part and parcel” of the work of a media institution. ABS-CBN maintains that the company has observed “fair and balanced” reporting.
April 27, 2017
Duterte accuses ABS-CBN of “swindling,” claiming that the network did not show his political ads during the 2016 campaign although they were already paid for.
These comments come just a few days after Duterte renewed the franchise of GMA Network, ABS-CBN’s rival, for another 25 years.
Meanwhile, HB 4349 remains at the committee level. Duterte tells Congress, “No need to renew it.”
May 19, 2017
Duterte says he will file charges of “multiple syndicated estafa” against ABS-CBN, in a speech at an event launch of housing designs for the military and police.
“Kawalang hiya ninyo, kapal ng mukha ninyo, putang-ina ninyo, leche kayo (You have no shame, your faces are too thick, you sons of bitches),” he says, addressing ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III.
"Gabby Lopez, I paid ABS-CBN P2.8 million....You accepted my money, you never bothered to show my propaganda (political advertisements). After the elections, you didn't return the money," he adds.
He says other candidates such as his running mate Alan Peter Cayetano and vice presidential candidate Francis Escudero experienced the same.
August 3, 2018
The President repeats his threat to block ABS-CBN’s franchise in a speech at the inauguration of a drug rehabilitation facility in Bukidnon.
He challenges ABS-CBN executives to let him slap them if records show he has less than P40 million in his bank accounts.
June 12, 2019
The Philippine Star reports that the House of Representatives froze HB 4349. A lawmaker, who requested anonymity, says no action on any bill seeking to renew the ABS-CBN franchise would be taken as long as the network still has issues with the President.
ABS-CBN later says it is unable to comment on or clarify this report.
July 1, 2019
HB 4349 lapses after 17th Congress adjourns, but its same sponsor Representative Micaela Violago refiles the first bill in the 18th Congress to extend ABS-CBN’s franchise.
October 29, 2019
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano announces they are set to deliberate on the franchise renewal. At this point, there are at least 5 bills filed that seek to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
December 3, 2019
In a speech before new Malacañang officials, Duterte says he is still angry with ABS-CBN, telling the network, “If you expect that will be renewed, I’m sorry. I will see to it that you’re out.”
This is the third time Duterte reiterates this threat.
December 4, 2019
Cayetano says they will no longer tackle the franchise renewal bills for the remainder of 2019, saying there will be “more than enough time” for deliberations in 2020.
Although Cayetano said earlier he has a “personal complaint” against ABS-CBN for "unjust meddling" in the 2016 elections, he gave assurances there will be “fair” deliberation in the House.
House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr says the majority congressmen "might perhaps toe the line" with Duterte, which would make it “almost next to impossible” to renew the franchise.
December 30, 2019
Duterte tells ABS-CBN it would be better to “just sell” the network, remarking that Congress renewing the franchise is unlikely.
January 2, 2020
House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chair Franz Alvarez promises his committee would deliberate on the franchise renewal bills.
He tells ABS-CBN that securing a franchise from Congress is “not a right, but a privilege.”
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/249550-timeline-duterte-against-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
Saturday, January 18, 2020
ABS-CBN’s franchise should be renewed
THERE is no love lost between ABS-CBN, the country’s largest radio and television network, and me but I support measures seeking the renewal of its franchise.
The network’s franchise is set to expire on March 30.
Oh, yes, the network’s management has become hubristic, even abusive, but should that be reason enough for the Duterte administration to cancel its franchise?
If ABS-CBN’s franchise is not renewed, the country will become a pariah to the rest of the free world because the government would be projecting an image that it’s muzzling the media, albeit inadvertently.
I agree with the statement of Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments, that the ABS-CBN’s franchise should be renewed as a matter of right.
“Congress must uphold the Constitution to ensure press freedom,” said Rodriguez.
I beg to disagree with Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez who said the network’s franchise was a “matter of privilege and not a right.”
Alvarez, who heads the committee on legislative franchises, said the issue of press freedom was irrelevant to the discussions on whether to renew the network’s franchise.
“There is no attempt to muzzle or control the media here. So this is not a press freedom issue. We should be reminded that under the law, the grant of a franchise is not a right but a privilege,” Alvarez.
Granted that the grant of a franchise is not a right but a privilege, as Alvarez contends.
But the issue also boils down to press freedom since ABS-CBN is a harsh critic of the President.
The network is just performing an adversarial role towards the administration, which is the role of the entire media establishment vis-å-vis the government.
Now, if the network’s franchise is not renewed on account of it being a harsh critic of the administration then its constitutional right to free expression will be violated.
It’s common knowledge that the House of Representatives, which is deliberating on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, is dominated by allies of the Duterte administration.
Even if the voting is fair and square against the renewal of the franchise, still the suspicion can’t be removed that the network’s fate was doomed because it was not friendly with the Duterte government.
It reeks of vendetta.
Let it not be said that Rodrigo Roa Duterte is a vindictive president and, therefore, a pusillanimous soul.
Duterte is so unlike Cory Aquino and her son Noynoy who persecuted their political enemies; Cory persecuted the Marcoses and Noynoy his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Noynoy could not forget Gloria’s order to redistribute his family-owned Hacienda Luisita among the tenant-farmers, as provided for under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.
I know the Digong up close and personal: he is magnanimous.
He readily forgave a billionaire tycoon whose company supported his rival for the mayoralty of Davao City after I interceded with him on behalf of the businessman.
Digong’s bluster against ABS-CBN is just venting for the raw deal he got from the network when it didn’t air his commercials during the 2016 presidential campaign even though they had already been paid for.
Let’s give Digong time for his anger to subside.
He knows that if ABS-CBN’s franchise is not renewed, he will go down in history as a vindictive despot like the Aquinos, purportedly devout Catholics, who would not forgive their enemies.
* * *
Digong’s beef with ABS-CBN does not just stem from the presidential campaign; it goes deeper.
The network’s owners, the Lopezes, are ingrates to Digong.
When the Lopezes applied for a permit to operate a cable network in Davao City, they asked then Mayor Rody Duterte how much it would take for them to be granted a permit.
The Lopezes thought Duterte would shake them down as other mayors did when they applied for permits for their cable network in other areas.
Instead, Digong granted them a permit without spending a single centavo “for the boys.”
The Lopezes should have borne in mind the favor that Digong had done for them when it was Digong’s time to seek their help when he ran for president.
The help did not mean a free ride on ABS-CBN as Digong and his supporters paid for the political ads in advance.
The Lopezes did not return the favor that Digong granted to them.
But Digong was not vindictive towards the Lopezes.
What did he do after he won the presidency?
He even appointed one of the Lopezes, Gina, secretary of environment and natural resources.
* * *
Digong will soon forgive ABS-CBN as I have forgiven the Philippine Daily Inquirer for easing me out as a columnist because I am a rabid Duterte ally.
The Inquirer’s purported reason was that I had become a government official on account of my appointment as special envoy to China for public diplomacy.
But the truth is the position of special envoy is just honorific, it does not carry remuneration.
The Inquirer’s hatred for Digong spilled over to me because I’m his close friend and supporter.
On at least three occasions during the presidential campaign, my column items about candidate Rodrigo Duterte were not published because I wrote glowingly about him.
As we all know, the Inquirer is a Yellow paper, Yellow in the sense that it was founded after the assassination of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., whose supporters adopted for their theme song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree” during the anti-dictatorship protests that followed the assassination.
So, everything related to Ninoy — his wife Cory, son Noynoy abnoy kuyakoy and the principles of the Yellow Cult — is embraced by the paper.
It so happened that candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, Digong’s rival for the presidency, was a Yellow.
The Inquirer saw red, no pun intended, when I supported Duterte against Roxas.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/18/opinion/columnists/topanalysis/abs-cbns-franchise-should-be-renewed/675248/
The network’s franchise is set to expire on March 30.
Oh, yes, the network’s management has become hubristic, even abusive, but should that be reason enough for the Duterte administration to cancel its franchise?
If ABS-CBN’s franchise is not renewed, the country will become a pariah to the rest of the free world because the government would be projecting an image that it’s muzzling the media, albeit inadvertently.
I agree with the statement of Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments, that the ABS-CBN’s franchise should be renewed as a matter of right.
“Congress must uphold the Constitution to ensure press freedom,” said Rodriguez.
I beg to disagree with Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez who said the network’s franchise was a “matter of privilege and not a right.”
Alvarez, who heads the committee on legislative franchises, said the issue of press freedom was irrelevant to the discussions on whether to renew the network’s franchise.
“There is no attempt to muzzle or control the media here. So this is not a press freedom issue. We should be reminded that under the law, the grant of a franchise is not a right but a privilege,” Alvarez.
Granted that the grant of a franchise is not a right but a privilege, as Alvarez contends.
But the issue also boils down to press freedom since ABS-CBN is a harsh critic of the President.
The network is just performing an adversarial role towards the administration, which is the role of the entire media establishment vis-å-vis the government.
Now, if the network’s franchise is not renewed on account of it being a harsh critic of the administration then its constitutional right to free expression will be violated.
It’s common knowledge that the House of Representatives, which is deliberating on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, is dominated by allies of the Duterte administration.
Even if the voting is fair and square against the renewal of the franchise, still the suspicion can’t be removed that the network’s fate was doomed because it was not friendly with the Duterte government.
It reeks of vendetta.
Let it not be said that Rodrigo Roa Duterte is a vindictive president and, therefore, a pusillanimous soul.
Duterte is so unlike Cory Aquino and her son Noynoy who persecuted their political enemies; Cory persecuted the Marcoses and Noynoy his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Noynoy could not forget Gloria’s order to redistribute his family-owned Hacienda Luisita among the tenant-farmers, as provided for under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.
I know the Digong up close and personal: he is magnanimous.
He readily forgave a billionaire tycoon whose company supported his rival for the mayoralty of Davao City after I interceded with him on behalf of the businessman.
Digong’s bluster against ABS-CBN is just venting for the raw deal he got from the network when it didn’t air his commercials during the 2016 presidential campaign even though they had already been paid for.
Let’s give Digong time for his anger to subside.
He knows that if ABS-CBN’s franchise is not renewed, he will go down in history as a vindictive despot like the Aquinos, purportedly devout Catholics, who would not forgive their enemies.
* * *
Digong’s beef with ABS-CBN does not just stem from the presidential campaign; it goes deeper.
The network’s owners, the Lopezes, are ingrates to Digong.
When the Lopezes applied for a permit to operate a cable network in Davao City, they asked then Mayor Rody Duterte how much it would take for them to be granted a permit.
The Lopezes thought Duterte would shake them down as other mayors did when they applied for permits for their cable network in other areas.
Instead, Digong granted them a permit without spending a single centavo “for the boys.”
The Lopezes should have borne in mind the favor that Digong had done for them when it was Digong’s time to seek their help when he ran for president.
The help did not mean a free ride on ABS-CBN as Digong and his supporters paid for the political ads in advance.
The Lopezes did not return the favor that Digong granted to them.
But Digong was not vindictive towards the Lopezes.
What did he do after he won the presidency?
He even appointed one of the Lopezes, Gina, secretary of environment and natural resources.
* * *
Digong will soon forgive ABS-CBN as I have forgiven the Philippine Daily Inquirer for easing me out as a columnist because I am a rabid Duterte ally.
The Inquirer’s purported reason was that I had become a government official on account of my appointment as special envoy to China for public diplomacy.
But the truth is the position of special envoy is just honorific, it does not carry remuneration.
The Inquirer’s hatred for Digong spilled over to me because I’m his close friend and supporter.
On at least three occasions during the presidential campaign, my column items about candidate Rodrigo Duterte were not published because I wrote glowingly about him.
As we all know, the Inquirer is a Yellow paper, Yellow in the sense that it was founded after the assassination of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., whose supporters adopted for their theme song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree” during the anti-dictatorship protests that followed the assassination.
So, everything related to Ninoy — his wife Cory, son Noynoy abnoy kuyakoy and the principles of the Yellow Cult — is embraced by the paper.
It so happened that candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, Digong’s rival for the presidency, was a Yellow.
The Inquirer saw red, no pun intended, when I supported Duterte against Roxas.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/18/opinion/columnists/topanalysis/abs-cbns-franchise-should-be-renewed/675248/
Friday, January 17, 2020
Journalists hold 'Black Friday protest' in support of ABS-CBN
Journalists on Friday rallied behind ABS-CBN Corp. urging Congress to “repudiate” President Rodrigo Duterte’s “vindictive assault” and extend the media company’s franchise, which is set to expire at the end of March this year.
Duterte has repeatedly said he would object to ABS-CBN's franchise renewal.
The Manila Times, citing “unimpeachable sources” in the judiciary, also reported that Solicitor General Jose Calida was set to ask the Supreme Court to revoke ABS-CBN’s existing franchise.
A number of National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) members gathered near the ABS-CBN office in Quezon City, Friday evening in support of the media network.
The group demanded Congress to “prove itself as an independent and co-equal branch by repudiating Duterte's vindictive assault on ABS-CBN and passing the bill to renew its franchise.”
The NUJP described the threats against ABS-CBN as part of a bigger effort by the administration to “suppress critical media.”
Aside from ABS-CBN, news website Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer have been repeatedly attacked by the president and his supporters because of unfavorable reports.
Duterte, in a televised address last December 30, said owners of ABS-CBN should just sell the network.
A House committee headed by Rep. Franz Alvarez has yet to act on 8 bills seeking another 25-year franchise for the network, which was also shut down during the Marcos dictatorship.
Lawmakers have only 24 regular session days to act on the proposals after returning to work on Jan. 20.
Eleven House members earlier filed a resolution in support of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, which has been in limbo since the president began repeated tirades against it over a political ad that was not aired in 2016.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman had said Duterte should air his “personal grievances” against the network with the “proper judicial or administrative forum... instead of imposing an extrajudicial killing of the freedom of the press.”
ABS-CBN operates free TV Channel 2 and Radio DZMM.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/17/20/journalists-hold-black-friday-protest-in-support-of-abs-cbn
Duterte has repeatedly said he would object to ABS-CBN's franchise renewal.
The Manila Times, citing “unimpeachable sources” in the judiciary, also reported that Solicitor General Jose Calida was set to ask the Supreme Court to revoke ABS-CBN’s existing franchise.
A number of National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) members gathered near the ABS-CBN office in Quezon City, Friday evening in support of the media network.
The group demanded Congress to “prove itself as an independent and co-equal branch by repudiating Duterte's vindictive assault on ABS-CBN and passing the bill to renew its franchise.”
The NUJP described the threats against ABS-CBN as part of a bigger effort by the administration to “suppress critical media.”
Aside from ABS-CBN, news website Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer have been repeatedly attacked by the president and his supporters because of unfavorable reports.
Duterte, in a televised address last December 30, said owners of ABS-CBN should just sell the network.
A House committee headed by Rep. Franz Alvarez has yet to act on 8 bills seeking another 25-year franchise for the network, which was also shut down during the Marcos dictatorship.
Lawmakers have only 24 regular session days to act on the proposals after returning to work on Jan. 20.
Eleven House members earlier filed a resolution in support of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, which has been in limbo since the president began repeated tirades against it over a political ad that was not aired in 2016.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman had said Duterte should air his “personal grievances” against the network with the “proper judicial or administrative forum... instead of imposing an extrajudicial killing of the freedom of the press.”
ABS-CBN operates free TV Channel 2 and Radio DZMM.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/17/20/journalists-hold-black-friday-protest-in-support-of-abs-cbn
DOJ chief: Cabinet never discussed ‘quo warranto’ vs ABS-CBN
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said filing a “quo warranto” petition before the Supreme Court to revoke the franchise of media giant ABS-CBN was “never” discussed in Cabinet meetings.
“The renewal or nonrenewal of the ABS-CBN franchise was casually mentioned in a Cabinet meeting several months ago, but the filing of a quo warranto petition has never been discussed at all,” Guevarra told reporters on Thursday. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1214355/doj-chief-cabinet-never-discussed-quo-warranto-vs-abs-cbn
“The renewal or nonrenewal of the ABS-CBN franchise was casually mentioned in a Cabinet meeting several months ago, but the filing of a quo warranto petition has never been discussed at all,” Guevarra told reporters on Thursday. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1214355/doj-chief-cabinet-never-discussed-quo-warranto-vs-abs-cbn
Govt lawyers ready to throw book at ABS-CBN
Issues over ownership, transfer of shares and violations of the terms of its franchise are among the legal questions that confront the giant ABS-CBN media network in the case that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is poised to file before the Supreme Court.
A source familiar with the case told The Manila Times two draft petitions were being prepared by the OSG seeking the revocation of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
The source said the petitions were supposed to be filed on Thursday, but the OSG decided to put it off.
The Times learned some members of the Duterte Cabinet expressed reservations against the filing of the petitions, since ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise expires in March and they wanted Congress to deal with the issue.
The source said a particularly sticky issue is whether ABS-CBN Corp. sold Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) to non-Filipinos.
Media entities like ABS-CBN must be 100-percent Filipino corporations.
“ABS CBN Corp. issued PDRs in violation of the mass media foreign ownership restriction.” the source said.
It harked back to the case of Rappler, an online news organization, which the government accused of violating the Foreign Equity Restrictions on Mass Media after it issued over seven million PDRs covering shares of Rappler Inc. sold to US-based Omidyar Network Fund LLC.
The Times source said ABS-CBN Corp. also “violated the terms of its franchise by offering pay per view channels via TV Plus”, which is supposed to be used for free by the public. TV Plus is a digital cable app that ABS-CBN sells for more than P1,000.
The OSG might also lean on the issue of ABS-CBN Convergence, whose transfer of shares was allegedly not approved by Congress, the source said.
The source added that ABS-CBN Convergence had been operating without congressional approval and violated the Constitution after it was acquired from a mother company.
Another issue that could be included in the petition is the violation of Section 4 of ABS-CBN’s charter that covers “Honest Enterprise.”
This issue has nettled President Rodrigo Duterte, who claimed his political ads in 2016 were not aired by the network, despite being fully paid. Duterte said he was defrauded by ABS-CBN.
But Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo on Thursday said the President had nothing to do with the OSG petitions.
“You must remember that the job of the SolGen (Solicitor General) is to file the appropriate petitions when he sees or feels that there’s a transgression of franchises or any law for that matter,” he told reporters.
The President has repeatedly criticized ABS-CBN for not airing his campaign ad and replacing it with a TV spot that was critical of him and was paid by his critic, former senator Antonio Trillanes 4th.
In a speech last December, Duterte stressed the network should not expect its franchise to be renewed.
“ABS-CBN, you’re a mouthpiece of… Ang inyong franchise, mag-end next year (Your franchise will expire next year). If you are expecting ma-renew ‘yan (that it will be renewed), I’m sorry. I will see to it that you’re out,” he said.
The network’s franchise expires in March. A bill is pending in Congress for its renewal.
Trillanes had alleged that Duterte logged about P1 billion worth of transactions using various bank accounts. The President denied the allegations.
On several occasions in the past, Duterte has raised the issue and said if he had his way, he would not renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
Radio and television broadcasters are required to acquire a franchise from Congress.
House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman and Anakalusagan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor claimed the move of the OSG to revoke the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN sent a “clear signal” that the Chief Executive opposes the network’s franchise extension.
“The legal action taken by the executive, the OSG representing the Republic, is a step beyond the utterances of Malacañang. In the hearings to be conducted by the Legislative Franchise Committee, you now have the officers of the ABS-CBN network squared off with the officials of the Office of the Solicitor General. However, assuming that Congress, Senate and House, still approves the renewal, the President may veto the bill which renders it futile,” he said.
With the move, Bayan Muna said the OSG had become a biased institution and has become Duterte’s “private law firm” being used for his “political vendetta.”
Bayan Muna Chairman and former lawmaker Neri Comenares said the OSG had devoted so much time to people Duterte considers as his enemies such as chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Rappler, Trillianes and Sen. Leila de Lima. He said the OSG, however, “refused to devote any effort against Duterte allies” like Gen. Oscar Albayalde or those involved in corruption or diverting public funds to “pork barrel.”
“When Duterte is being attacked, his men are restless. But if the people are being attacked, it’s okay,” Colmenares said.
He challenged the OSG to file quo warranto cases against public utilities found to have committed acts against the interest of the Filipino people.
“The OSG should first file quo warranto cases against public utilities like Meralco (Manila Electric Co.), Manila Water [Co. Inc.] and Maynilad [Water Services Inc.], which have a major impact on the people’s suffering not only from inefficient service, but also, expensive electricity and water rates,” Colmenares said.
Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite earlier said the Duterte administration should stop harassing the network.
WITH CATHERINE S. VALENTE AND DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/17/news/national/govt-laywers-ready-to-throw-book-at-abs-cbn/675075/
A source familiar with the case told The Manila Times two draft petitions were being prepared by the OSG seeking the revocation of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
The source said the petitions were supposed to be filed on Thursday, but the OSG decided to put it off.
The Times learned some members of the Duterte Cabinet expressed reservations against the filing of the petitions, since ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise expires in March and they wanted Congress to deal with the issue.
The source said a particularly sticky issue is whether ABS-CBN Corp. sold Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) to non-Filipinos.
Media entities like ABS-CBN must be 100-percent Filipino corporations.
“ABS CBN Corp. issued PDRs in violation of the mass media foreign ownership restriction.” the source said.
It harked back to the case of Rappler, an online news organization, which the government accused of violating the Foreign Equity Restrictions on Mass Media after it issued over seven million PDRs covering shares of Rappler Inc. sold to US-based Omidyar Network Fund LLC.
The Times source said ABS-CBN Corp. also “violated the terms of its franchise by offering pay per view channels via TV Plus”, which is supposed to be used for free by the public. TV Plus is a digital cable app that ABS-CBN sells for more than P1,000.
The OSG might also lean on the issue of ABS-CBN Convergence, whose transfer of shares was allegedly not approved by Congress, the source said.
The source added that ABS-CBN Convergence had been operating without congressional approval and violated the Constitution after it was acquired from a mother company.
Another issue that could be included in the petition is the violation of Section 4 of ABS-CBN’s charter that covers “Honest Enterprise.”
This issue has nettled President Rodrigo Duterte, who claimed his political ads in 2016 were not aired by the network, despite being fully paid. Duterte said he was defrauded by ABS-CBN.
But Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo on Thursday said the President had nothing to do with the OSG petitions.
“You must remember that the job of the SolGen (Solicitor General) is to file the appropriate petitions when he sees or feels that there’s a transgression of franchises or any law for that matter,” he told reporters.
The President has repeatedly criticized ABS-CBN for not airing his campaign ad and replacing it with a TV spot that was critical of him and was paid by his critic, former senator Antonio Trillanes 4th.
In a speech last December, Duterte stressed the network should not expect its franchise to be renewed.
“ABS-CBN, you’re a mouthpiece of… Ang inyong franchise, mag-end next year (Your franchise will expire next year). If you are expecting ma-renew ‘yan (that it will be renewed), I’m sorry. I will see to it that you’re out,” he said.
The network’s franchise expires in March. A bill is pending in Congress for its renewal.
Trillanes had alleged that Duterte logged about P1 billion worth of transactions using various bank accounts. The President denied the allegations.
On several occasions in the past, Duterte has raised the issue and said if he had his way, he would not renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
Radio and television broadcasters are required to acquire a franchise from Congress.
House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman and Anakalusagan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor claimed the move of the OSG to revoke the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN sent a “clear signal” that the Chief Executive opposes the network’s franchise extension.
“The legal action taken by the executive, the OSG representing the Republic, is a step beyond the utterances of Malacañang. In the hearings to be conducted by the Legislative Franchise Committee, you now have the officers of the ABS-CBN network squared off with the officials of the Office of the Solicitor General. However, assuming that Congress, Senate and House, still approves the renewal, the President may veto the bill which renders it futile,” he said.
With the move, Bayan Muna said the OSG had become a biased institution and has become Duterte’s “private law firm” being used for his “political vendetta.”
Bayan Muna Chairman and former lawmaker Neri Comenares said the OSG had devoted so much time to people Duterte considers as his enemies such as chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Rappler, Trillianes and Sen. Leila de Lima. He said the OSG, however, “refused to devote any effort against Duterte allies” like Gen. Oscar Albayalde or those involved in corruption or diverting public funds to “pork barrel.”
“When Duterte is being attacked, his men are restless. But if the people are being attacked, it’s okay,” Colmenares said.
He challenged the OSG to file quo warranto cases against public utilities found to have committed acts against the interest of the Filipino people.
“The OSG should first file quo warranto cases against public utilities like Meralco (Manila Electric Co.), Manila Water [Co. Inc.] and Maynilad [Water Services Inc.], which have a major impact on the people’s suffering not only from inefficient service, but also, expensive electricity and water rates,” Colmenares said.
Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite earlier said the Duterte administration should stop harassing the network.
WITH CATHERINE S. VALENTE AND DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/17/news/national/govt-laywers-ready-to-throw-book-at-abs-cbn/675075/
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Gatchalian says no need to cancel ABS-CBN franchise as it has expiry date
By Hannah Torregoza
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said there is no need for a ‘quo warranto’ petition to be filed before the Supreme Court (SC) to revoke the legislative franchise of network giant ABS-CBN because there is a “natural deadline” for legislative franchises.
“I think, because a (legislative) franchise has a natural deadline, you don’t need a quo warranto (petition),” he said in a Kapihan sa Senado forum. “What is important is for Congress to start the hearing and start discussing what were the shortcomings, what should be improved, at least, that’s the issues coming out.”
Gatchalian made the comment following reports that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is ready to file a quo warranto case against the TV network before the SC in order to cancel its franchise.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire this March, but the House of Representatives has yet to act on bills seeking the renewal of its franchise.
But Gatchalian said that “in principle,” only Congress has the authority to issue and revoke legislative franchises. “It’s Congress’ prerogative to conduct a hearing…in principle, only Congress can issue and revoke a franchise. That’s our system.”
Gatchalian said his position on the issue was the same during then-Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s case, saying he believed that Sereno could be ousted only through impeachment proceedings.
“It’s hard to speculate. That’s why my view is that the hearings (on the franchise issue) should start. Without the hearings, we would not know the real issue,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/16/gatchalian-says-no-need-to-cancel-abs-cbn-franchise-as-it-has-expiry-date/
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said there is no need for a ‘quo warranto’ petition to be filed before the Supreme Court (SC) to revoke the legislative franchise of network giant ABS-CBN because there is a “natural deadline” for legislative franchises.
“I think, because a (legislative) franchise has a natural deadline, you don’t need a quo warranto (petition),” he said in a Kapihan sa Senado forum. “What is important is for Congress to start the hearing and start discussing what were the shortcomings, what should be improved, at least, that’s the issues coming out.”
Gatchalian made the comment following reports that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is ready to file a quo warranto case against the TV network before the SC in order to cancel its franchise.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire this March, but the House of Representatives has yet to act on bills seeking the renewal of its franchise.
But Gatchalian said that “in principle,” only Congress has the authority to issue and revoke legislative franchises. “It’s Congress’ prerogative to conduct a hearing…in principle, only Congress can issue and revoke a franchise. That’s our system.”
Gatchalian said his position on the issue was the same during then-Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s case, saying he believed that Sereno could be ousted only through impeachment proceedings.
“It’s hard to speculate. That’s why my view is that the hearings (on the franchise issue) should start. Without the hearings, we would not know the real issue,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/16/gatchalian-says-no-need-to-cancel-abs-cbn-franchise-as-it-has-expiry-date/
Group asks Go to help push creation of disaster resilience body
LEGAZPI CITY -- Kusog Bikolandia has asked Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, an honorary member of the regional party, to seriously look into its proposal to create a super body on disaster resilience.
The group underscored the need for Go, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, to persuade President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an Executive Order creating the National Disaster and Reconstruction Management Authority which will be solely responsible for overseeing the disaster risk reduction operations in the country to include reconstruction and rehabilitation works, instead of a separate department.
Kusog Bicolandia chairman emeritus Noel de Luna, in an interview on Thursday, said creating a new department to handle disaster resilience would be counter-productive as different government agencies have their respective mandates in relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction responsibilities.
He said an agency should be tasked to develop disaster mitigation and rehabilitation plans and oversee its implementation for each provincial disaster requirements across the country.
“A super body is better than a new line department,” de Luna said in a statement.
He explained the need for such after lawmakers issued calls for a rehabilitation plan to address the needs of the Taal Volcano eruption victims.
Bicolanos have long suffered from disastrous typhoons from Sisang in 1987 to Reming in 2006 which were accompanied by storm surges that devastated coastal areas.
De Luna also cited the recent eruptions of Mayon Volcano in Albay and Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon province.
“One must remember rehabilitation work will only restore the damaged infrastructure and would not add anything to the community,” he said. It is therefore imperative for the super body to carefully look into the needs of vulnerable communities and plan, he added.
De Luna cited the Marawi Rehabilitation Plan which received a huge budget. Failure to implement some of its programs resulted in the return of funds to the National Treasury, he said, adding that there was an insufficient administrative mechanism.
As such, transparency has taken the backseat because nobody can easily see the responsible parties in the rehabilitation program, de Luna said.
“It is, for this reason, we are requesting Senator Go to intervene in the creation of a super body to address everything from conception to implementation of local and national programs for each calamity where quick response is guaranteed along with well-funded and closely supervised rehabilitation programs,” he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091108
The group underscored the need for Go, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, to persuade President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an Executive Order creating the National Disaster and Reconstruction Management Authority which will be solely responsible for overseeing the disaster risk reduction operations in the country to include reconstruction and rehabilitation works, instead of a separate department.
Kusog Bicolandia chairman emeritus Noel de Luna, in an interview on Thursday, said creating a new department to handle disaster resilience would be counter-productive as different government agencies have their respective mandates in relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction responsibilities.
He said an agency should be tasked to develop disaster mitigation and rehabilitation plans and oversee its implementation for each provincial disaster requirements across the country.
“A super body is better than a new line department,” de Luna said in a statement.
He explained the need for such after lawmakers issued calls for a rehabilitation plan to address the needs of the Taal Volcano eruption victims.
Bicolanos have long suffered from disastrous typhoons from Sisang in 1987 to Reming in 2006 which were accompanied by storm surges that devastated coastal areas.
De Luna also cited the recent eruptions of Mayon Volcano in Albay and Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon province.
“One must remember rehabilitation work will only restore the damaged infrastructure and would not add anything to the community,” he said. It is therefore imperative for the super body to carefully look into the needs of vulnerable communities and plan, he added.
De Luna cited the Marawi Rehabilitation Plan which received a huge budget. Failure to implement some of its programs resulted in the return of funds to the National Treasury, he said, adding that there was an insufficient administrative mechanism.
As such, transparency has taken the backseat because nobody can easily see the responsible parties in the rehabilitation program, de Luna said.
“It is, for this reason, we are requesting Senator Go to intervene in the creation of a super body to address everything from conception to implementation of local and national programs for each calamity where quick response is guaranteed along with well-funded and closely supervised rehabilitation programs,” he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091108
Solon’s bill bats for lone GenSan legislative district separate from South Cotabato
By Charissa Luci-Atienza
South Cotabato 1st district Rep. Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles wants to separate General Santos City from the first legislative district of the province of South Cotabato to constitute the lone legislative district of General Santos City.
The vice chairperson of the House committee on people participation filed House Bill (HB) No. 5774 seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11243, which reapportioned the first legislative district of the province of South Cotabato and created the lone legislative district of General Santos City as the third legislative district of the province of South Cotabato.
RA 11243 was approved by President Duterte on March 11, 2019.
“While the intent of Republic Act No. 11243, which was deliberated upon and approved by the 17th Congress, was to create the lone legislative district of General Santos City, its letters needs to be aligned with existing laws to avoid ambiguity and confusion,” Bañas-Nograles said in her bill’s explanatory note.
She said Section 103 of RA 5412, otherwise known as the Charter of the City of General Santos, expressly provides that the voters of General Santos City shall not be qualified and entitled to vote in the elections for provincial officials of the province of South Cotabato. RA 5412 took effect on June 15, 1968.
“Additionally, General Santos City was classified as and became a highly urbanized city way back on Sept. 5, 1988. Thus the city is completely independent from the province of South Cotabato from fiscal, administrative, political, and legal standpoints,” Bañas-Nograles said.
HB 5774 provides that the City of General Santos City is separated from the first legislative district of the province of South Cotabato to constitute the lone legislative district of the City of General Santos, to commence in the next national elections after the effectivity of the proposed act.
Under the bill, the incumbent representative of the first legislative district of South Cotabato shall continue to represent General Santos City until the new representative of the lone legislative district of General Santos City shall have been elected and qualified.
HB 5774 tasks the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the proposed act within 30 days after its effectivity. The proposed act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/16/solons-bill-bats-for-lone-gensan-legislative-district-separate-from-south-cotabato/
South Cotabato 1st district Rep. Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles wants to separate General Santos City from the first legislative district of the province of South Cotabato to constitute the lone legislative district of General Santos City.
The vice chairperson of the House committee on people participation filed House Bill (HB) No. 5774 seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11243, which reapportioned the first legislative district of the province of South Cotabato and created the lone legislative district of General Santos City as the third legislative district of the province of South Cotabato.
RA 11243 was approved by President Duterte on March 11, 2019.
“While the intent of Republic Act No. 11243, which was deliberated upon and approved by the 17th Congress, was to create the lone legislative district of General Santos City, its letters needs to be aligned with existing laws to avoid ambiguity and confusion,” Bañas-Nograles said in her bill’s explanatory note.
She said Section 103 of RA 5412, otherwise known as the Charter of the City of General Santos, expressly provides that the voters of General Santos City shall not be qualified and entitled to vote in the elections for provincial officials of the province of South Cotabato. RA 5412 took effect on June 15, 1968.
“Additionally, General Santos City was classified as and became a highly urbanized city way back on Sept. 5, 1988. Thus the city is completely independent from the province of South Cotabato from fiscal, administrative, political, and legal standpoints,” Bañas-Nograles said.
HB 5774 provides that the City of General Santos City is separated from the first legislative district of the province of South Cotabato to constitute the lone legislative district of the City of General Santos, to commence in the next national elections after the effectivity of the proposed act.
Under the bill, the incumbent representative of the first legislative district of South Cotabato shall continue to represent General Santos City until the new representative of the lone legislative district of General Santos City shall have been elected and qualified.
HB 5774 tasks the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the proposed act within 30 days after its effectivity. The proposed act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/16/solons-bill-bats-for-lone-gensan-legislative-district-separate-from-south-cotabato/
Poe cites anew need for disaster management department
SENATOR Grace Poe underscored anew the need for a permanent disaster management department as several areas in southern Luzon grapple with the impact of the Taal Volcano eruption.
Poe said it is time for the country to have a Department of Disaster Resilience and Emergency Assistance and Management, which she is pushing in her Senate Bill No. 124 that she filed last year.
“I think the eruption of Taal volcano gives yet another reason for the establishment of this department,” Poe said in a radio interview Tuesday.
“We really need a department that has a mandate of focusing on preventing tragedy during a calamity, correct and timely response, and adequate and proper rehabilitation, including acceptable relocation of victims,” Poe said.
Under the bill, the department will have a Bureau of Disaster Resiliency, which will focus on mitigation, prevention, and post-disaster rehabilitation; Bureau of Disaster Preparation and Response, which will handle the operations immediately before, during, and immediately after a disaster; and the Bureau of Knowledge Management and Dissemination, which will build up and disseminate technical knowledge on disaster risk reduction management.
Structurally, the department shall consist of two separate and distinct entities, which are NDRRMC and the department proper.
“Noon pa ito ay na-file ko na kasi iyong ating NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) ngayon, bagama’t sila ay abala sa mga nangyayari, hindi pa ito ganap na departamento. So, ano ang ibig sabihin n’yan? Wala talagang secretary o Cabinet rank level kaya coordinating council lang talaga sila,” Poe said.
The NDRRMC shall retain its policy-making and coordinating functions under Republic Act 10121, or the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010,” while the department proper shall be the secretariat and executive arm envisioned to provide leadership with accountability. The department shall also have local offices in every region.
Poe said that while the NDRRMC has a head, the council is actually composed of several departments like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and Department of Public Works and Highways.
Poe stressed that in times of calamities and disasters, it is critical that someone is in charge.
“Dapat may isang kalihim na magiging responsable,” she said.
Thousands of families in Batangas province and nearby areas have been affected by ashfall that has blanketed roads, home and structures following the Taal eruption.
Poe earlier called on concerned government agencies and local government units to be on watch against unscrupulous businessmen who might take advantage of the situation by jacking up prices of basic commodities and other items on high demand such as face masks.
https://journal.com.ph/news/nation/poe-cites-anew-need-disaster-mgt-dept
Poe said it is time for the country to have a Department of Disaster Resilience and Emergency Assistance and Management, which she is pushing in her Senate Bill No. 124 that she filed last year.
“I think the eruption of Taal volcano gives yet another reason for the establishment of this department,” Poe said in a radio interview Tuesday.
“We really need a department that has a mandate of focusing on preventing tragedy during a calamity, correct and timely response, and adequate and proper rehabilitation, including acceptable relocation of victims,” Poe said.
Under the bill, the department will have a Bureau of Disaster Resiliency, which will focus on mitigation, prevention, and post-disaster rehabilitation; Bureau of Disaster Preparation and Response, which will handle the operations immediately before, during, and immediately after a disaster; and the Bureau of Knowledge Management and Dissemination, which will build up and disseminate technical knowledge on disaster risk reduction management.
Structurally, the department shall consist of two separate and distinct entities, which are NDRRMC and the department proper.
“Noon pa ito ay na-file ko na kasi iyong ating NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) ngayon, bagama’t sila ay abala sa mga nangyayari, hindi pa ito ganap na departamento. So, ano ang ibig sabihin n’yan? Wala talagang secretary o Cabinet rank level kaya coordinating council lang talaga sila,” Poe said.
The NDRRMC shall retain its policy-making and coordinating functions under Republic Act 10121, or the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010,” while the department proper shall be the secretariat and executive arm envisioned to provide leadership with accountability. The department shall also have local offices in every region.
Poe said that while the NDRRMC has a head, the council is actually composed of several departments like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and Department of Public Works and Highways.
Poe stressed that in times of calamities and disasters, it is critical that someone is in charge.
“Dapat may isang kalihim na magiging responsable,” she said.
Thousands of families in Batangas province and nearby areas have been affected by ashfall that has blanketed roads, home and structures following the Taal eruption.
Poe earlier called on concerned government agencies and local government units to be on watch against unscrupulous businessmen who might take advantage of the situation by jacking up prices of basic commodities and other items on high demand such as face masks.
https://journal.com.ph/news/nation/poe-cites-anew-need-disaster-mgt-dept
Palace denies PRRD’s role in plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise
President Rodrigo R. Duterte has no hand in the supposed plan of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to file a case before the Supreme Court, seeking the revocation of the congressional franchise of local media giant ABS-CBN Corp., Malacañang said on Thursday.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said there was no attempt from the President to order Solicitor General Jose Calida to file a petition against ABS-CBN before the high tribunal.
“Kung may instruction ba si Presidente? Wala. Trabaho kasi ni SolGen ‘yun (Was there such an instruction from the President? None. That’s the job of the SolGen),” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing. “You must remember that the job of the SolGen is to file the appropriate petitions when he sees or feels that there is transgression of franchises or any law of that matter.”
The OSG is set to lodge a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN before the Supreme Court on Thursday, according to a report by local broadsheet The Manila Times on Wednesday.
The Manila Times said the OSG wants ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise revoked due to the broadcast firm’s supposed violations of the stated “terms and conditions”.
Panelo said the OSG’s latest move was not prompted by Duterte’s previous rants against ABS-CBN.
The Office of the President, he said, has not even seen the petition drafted by Calida’s office.
“I read about it (the report) and I have to talk to the SolGen yet. I haven’t seen the petition if it has already been drafted,” Panelo said.
ABS-CBN's 25-year franchise will expire on March 30 unless Congress and the President grant its renewal.
A legislative franchise bill needs to first get the nod of the Senate and the House of Representatives before it can be transmitted to Duterte who has the power to either approve or veto any proposed measure.
ABS-CBN would be forced to cease the operation of its television and radio broadcasting stations, in case it fails to secure a fresh 25-year congressional franchise.
Duterte earlier said he would make sure that ABS-CBN would be "out" of business, when its license to operate expires because of its supposed unfair reporting and failure to run his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential race.
On Dec. 8, 2019, Panelo said the renewal of the local media giant's franchise would still be up to Congress.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar last December 18 said ABS-CBN can still run its other media platforms, in case it fails to secure a new franchise. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091103
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said there was no attempt from the President to order Solicitor General Jose Calida to file a petition against ABS-CBN before the high tribunal.
“Kung may instruction ba si Presidente? Wala. Trabaho kasi ni SolGen ‘yun (Was there such an instruction from the President? None. That’s the job of the SolGen),” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing. “You must remember that the job of the SolGen is to file the appropriate petitions when he sees or feels that there is transgression of franchises or any law of that matter.”
The OSG is set to lodge a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN before the Supreme Court on Thursday, according to a report by local broadsheet The Manila Times on Wednesday.
The Manila Times said the OSG wants ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise revoked due to the broadcast firm’s supposed violations of the stated “terms and conditions”.
Panelo said the OSG’s latest move was not prompted by Duterte’s previous rants against ABS-CBN.
The Office of the President, he said, has not even seen the petition drafted by Calida’s office.
“I read about it (the report) and I have to talk to the SolGen yet. I haven’t seen the petition if it has already been drafted,” Panelo said.
ABS-CBN's 25-year franchise will expire on March 30 unless Congress and the President grant its renewal.
A legislative franchise bill needs to first get the nod of the Senate and the House of Representatives before it can be transmitted to Duterte who has the power to either approve or veto any proposed measure.
ABS-CBN would be forced to cease the operation of its television and radio broadcasting stations, in case it fails to secure a fresh 25-year congressional franchise.
Duterte earlier said he would make sure that ABS-CBN would be "out" of business, when its license to operate expires because of its supposed unfair reporting and failure to run his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential race.
On Dec. 8, 2019, Panelo said the renewal of the local media giant's franchise would still be up to Congress.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar last December 18 said ABS-CBN can still run its other media platforms, in case it fails to secure a new franchise. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091103
OSG petition a ‘clear sign’ of gov’t bid to block ABS-CBN franchise renewal — solon
A reported plan of the state lawyers to file a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court is “a clear signal” that the executive will oppose the extension of the franchise given to media giant, ABS-CBN, a congressman allied with the majority said Thursday.
Anakalusugan Partylist Rep. Mike Defensor said any legal action that the Office of Solicitor General (OSG) would do before the SC would likely have the imprimatur of Malacanang.
“The legal action taken by the executive, the OSG representing the Republic, is a step beyond the utterances of Malacanang,” Defensor said in a message to reporters.
The broadcast network’s franchise will expire in March.
Republic Act No. 3846. requires television and radio broadcasters to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress which will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.
“In the hearings to be conducted by the Legislative Franchise Committee, you now have the officers of the ABS-CBN network squared off with the officials of the OSG,” Defensor said.
But even if the Congress approves the renewal, Defensor said that President Rodrigo Duterte “may veto the bill which renders it futile.”
Duterte has repeatedly said that he would block the franchise renewal of the network due to supposed “violations” committed by the media company.
At one point, Duterte even urged the Lopez family, the owner of the company, to just sell it off.
Despite this, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Thursday denied that the president had a hand in the quo warranto petition.
A quo warranto (Latin for “by what warrant or authority?”) is a legal procedure used to challenge an individual’s right to or authority over the position he or she holds.
Under Rule 66 of the Rules of Court, a quo warranto petition may be filed by an individual or by the government upon the order of the President, against “a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise.”
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1214130/alleged-petition-to-revoke-abs-cbn-franchise-clear-signal-from-executive-solon
Anakalusugan Partylist Rep. Mike Defensor said any legal action that the Office of Solicitor General (OSG) would do before the SC would likely have the imprimatur of Malacanang.
“The legal action taken by the executive, the OSG representing the Republic, is a step beyond the utterances of Malacanang,” Defensor said in a message to reporters.
The broadcast network’s franchise will expire in March.
Republic Act No. 3846. requires television and radio broadcasters to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress which will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.
“In the hearings to be conducted by the Legislative Franchise Committee, you now have the officers of the ABS-CBN network squared off with the officials of the OSG,” Defensor said.
But even if the Congress approves the renewal, Defensor said that President Rodrigo Duterte “may veto the bill which renders it futile.”
Duterte has repeatedly said that he would block the franchise renewal of the network due to supposed “violations” committed by the media company.
At one point, Duterte even urged the Lopez family, the owner of the company, to just sell it off.
Despite this, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Thursday denied that the president had a hand in the quo warranto petition.
A quo warranto (Latin for “by what warrant or authority?”) is a legal procedure used to challenge an individual’s right to or authority over the position he or she holds.
Under Rule 66 of the Rules of Court, a quo warranto petition may be filed by an individual or by the government upon the order of the President, against “a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise.”
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1214130/alleged-petition-to-revoke-abs-cbn-franchise-clear-signal-from-executive-solon
Sotto: SC petition has no effect on bills extending ABS-CBN franchise
Congress’ deliberations on the proposed extension of the franchise of ABS-CBN will push through despite the reported plan by government lawyers to file a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire in March 2020, although several bills extending it for another 25 years have already been filed at the House of Representatives (HOR) and the Senate.
A recent news report claimed the Office of Solicitor General would ask the high tribunal to revoke the franchise.
Initially, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III refused to make any comment on the issue, saying the franchise would still go through Congress.
But when asked if Congress would proceed with its deliberations even if the issue is brought to court, the senator said: “Walang kinalaman ‘yun sa bill if it reaches us.”
He said Congress may continue to hear the franchise extension probably until the SC rules on the petition.
“Pero malayo sa amin ang issue until the HOR passes it,” Sotto pointed out.
All franchise bills must emanate from the House before being transmitted to the Senate.
Until now, however, the House has yet to start its deliberations on the franchise extension of ABS-CBN.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1214102/sc-petition-no-effect-on-bills-extending-abs-cbn-franchise
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire in March 2020, although several bills extending it for another 25 years have already been filed at the House of Representatives (HOR) and the Senate.
A recent news report claimed the Office of Solicitor General would ask the high tribunal to revoke the franchise.
Initially, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III refused to make any comment on the issue, saying the franchise would still go through Congress.
But when asked if Congress would proceed with its deliberations even if the issue is brought to court, the senator said: “Walang kinalaman ‘yun sa bill if it reaches us.”
He said Congress may continue to hear the franchise extension probably until the SC rules on the petition.
“Pero malayo sa amin ang issue until the HOR passes it,” Sotto pointed out.
All franchise bills must emanate from the House before being transmitted to the Senate.
Until now, however, the House has yet to start its deliberations on the franchise extension of ABS-CBN.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1214102/sc-petition-no-effect-on-bills-extending-abs-cbn-franchise
Palace: No Duterte hand in alleged petition to revoke ABS-CBN franchise
President Rodrigo Duterte has nothing to do with the alleged move of the Office of the Solicitor General to ask the Supreme Court to revoke the franchise of media giant ABS-CBN, Malacañang said Thursday.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo issued the assurance even as Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, which will expire in March.
“You must remember that the job of the SolGen is to file the appropriate petitions when he sees or feels that there is a transgression of franchises or any law for that matter,” Panelo said in a press briefing in Malacañang.
A media report earlier claimed that the Solicitor General is set to file a petition before the high court to revoke the congressional franchise of ABS-CBN due to supposed “violations” committed by the media company.
The report claimed that the Solicitor General has already finished the draft of the petition and is expected to be filed Thursday. But the petition has yet to be filed before the SC as of posting time
In an interview, Panelo, who is also Duterte’s chief legal counsel, argued the SolGen’s move cannot be considered an issue of press freedom.
“Basta may violation ng batas hindi pwedeng pumasok ang press freedom. Ang press freedom may limitations din ‘yun,” he said.
(As long as there are laws violated, you cannot invoke press freedom. Press freedom itself has its limitations.)
The President previously asked Lopez family, controlling owner of the publicly listed company, to just sell off the media network as he vowed to “see to it” that it will lose its battle for franchise renewal.
Television and radio broadcasters in the country are required to get a franchise from Congress under Republic Act No. 3846.
“If I were you, just sell it. Because it’s only now that the Filipino can retaliate against your abuses. And I will make sure that you will remember this episode of our times forever,” Duteret said.
The President unleashed the attack on the TV network as his friend, Davao City businessman Dennis Uy, is expanding into the media and entertainment business with the founding of Udenna Communications Media and Entertainment Holdings Corp.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1213929/palace-no-duterte-hand-in-alleged-petition-to-revoke-abs-cbn-franchise
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo issued the assurance even as Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, which will expire in March.
“You must remember that the job of the SolGen is to file the appropriate petitions when he sees or feels that there is a transgression of franchises or any law for that matter,” Panelo said in a press briefing in Malacañang.
A media report earlier claimed that the Solicitor General is set to file a petition before the high court to revoke the congressional franchise of ABS-CBN due to supposed “violations” committed by the media company.
The report claimed that the Solicitor General has already finished the draft of the petition and is expected to be filed Thursday. But the petition has yet to be filed before the SC as of posting time
In an interview, Panelo, who is also Duterte’s chief legal counsel, argued the SolGen’s move cannot be considered an issue of press freedom.
“Basta may violation ng batas hindi pwedeng pumasok ang press freedom. Ang press freedom may limitations din ‘yun,” he said.
(As long as there are laws violated, you cannot invoke press freedom. Press freedom itself has its limitations.)
The President previously asked Lopez family, controlling owner of the publicly listed company, to just sell off the media network as he vowed to “see to it” that it will lose its battle for franchise renewal.
Television and radio broadcasters in the country are required to get a franchise from Congress under Republic Act No. 3846.
“If I were you, just sell it. Because it’s only now that the Filipino can retaliate against your abuses. And I will make sure that you will remember this episode of our times forever,” Duteret said.
The President unleashed the attack on the TV network as his friend, Davao City businessman Dennis Uy, is expanding into the media and entertainment business with the founding of Udenna Communications Media and Entertainment Holdings Corp.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1213929/palace-no-duterte-hand-in-alleged-petition-to-revoke-abs-cbn-franchise
Quo warranto plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise 'never discussed' in Cabinet: DOJ chief
A supposed plan for government lawyers to seek the cancellation of ABS-CBN media network's franchise "has never been discussed at all" during a meeting among President Rodrigo Duterte and his top aides, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Thursday.
Citing "unimpeachable sources", The Manila Times reported that the Office of the Solicitor General would ask the Supreme Court to revoke ABS-CBN's franchise through a quo warranto petition.
"The renewal or non-renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise was casually mentioned in a Cabinet meeting several months ago, but the filing of a quo warranto petition has never been discussed at all," Guevarra told reporters.
Congress has yet to act on bills renewing the leading network's franchise, set to expire in March.
A quo warranto petition could be filed against a person who "usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise," according to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
More details to follow.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/16/20/quo-warranto-plea-to-revoke-abs-cbn-franchise-never-discussed-in-cabinet-doj-chief
Citing "unimpeachable sources", The Manila Times reported that the Office of the Solicitor General would ask the Supreme Court to revoke ABS-CBN's franchise through a quo warranto petition.
"The renewal or non-renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise was casually mentioned in a Cabinet meeting several months ago, but the filing of a quo warranto petition has never been discussed at all," Guevarra told reporters.
Congress has yet to act on bills renewing the leading network's franchise, set to expire in March.
A quo warranto petition could be filed against a person who "usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise," according to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
More details to follow.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/16/20/quo-warranto-plea-to-revoke-abs-cbn-franchise-never-discussed-in-cabinet-doj-chief
‘Di tatantanan mga Lopez! Calida wants SC to revoke ABS-CBN’s franchise- report
Solicitor General Jose Calida will ask the Supreme Court to revoke the franchise of ABS-CBN, barely two months after it is set to expire on March 30, the Manila Times reported Thursday (January 16).
Citing “unimpeachable sources,” the Manila Times reported that Calida will file a quo warranto case against ABS-CBN for allegedly violating the terms and conditions of the franchise granted to the network by Congress.
“There were several violations filed by ABS-CBN in their legislative franchise. A petition will be filed before the Supreme Court to revoke its grant,” the paper quoted a source as saying.
The Manila Times said Calida and the assistant solicitor general have already signed the draft quo warranto petition, which will reportedly be filed Thursday.
A quo warranto petition is a special writ or legal action which would compel a person or entity to show by what warrant an office or franchise was held, claimed or exercised.
Rule 66 of the Rules of Court allows the filing of a quo warranto petition against a franchise.
ABS-CBN, along with the Manila Electric Co., was “returned” to the Lopezes under then-President Corazon Aquino in 1986.
The Lopezes filed a case with the Supreme Court claiming that ABS-CBN was confiscated from them by Aquino’s predecessor, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, during martial law.
The Supreme Court, however, dismissed the Lopezes’ case in 2008 for lack of merit.
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020.
Duterte recently advised the Lopezes it will be better if they sell the network since its franchise will not be renewed.
There are at least nine bills filed in the House of Representatives seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise. However, they have yet to be discussed by the Committee on Legislative Franchises.
https://politics.com.ph/di-tatantanan-mga-lopez-calida-wants-sc-to-revoke-abs-cbns-franchise-report/
Citing “unimpeachable sources,” the Manila Times reported that Calida will file a quo warranto case against ABS-CBN for allegedly violating the terms and conditions of the franchise granted to the network by Congress.
“There were several violations filed by ABS-CBN in their legislative franchise. A petition will be filed before the Supreme Court to revoke its grant,” the paper quoted a source as saying.
The Manila Times said Calida and the assistant solicitor general have already signed the draft quo warranto petition, which will reportedly be filed Thursday.
A quo warranto petition is a special writ or legal action which would compel a person or entity to show by what warrant an office or franchise was held, claimed or exercised.
Rule 66 of the Rules of Court allows the filing of a quo warranto petition against a franchise.
ABS-CBN, along with the Manila Electric Co., was “returned” to the Lopezes under then-President Corazon Aquino in 1986.
The Lopezes filed a case with the Supreme Court claiming that ABS-CBN was confiscated from them by Aquino’s predecessor, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, during martial law.
The Supreme Court, however, dismissed the Lopezes’ case in 2008 for lack of merit.
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020.
Duterte recently advised the Lopezes it will be better if they sell the network since its franchise will not be renewed.
There are at least nine bills filed in the House of Representatives seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise. However, they have yet to be discussed by the Committee on Legislative Franchises.
https://politics.com.ph/di-tatantanan-mga-lopez-calida-wants-sc-to-revoke-abs-cbns-franchise-report/
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Lawmaker seeks deliberations on ABS-CBN franchise renewal
A lawmaker yesterday asked the House of Representatives to start deliberations on measures seeking renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, one of the proponents of the bills, urged the House committee on legislative franchises to conduct the hearing when session resumes next week after the holiday break.
“Time is of the essence because ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire on March 30. Congress will adjourn on March 11,” he said.
Rodriguez, chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments, said the television network’s franchise should be renewed as a matter of right.
“Congress must uphold the Constitution to ensure press freedom,” he said
Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, who chairs the committee on legislative franchises, said the network’s franchise is a “matter of privilege and not a right.”
Alvarez said the constitutional right to press freedom is irrelevant to the issue and should not be tackled during Congress deliberations.
“There is no attempt to muzzle or control the media here. So this is not a press freedom issue. We should be reminded that under the law, the grant of a franchise is not a right but a privilege,” he pointed out.
Aside from Rodriguez, 11 lawmakers, who are allies of the administration, filed bills supporting ABS-CBN’s application for franchise renewal.
President Duterte has maintained his opposition to the renewal of the network’s franchise and even told its owners to just sell the company.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/01/15/1984856/lawmaker-seeks-deliberations-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, one of the proponents of the bills, urged the House committee on legislative franchises to conduct the hearing when session resumes next week after the holiday break.
“Time is of the essence because ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire on March 30. Congress will adjourn on March 11,” he said.
Rodriguez, chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments, said the television network’s franchise should be renewed as a matter of right.
“Congress must uphold the Constitution to ensure press freedom,” he said
Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, who chairs the committee on legislative franchises, said the network’s franchise is a “matter of privilege and not a right.”
Alvarez said the constitutional right to press freedom is irrelevant to the issue and should not be tackled during Congress deliberations.
“There is no attempt to muzzle or control the media here. So this is not a press freedom issue. We should be reminded that under the law, the grant of a franchise is not a right but a privilege,” he pointed out.
Aside from Rodriguez, 11 lawmakers, who are allies of the administration, filed bills supporting ABS-CBN’s application for franchise renewal.
President Duterte has maintained his opposition to the renewal of the network’s franchise and even told its owners to just sell the company.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/01/15/1984856/lawmaker-seeks-deliberations-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
ABS-CBN: Competition regulator’s options
"The Philippine Competition Commission can either speak out, or be quiet."
All the discussions thus far regarding franchise of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation – more specifically, the franchise’s approaching expiry on March 30, 2020 – have revolved around the political and legal aspects of the franchise that the network obtained almost 25 years ago. Hardly anything has been said about the economic aspect of the matter.
The political aspect of the renewal or non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise can be summed up in three words: President Rodrigo Duterte. The Chief Executive of this country has stated in no uncertain terms that he will veto any bill granting a renewal of the franchise. Mr. Duterte has been forthright about his disdain for ABS-CBN. The network allegedly failed to air, during the 2016 campaign period, advertisements for which he made payment. If Mr. Duterte’s claim is true – and the Chief Executive passionately says that it is – that 2016 decision will prove to be the greatest miscalculation committed by ABS-CBN in its history. Payback time is here.
The legal aspect of the renewal or non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise revolves around the Constitutional provision governing public utilities. ABS-CBN falls within the Public Service Act’s definition of a public utility. Whatever the legal requirement for ABS-CBN’s being able to operate beyond March 20, 2020 – whether or not Congressional action is required – there is no getting away from the fact that the President of the Philippines can disapprove or reverse a favorable action taken by any department or agency on ABS-CBN’s quest for franchise renewal. Nor is judicial action the solution; the courts cannot compel the President of the Philippines to perform an act involving Presidential discretion.
As stated above, the economic aspect of the coming expiry – and renewal or non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise has undergone less public discussion than it’s political and legal aspects. Yet it is likewise an important aspect.
Anyone knowledgeable about the structure of the Philippine broadcast industry knows that a key element of the resolution of the ABS-CBN issue is the competitive situation within the industry. This is not an unimportant aspect of the issue: in fact, the desire to eliminate monopolistic or oligopolistic conditions, and to level the playing field, in this country’s industries that Congress passed the Philippine Competition Act several years ago.
Because of its highly capital-intensive nature, the broadcast industry is a comparatively small industry. In this country the broadcasting industry is composed of five companies, to wit, ABS-CBN, GMA Network, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13), TV5 Network, Inc. and government-owned PTV-4. However, the bulk of the industry’s revenues are accounted for by ABS-CBN, GMA and IBC only, a state of affairs shown by the fact that surveys of audience size are generally undertaken only for those companies. It is not incorrect to speak of the Philippine broadcasting industry in terms of a duopoly.
Under the leadership of economist Arsenio Balisacan, PCC (Philippine Competition Commission) has tried hard to fulfill its mandate, constantly looking our for threats to competition and striking down arrangements and practices that are inimical to the letter and spirit of fair competition. PCC has made its existence felt whenever unfair competition has reared its ugly head.
The possible non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise will raise the issue of competition in the Philippine broadcasting industry. Whether or not ABS-CBN is the industry’s No. 1 – that depends on which rating company is doing the rating – the fact is that the cessation of operations of ABS-CBN will give rise to monopolistic conditions in the industry, with GMA effectively becoming a monopoly. That is hardly a situation that Dr. Balisacan and his colleagues will want. That is precisely the kind of situation that the authors of the Philippine Competition Act sought to prevent.
Thus far PCC has not been heard from, but sooner or later it will have to weigh in on the ABS-CBN franchise issue. It will not be able to pretend that the issue does not exist and that there will be no corresponding impact on competitive conditions in the broadcasting industry.
Given President Duterte’s resolve to not approve an extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise, PCC, being a part of the Executive Department, will not prevail. But its views on the matter will have to be heard.
PCC has two options. One option is to speak out against the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise and thereby incur the ire of President Duterte, with all the dire consequences of that. The other option is to keep quiet about the matter and pretend that no competition-related problem exists.
The two options are equally bad for PCC.
All the discussions thus far regarding franchise of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation – more specifically, the franchise’s approaching expiry on March 30, 2020 – have revolved around the political and legal aspects of the franchise that the network obtained almost 25 years ago. Hardly anything has been said about the economic aspect of the matter.
The political aspect of the renewal or non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise can be summed up in three words: President Rodrigo Duterte. The Chief Executive of this country has stated in no uncertain terms that he will veto any bill granting a renewal of the franchise. Mr. Duterte has been forthright about his disdain for ABS-CBN. The network allegedly failed to air, during the 2016 campaign period, advertisements for which he made payment. If Mr. Duterte’s claim is true – and the Chief Executive passionately says that it is – that 2016 decision will prove to be the greatest miscalculation committed by ABS-CBN in its history. Payback time is here.
The legal aspect of the renewal or non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise revolves around the Constitutional provision governing public utilities. ABS-CBN falls within the Public Service Act’s definition of a public utility. Whatever the legal requirement for ABS-CBN’s being able to operate beyond March 20, 2020 – whether or not Congressional action is required – there is no getting away from the fact that the President of the Philippines can disapprove or reverse a favorable action taken by any department or agency on ABS-CBN’s quest for franchise renewal. Nor is judicial action the solution; the courts cannot compel the President of the Philippines to perform an act involving Presidential discretion.
As stated above, the economic aspect of the coming expiry – and renewal or non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise has undergone less public discussion than it’s political and legal aspects. Yet it is likewise an important aspect.
Anyone knowledgeable about the structure of the Philippine broadcast industry knows that a key element of the resolution of the ABS-CBN issue is the competitive situation within the industry. This is not an unimportant aspect of the issue: in fact, the desire to eliminate monopolistic or oligopolistic conditions, and to level the playing field, in this country’s industries that Congress passed the Philippine Competition Act several years ago.
Because of its highly capital-intensive nature, the broadcast industry is a comparatively small industry. In this country the broadcasting industry is composed of five companies, to wit, ABS-CBN, GMA Network, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13), TV5 Network, Inc. and government-owned PTV-4. However, the bulk of the industry’s revenues are accounted for by ABS-CBN, GMA and IBC only, a state of affairs shown by the fact that surveys of audience size are generally undertaken only for those companies. It is not incorrect to speak of the Philippine broadcasting industry in terms of a duopoly.
Under the leadership of economist Arsenio Balisacan, PCC (Philippine Competition Commission) has tried hard to fulfill its mandate, constantly looking our for threats to competition and striking down arrangements and practices that are inimical to the letter and spirit of fair competition. PCC has made its existence felt whenever unfair competition has reared its ugly head.
The possible non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise will raise the issue of competition in the Philippine broadcasting industry. Whether or not ABS-CBN is the industry’s No. 1 – that depends on which rating company is doing the rating – the fact is that the cessation of operations of ABS-CBN will give rise to monopolistic conditions in the industry, with GMA effectively becoming a monopoly. That is hardly a situation that Dr. Balisacan and his colleagues will want. That is precisely the kind of situation that the authors of the Philippine Competition Act sought to prevent.
Thus far PCC has not been heard from, but sooner or later it will have to weigh in on the ABS-CBN franchise issue. It will not be able to pretend that the issue does not exist and that there will be no corresponding impact on competitive conditions in the broadcasting industry.
Given President Duterte’s resolve to not approve an extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise, PCC, being a part of the Executive Department, will not prevail. But its views on the matter will have to be heard.
PCC has two options. One option is to speak out against the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise and thereby incur the ire of President Duterte, with all the dire consequences of that. The other option is to keep quiet about the matter and pretend that no competition-related problem exists.
The two options are equally bad for PCC.
IF THERE IS NO MORE ABS-CBN AGAIN (PART 1): FARING MOTHER IGNACIA’S PERFORMANCE AND FINDING THE HATRED
[WARNING: The author is not a hater of the media entity in hot water. With apologies to fanatics of this particular network but let’s face it, no media entity is perfect or sacred; every network has its flaws and successes. Please read at your own risk.]
IN the opening salvo almost two weeks ago, this year is the most crucial moment in the Philippine media industry; this is the year ABS-CBN is facing a make-or-break situation — the franchise renewal is at stake.
Six days from now, Congress will resume its plenary session and the bills regarding their franchise renewal are in the bind. Some solons like Laguna Representative Sol Aragones — who was a reporter of her previous employer — wanted to put this bill as urgent and priority before March 30 strikes.
For the past three years, President Rodrigo Duterte constantly objected for their renewal by playing different mind games. Recently, he wanted the network to be sold to his business friend Dennis Uy, the Villars or Manny V. Pangilinan — despite a mix of denials and interests — in order to dilute the Lopezes out of boardroom control anew. In a nutshell, as Ryan Ortega opined, these acts seem to generate “terrible optics.”
While media professionals and enthusiasts generally saw Mother Ignacia’s success in ratings and in business strategy, not everyone is pleased (and it’s not simply because they are hardcore loyalists from Kamuning).
What if the then-fringe, now-significant hardcore supporters of this administration got what they wished for — shutting ABS-CBN down for good or for at least, two years — despite little or no effect or even silence from both the telecommunications authority and their broadcasting associate for their non-renewal.
But before we answer that big question, we will delve into why that particular hate on the network grew and how did the network fare out for the past 10 years.
When did all the hate begin?
It all began after Cory Aquino’s funeral. MMK aired the two-part story of the couple on what would have been the former beloved President’s 77th birthday in January 2010.
Due to the airing, netizens criticized the airing as an indirect platform for their unico hijo, Noynoy Aquino to victory in the polls. At that time, certain personalities were active in the network during the period like Korina Sanchez (spouse of his running mate Mar Roxas) and obviously, her sister, Kris. However, not all personalities in the network endorsed him such as Willie Revillame and Dolphy who endorsed Manny Villar.
When Noynoy won the Presidency at the inaugural automated elections, Ricky Carandang and Manuel L. Quezon III from ANC became part of the Palace’s communications team. (The latter was responsible for making the Official Gazette in touch and informative with social media.) Thus, the weekly anthology series every Saturday became a tool to propel certain candidates into victory.
The year after (2011), a YouTube creator named PinoyMonkeyPride published a series of animated videos repeating buzzwords against the network as it was owned by “oligarchs” and their story “biased” in favor of the then sitting administration. It may have paved the way for netizens’ inspiration to create their fan pages and blog sites to hate the then-President and its actions wholeheartedly. Their accusations, however, were a mix of truths and baseless claims; it did not pay much attention in the general social media news feed but it escalated as the next presidential election approaches.
During the last days of the election campaign in 2016, this particular network aired attack ads against two candidates in two separate positions. One of them was paid by then-Senator Antonio Trillanes IV (who ran for Vice President but eventually placed dead last) attacking then-Davao City mayor. The other ad is by then-Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares (who at that time ran for Senator for the first time) who attacked against then-Senator Bongbong Marcos (wherein the latter ran but almost won the vice presidency).
After the clear and vindicated victory, the new President persistently made sporadic accusations against the network — from taking unauthorized loans from the Development Bank of the Philippines, unpaid ads and unpaid taxes despite being not true in their annual reports. These soundbites have been relayed over the cyberspace, without fact-checking and hearing the other side, and simply accepted them as gospel truth.
ABS-CBN in the 2010s
Casting aside the political colors, the 2010s on ABS-CBN made significant differences in their programming operations.
Free TV
Through cunning exploitation of absolute advantage, this network broadcast their acquired international franchises of competition shows and freely create their deviations for teens and kids like The Voice and Your Face Sounds Familiar, just to name a few.
As reality competition shows became all the rage and expanded back-to-back on weekend primetime, it pushed game shows obsolete. Regardless of that trade-off, those shows have repetitively been hosted in circles by what the Turf called, the Trinity: Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford and/or Robi Domingo. Speaking of game shows, their selection of players shifted to exclusive, non-committed stars in order to avoid defection to another network. (which became the Turf‘s first breaking point) Nonetheless, both types of shows have injected some comic relief for ratings.
Vice Ganda became the face of the network in the past decade as we see him every day of the week — at least, on It’s Showtime and on Gandang Gabi Vice (sometimes, he performs on ASAP). His incorrigible, panlalait style of comedy has influenced his co-equals with their fans continuing to tolerate him. In the late part of the decade, his jockeying antics on their live noontime show continued without a sense of time (which became another turning point).
Throughout the past 10 years, this network was responsible for boosting up the “love team manufacturing and enhancing” industry. From their conception at Pinoy Big Brother, they ventured out into drama and anthology and without a doubt, it was successful. It’s no wonder that the reboot of Wansapanataym lost its zeitgeist as a fantasy anthology with moral lessons like the first incarnation into a springboard of kalandian. (Thank goodness, they ended it last September.)
With unified MTRCB ratings fully implemented since 2011, their network’s teleseryes were mostly classified into the SPG territory. The starting times of teleseryes every weekday shifted to pre-noontime since 2012, beginning with Be Careful with My Heart.
In 2013, during their 60th anniversary, they forge a deal with CJ ENM to broadcast O Shopping as an overnight blocktimer. It almost fills up ABS-CBN’s round-the-clock schedule except on Tuesday.
In 2014, Studio 23 became ABS-CBN Sports + Action (later shortened as S+A). In the same year, late-night newscast Bandila reported a mysterious flesh-eating disease in Pangasinan, which turned out to be false.
In 2015, their encrypted set-top box, ABS-CBN TVplus was introduced in the market and were sold hot like hotcakes; as of this publication, it sold 8.9 million units and just last year, they launch their mobile version, TVPlus Go, for commuters. On that same year, Boy Abunda’s The Buzz pulled the plug — putting an end of an era for weekend afternoon showbiz scoops. Meanwhile, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano premiered and still is the successful teleserye in weekday primetime.
The following year (2016), another TV program genre was put into the dustbins of history as Luv U was the last teen-oriented program to broadcast. Children’s programming (including cartoons and anime) was downgraded into one meager slot on free TV every Sunday morning as the rest were migrated to Yey! (their exclusive digital sub-channel)
In 2019, after 14 years, kiddie-casted sketch comedy show Goin’ Bulilit pulled the plug.
Cable Operations
Because of the trend of cord-cutters — wherein cable subscription is dropped in favor of cheaper or reasonable pricing of the promised offerings on video-on-demand platforms — ABS-CBN discontinued these cable channels within the decade: ABS-CBN Regional Channel, Balls (replaced with Liga), CgeTV, Hero (became a Web portal), Lifestyle (became Metro Channel), Tag (in favor of Cine Mo! and Movie Central) and Velvet.
Radio Operations
In 2013, the network unified the FM branding as My Only Radio (M.O.R.).
Other Ventures
ABS-CBNmobile, their exclusive mobile service provider, did not last that long; the service ran from 2013 to 2018.
https://timowsturf.wordpress.com/2020/01/14/if-there-is-no-more-abs-cbn-again-part-1-faring-mother-ignacias-programming-performance-and-finding-the-hatred/
IN the opening salvo almost two weeks ago, this year is the most crucial moment in the Philippine media industry; this is the year ABS-CBN is facing a make-or-break situation — the franchise renewal is at stake.
Six days from now, Congress will resume its plenary session and the bills regarding their franchise renewal are in the bind. Some solons like Laguna Representative Sol Aragones — who was a reporter of her previous employer — wanted to put this bill as urgent and priority before March 30 strikes.
For the past three years, President Rodrigo Duterte constantly objected for their renewal by playing different mind games. Recently, he wanted the network to be sold to his business friend Dennis Uy, the Villars or Manny V. Pangilinan — despite a mix of denials and interests — in order to dilute the Lopezes out of boardroom control anew. In a nutshell, as Ryan Ortega opined, these acts seem to generate “terrible optics.”
While media professionals and enthusiasts generally saw Mother Ignacia’s success in ratings and in business strategy, not everyone is pleased (and it’s not simply because they are hardcore loyalists from Kamuning).
What if the then-fringe, now-significant hardcore supporters of this administration got what they wished for — shutting ABS-CBN down for good or for at least, two years — despite little or no effect or even silence from both the telecommunications authority and their broadcasting associate for their non-renewal.
But before we answer that big question, we will delve into why that particular hate on the network grew and how did the network fare out for the past 10 years.
When did all the hate begin?
It all began after Cory Aquino’s funeral. MMK aired the two-part story of the couple on what would have been the former beloved President’s 77th birthday in January 2010.
Due to the airing, netizens criticized the airing as an indirect platform for their unico hijo, Noynoy Aquino to victory in the polls. At that time, certain personalities were active in the network during the period like Korina Sanchez (spouse of his running mate Mar Roxas) and obviously, her sister, Kris. However, not all personalities in the network endorsed him such as Willie Revillame and Dolphy who endorsed Manny Villar.
When Noynoy won the Presidency at the inaugural automated elections, Ricky Carandang and Manuel L. Quezon III from ANC became part of the Palace’s communications team. (The latter was responsible for making the Official Gazette in touch and informative with social media.) Thus, the weekly anthology series every Saturday became a tool to propel certain candidates into victory.
The year after (2011), a YouTube creator named PinoyMonkeyPride published a series of animated videos repeating buzzwords against the network as it was owned by “oligarchs” and their story “biased” in favor of the then sitting administration. It may have paved the way for netizens’ inspiration to create their fan pages and blog sites to hate the then-President and its actions wholeheartedly. Their accusations, however, were a mix of truths and baseless claims; it did not pay much attention in the general social media news feed but it escalated as the next presidential election approaches.
During the last days of the election campaign in 2016, this particular network aired attack ads against two candidates in two separate positions. One of them was paid by then-Senator Antonio Trillanes IV (who ran for Vice President but eventually placed dead last) attacking then-Davao City mayor. The other ad is by then-Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares (who at that time ran for Senator for the first time) who attacked against then-Senator Bongbong Marcos (wherein the latter ran but almost won the vice presidency).
After the clear and vindicated victory, the new President persistently made sporadic accusations against the network — from taking unauthorized loans from the Development Bank of the Philippines, unpaid ads and unpaid taxes despite being not true in their annual reports. These soundbites have been relayed over the cyberspace, without fact-checking and hearing the other side, and simply accepted them as gospel truth.
ABS-CBN in the 2010s
Casting aside the political colors, the 2010s on ABS-CBN made significant differences in their programming operations.
Free TV
Through cunning exploitation of absolute advantage, this network broadcast their acquired international franchises of competition shows and freely create their deviations for teens and kids like The Voice and Your Face Sounds Familiar, just to name a few.
As reality competition shows became all the rage and expanded back-to-back on weekend primetime, it pushed game shows obsolete. Regardless of that trade-off, those shows have repetitively been hosted in circles by what the Turf called, the Trinity: Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford and/or Robi Domingo. Speaking of game shows, their selection of players shifted to exclusive, non-committed stars in order to avoid defection to another network. (which became the Turf‘s first breaking point) Nonetheless, both types of shows have injected some comic relief for ratings.
Vice Ganda became the face of the network in the past decade as we see him every day of the week — at least, on It’s Showtime and on Gandang Gabi Vice (sometimes, he performs on ASAP). His incorrigible, panlalait style of comedy has influenced his co-equals with their fans continuing to tolerate him. In the late part of the decade, his jockeying antics on their live noontime show continued without a sense of time (which became another turning point).
Throughout the past 10 years, this network was responsible for boosting up the “love team manufacturing and enhancing” industry. From their conception at Pinoy Big Brother, they ventured out into drama and anthology and without a doubt, it was successful. It’s no wonder that the reboot of Wansapanataym lost its zeitgeist as a fantasy anthology with moral lessons like the first incarnation into a springboard of kalandian. (Thank goodness, they ended it last September.)
With unified MTRCB ratings fully implemented since 2011, their network’s teleseryes were mostly classified into the SPG territory. The starting times of teleseryes every weekday shifted to pre-noontime since 2012, beginning with Be Careful with My Heart.
In 2013, during their 60th anniversary, they forge a deal with CJ ENM to broadcast O Shopping as an overnight blocktimer. It almost fills up ABS-CBN’s round-the-clock schedule except on Tuesday.
In 2014, Studio 23 became ABS-CBN Sports + Action (later shortened as S+A). In the same year, late-night newscast Bandila reported a mysterious flesh-eating disease in Pangasinan, which turned out to be false.
In 2015, their encrypted set-top box, ABS-CBN TVplus was introduced in the market and were sold hot like hotcakes; as of this publication, it sold 8.9 million units and just last year, they launch their mobile version, TVPlus Go, for commuters. On that same year, Boy Abunda’s The Buzz pulled the plug — putting an end of an era for weekend afternoon showbiz scoops. Meanwhile, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano premiered and still is the successful teleserye in weekday primetime.
The following year (2016), another TV program genre was put into the dustbins of history as Luv U was the last teen-oriented program to broadcast. Children’s programming (including cartoons and anime) was downgraded into one meager slot on free TV every Sunday morning as the rest were migrated to Yey! (their exclusive digital sub-channel)
In 2019, after 14 years, kiddie-casted sketch comedy show Goin’ Bulilit pulled the plug.
Cable Operations
Because of the trend of cord-cutters — wherein cable subscription is dropped in favor of cheaper or reasonable pricing of the promised offerings on video-on-demand platforms — ABS-CBN discontinued these cable channels within the decade: ABS-CBN Regional Channel, Balls (replaced with Liga), CgeTV, Hero (became a Web portal), Lifestyle (became Metro Channel), Tag (in favor of Cine Mo! and Movie Central) and Velvet.
Radio Operations
In 2013, the network unified the FM branding as My Only Radio (M.O.R.).
Other Ventures
ABS-CBNmobile, their exclusive mobile service provider, did not last that long; the service ran from 2013 to 2018.
https://timowsturf.wordpress.com/2020/01/14/if-there-is-no-more-abs-cbn-again-part-1-faring-mother-ignacias-programming-performance-and-finding-the-hatred/
Scene from Dekada 70: The National Anthem and Bayan Ko
The national anthem was sung; Bayan Ko was sung; an artist got up on the small stage and proceeded to lead the crowd in hurling good matured and quite scandalous abuse at Estrada and the 24 senators of by now, more-than-ill repute. It was as if every time the fuse was lit, the protesters made a deliberate effort to snuff it out. They even called for cheers for the policemen. The policemen looked embarrassed.
According to Luigi Penalba: "LUPANG HINIRANG yan, yung sariling music video na ginagamit sa ABS-CBN at GMA, tapos BAYAN KO, patriotic anthem ng makasaysayang EDSA People Power Revolution (EDSA Uno-1986 at EDSA Dos at Tres-2001), yung PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL, dating ginagamit sa DENR advertisement at AKO AY PILIPINO has the exact same chords/tune/music as Andraé Crouch's "My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)."
Sinulat ito noong nais ng mga Pilipinong maging malaya sa pananakop ng ibang bansa.
Kinatha ni Julian Felipe ang tugtugin ng "Lupang Hinirang." Isinulat naman ni Jose Palma ang mga titik nito. Una itong tinugtog nang itinaas ang ating watawat. Nangyari ito noong Hunyo 12, 1898. Ginanap ito sa Kawit, Cavite.
Ang ating pambansang awit ay nagpapahayag ng pagmamahal sa bansa. Inilalahad din nito ang pagtatanggol sa bansa. Ito rin ba ang ibig mo sa inyong bansa?
Tignan ang mga bata sa larawan. Tignan kung paano ipinakikita ang kanilang paggalang habang umaawit ng “Lupang Hinirang.”
Matapos umawit, ito ang mga binibigkas. Ito ay “Panatang Makabayan” at “Panunumpa sa Watawat.” Binibigkas mo rin ba ang mga ito?
Panatang Makabayan
Old version
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan,
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi,
Ako'y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan.
Upang maging malakas,
Maligaya at kapaki-pakinabang.
Bilang ganti ay diringgin ko
Ang payo ng aking mga magulang;
Susundin ko ang mga tuntunin ng aking paaralan,
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng
Isang mamamayang makabayan
At masunurin sa batas.
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan
Nang walang pag-iimbot at nang buong katapatan.
Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino
Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.
New version
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan,
tahanan ng aking lahi;
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking magulang,
susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
tutuparin ko ang tungkulin
ng mamamayang makabayan:
naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal
nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap
sa bansang Pilipinas.
Panunumpa sa Watawat
Old Version
Ako’y nanunumpa sa watatwat ng Pilipinas
At sa republikang kanyang kinakatawan.
Isang bansang pinapatnubayan ng Diyos,
Buo at di mahahati,
Na may katarungan
At kalayaan para sa lahat.
New version
Ako ay Pilipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan at
Makabansa.
According to Luigi Penalba: "LUPANG HINIRANG yan, yung sariling music video na ginagamit sa ABS-CBN at GMA, tapos BAYAN KO, patriotic anthem ng makasaysayang EDSA People Power Revolution (EDSA Uno-1986 at EDSA Dos at Tres-2001), yung PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL, dating ginagamit sa DENR advertisement at AKO AY PILIPINO has the exact same chords/tune/music as Andraé Crouch's "My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)."
Sinulat ito noong nais ng mga Pilipinong maging malaya sa pananakop ng ibang bansa.
Kinatha ni Julian Felipe ang tugtugin ng "Lupang Hinirang." Isinulat naman ni Jose Palma ang mga titik nito. Una itong tinugtog nang itinaas ang ating watawat. Nangyari ito noong Hunyo 12, 1898. Ginanap ito sa Kawit, Cavite.
Ang ating pambansang awit ay nagpapahayag ng pagmamahal sa bansa. Inilalahad din nito ang pagtatanggol sa bansa. Ito rin ba ang ibig mo sa inyong bansa?
Tignan ang mga bata sa larawan. Tignan kung paano ipinakikita ang kanilang paggalang habang umaawit ng “Lupang Hinirang.”
Matapos umawit, ito ang mga binibigkas. Ito ay “Panatang Makabayan” at “Panunumpa sa Watawat.” Binibigkas mo rin ba ang mga ito?
Panatang Makabayan
Old version
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan,
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi,
Ako'y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan.
Upang maging malakas,
Maligaya at kapaki-pakinabang.
Bilang ganti ay diringgin ko
Ang payo ng aking mga magulang;
Susundin ko ang mga tuntunin ng aking paaralan,
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng
Isang mamamayang makabayan
At masunurin sa batas.
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan
Nang walang pag-iimbot at nang buong katapatan.
Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino
Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.
New version
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan,
tahanan ng aking lahi;
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking magulang,
susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
tutuparin ko ang tungkulin
ng mamamayang makabayan:
naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal
nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap
sa bansang Pilipinas.
Panunumpa sa Watawat
Old Version
Ako’y nanunumpa sa watatwat ng Pilipinas
At sa republikang kanyang kinakatawan.
Isang bansang pinapatnubayan ng Diyos,
Buo at di mahahati,
Na may katarungan
At kalayaan para sa lahat.
New version
Ako ay Pilipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan at
Makabansa.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Bacoor City pushes project to reclaim 420 hectares
By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
The City Government of Bacoor said its proposed 420-hectare reclamation projects have earned overwhelming support from directly-impacted stakeholders during the public hearing held by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
In a statement, Bacoor City Mayor Lani M. Revilla said that Bacoor stakeholders were present during the January 9, 2020. Said public hearing is part of the Environmental Impact Assessment System as mandated by law under Presidential Decree 1586 and DENR Administrative Order No. 2003-30.
The City Government of Bacoor is the proponent of twin reclamation projects, namely Bacoor Reclamation and Development Project (BRDP), consisting of a total of 320-hectare islands, and the Diamond Reclamation and Development Project (DRDP) consisting of one 100-hectare island via Public-Private Partnership under the PPP Code of Bacoor.
Revilla explained that the City hopes to integrate in these two projects a most effective approach to the long-term clean-up of Manila Bay as mandated by a SC continuing mandamus, being the only projects along the Manila Bay that carry with it a program for relocation and resettlement of Informal Settler Families (ISFs) living along the ten coastal barangays.
“These proposed projects will also address flooding in the city as she made sure they are integrated with the various long-term flood mitigating projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” said Revilla in a statement. The Flood Risk Management Project of the DPWH will improve river channels and create diversion channels from Imus to Bacoor City which will serve as the flood discharge system of the rainwater catchment basin of Bacoor in Buhay na Tubig.
The reclamation projects which are designed with deep channels and waterways for the efficient flow of water to the sea, complement the anti-flood measures being implemented by the national government. These are necessary because Bacoor is currently the catch-basin of the Province of Cavite and naturally prone to flooding. These channels will serve as outlets of the government flood-control infrastructures aided with the most advanced technology with least inconvenience to the public.
Elevated and equipped with wave deflectors at the banks, the reclamation would likewise serve as an integral part of the city’s coastal defense that would shield it and adjacent areas from the threat of storm surge. The reclamation islands inside Cavitex road also complement the Bacoor Diversion Road project of the DPWH as this structure and the islands will also serve to block the influx of high tide waters into the often-inundated areas along the coastal barangays of Talaba 2, Maliksi 1 and 3 and Digman.
“The proposed reclamation islands are so situated and formed as to conform with the antiflooding projects of DPWH, having more than sufficient channels in between the islands which are aligned with existing natural river outflows. The studies conducted by the private sector partners of the city show that the islands will also serve as anti-storm surge walls of the City,” she said.
Among the sectors represented in the public hearing were the concerned barangay officials, the fisherfolk, Informal Settler Families (ISFs), student leaders, mussel and oyster farmers, businessmen, environmental groups, and other concerned government agencies. The fishermen are most satisfied with the proposed Fisherman’s Village in Barangay Alima which is also part of the proposed reclamation projects in order to make sure that they will not be displaced from their industry.
The proposed projects are expected to uplift their living conditions with the establishment of the Fisherman’s Wharf along Sineguelasan coasts which will also develop and preserve the 40-hectare mangroves plantation of the City.
The projects are expected to boost the city government’s on-going relocation program for the concerned coastal residents and hasten its compliance with the SC mandamus for Manila Bay clean up.
It could be recalled that in 2008, the SC issued a continuing mandamus, directing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and several other government agencies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay, and restore and maintain its waters to make them fit for swimming, skin-diving, and other forms of contact recreation.
Specifically, for the DENR, the Court ordered the full implementation of its Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy (OPMBCS), which includes the reduction of illegal settlers, establishments and structures along coast lines and prevent future occupation of these shorelines.
Part of the project is the creation of two resettlement sites for the ISFs and fishermen living along coastal areas who would be affected by the reclamation projects.
One of the resettlement sites is a property in Molino II that would be called “Ciudad Kaunlaran,” where medium-rise buildings will be constructed with basic facilities and livelihood support programs. A government center with social services will also be established within the site. Among the target beneficiaries for Ciudad Kaunlaran are ISFs from 10 barangays of Bacoor who would be affected by the project.
Likewise, properties in Barangay Alima would be transformed into a Fisherman’s Village for the resettlement of fishermen living along the coastlines of Bacoor Bay. The relocation site would still allow fishermen to ply their trade while a wharf with berthing facility will be constructed for their use.
She also pointed out that the relocation program would be conducted under the Community-based Initiative Approach of the National Housing Authority (NHA), which calls for the participation of the affected ISFs in the planning stage.
With the reclamation projects, Revilla said Bacoor will soon be transformed into a new center of growth in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision to decongest Metro Manila and spread development to other areas of the country.
She said reclamation is the prudent, sustainable, and viable solution to effectively address Bacoor’s critical need for available land necessary to cope with economic stagnation and provide additional space for residential and commercial purposes.
She noted that as much as 73 percent of Bacoor’s available land space is already devoted to residential use, with only about 2 percent utilized for commercial purposes.
On the other hand, the agri-fishery areas—covering all rice lands, other productive agricultural lands, and water bodies or fishponds — have shrunk to a total area of 410 hectares, or a mere 6.61 percent of the total land area of Bacoor.
Based on the 2015 census, the city’s population density is at 13,009 per square kilometers or a total of about 600,609 individuals. If the trend continues, it is projected that Bacoor’s population will double its size by 2025.
Revilla also claimed that the projects will attract new investments and businesses in the mixed-use zone for residential, leisure, commercial and education and technology hubs. Moreover, the twin projects will enhance the city’s potential as a tourist attraction and increase its income from eco-tourism activities.
With the establishment of business hotels in the reclamation area and their operation, Bacoor is projected to earn an additional P1.8 billion in revenues from tourism activities alone.
The reclamation projects are likewise expected to boost productivity and efficiency for economic enterprises and open new business and livelihood opportunities.
https://business.mb.com.ph/2020/01/13/bacoor-city-pushes-project-to-reclaim-420-hectares/
The City Government of Bacoor said its proposed 420-hectare reclamation projects have earned overwhelming support from directly-impacted stakeholders during the public hearing held by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
In a statement, Bacoor City Mayor Lani M. Revilla said that Bacoor stakeholders were present during the January 9, 2020. Said public hearing is part of the Environmental Impact Assessment System as mandated by law under Presidential Decree 1586 and DENR Administrative Order No. 2003-30.
The City Government of Bacoor is the proponent of twin reclamation projects, namely Bacoor Reclamation and Development Project (BRDP), consisting of a total of 320-hectare islands, and the Diamond Reclamation and Development Project (DRDP) consisting of one 100-hectare island via Public-Private Partnership under the PPP Code of Bacoor.
Revilla explained that the City hopes to integrate in these two projects a most effective approach to the long-term clean-up of Manila Bay as mandated by a SC continuing mandamus, being the only projects along the Manila Bay that carry with it a program for relocation and resettlement of Informal Settler Families (ISFs) living along the ten coastal barangays.
“These proposed projects will also address flooding in the city as she made sure they are integrated with the various long-term flood mitigating projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” said Revilla in a statement. The Flood Risk Management Project of the DPWH will improve river channels and create diversion channels from Imus to Bacoor City which will serve as the flood discharge system of the rainwater catchment basin of Bacoor in Buhay na Tubig.
The reclamation projects which are designed with deep channels and waterways for the efficient flow of water to the sea, complement the anti-flood measures being implemented by the national government. These are necessary because Bacoor is currently the catch-basin of the Province of Cavite and naturally prone to flooding. These channels will serve as outlets of the government flood-control infrastructures aided with the most advanced technology with least inconvenience to the public.
Elevated and equipped with wave deflectors at the banks, the reclamation would likewise serve as an integral part of the city’s coastal defense that would shield it and adjacent areas from the threat of storm surge. The reclamation islands inside Cavitex road also complement the Bacoor Diversion Road project of the DPWH as this structure and the islands will also serve to block the influx of high tide waters into the often-inundated areas along the coastal barangays of Talaba 2, Maliksi 1 and 3 and Digman.
“The proposed reclamation islands are so situated and formed as to conform with the antiflooding projects of DPWH, having more than sufficient channels in between the islands which are aligned with existing natural river outflows. The studies conducted by the private sector partners of the city show that the islands will also serve as anti-storm surge walls of the City,” she said.
Among the sectors represented in the public hearing were the concerned barangay officials, the fisherfolk, Informal Settler Families (ISFs), student leaders, mussel and oyster farmers, businessmen, environmental groups, and other concerned government agencies. The fishermen are most satisfied with the proposed Fisherman’s Village in Barangay Alima which is also part of the proposed reclamation projects in order to make sure that they will not be displaced from their industry.
The proposed projects are expected to uplift their living conditions with the establishment of the Fisherman’s Wharf along Sineguelasan coasts which will also develop and preserve the 40-hectare mangroves plantation of the City.
The projects are expected to boost the city government’s on-going relocation program for the concerned coastal residents and hasten its compliance with the SC mandamus for Manila Bay clean up.
It could be recalled that in 2008, the SC issued a continuing mandamus, directing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and several other government agencies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay, and restore and maintain its waters to make them fit for swimming, skin-diving, and other forms of contact recreation.
Specifically, for the DENR, the Court ordered the full implementation of its Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy (OPMBCS), which includes the reduction of illegal settlers, establishments and structures along coast lines and prevent future occupation of these shorelines.
Part of the project is the creation of two resettlement sites for the ISFs and fishermen living along coastal areas who would be affected by the reclamation projects.
One of the resettlement sites is a property in Molino II that would be called “Ciudad Kaunlaran,” where medium-rise buildings will be constructed with basic facilities and livelihood support programs. A government center with social services will also be established within the site. Among the target beneficiaries for Ciudad Kaunlaran are ISFs from 10 barangays of Bacoor who would be affected by the project.
Likewise, properties in Barangay Alima would be transformed into a Fisherman’s Village for the resettlement of fishermen living along the coastlines of Bacoor Bay. The relocation site would still allow fishermen to ply their trade while a wharf with berthing facility will be constructed for their use.
She also pointed out that the relocation program would be conducted under the Community-based Initiative Approach of the National Housing Authority (NHA), which calls for the participation of the affected ISFs in the planning stage.
With the reclamation projects, Revilla said Bacoor will soon be transformed into a new center of growth in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision to decongest Metro Manila and spread development to other areas of the country.
She said reclamation is the prudent, sustainable, and viable solution to effectively address Bacoor’s critical need for available land necessary to cope with economic stagnation and provide additional space for residential and commercial purposes.
She noted that as much as 73 percent of Bacoor’s available land space is already devoted to residential use, with only about 2 percent utilized for commercial purposes.
On the other hand, the agri-fishery areas—covering all rice lands, other productive agricultural lands, and water bodies or fishponds — have shrunk to a total area of 410 hectares, or a mere 6.61 percent of the total land area of Bacoor.
Based on the 2015 census, the city’s population density is at 13,009 per square kilometers or a total of about 600,609 individuals. If the trend continues, it is projected that Bacoor’s population will double its size by 2025.
Revilla also claimed that the projects will attract new investments and businesses in the mixed-use zone for residential, leisure, commercial and education and technology hubs. Moreover, the twin projects will enhance the city’s potential as a tourist attraction and increase its income from eco-tourism activities.
With the establishment of business hotels in the reclamation area and their operation, Bacoor is projected to earn an additional P1.8 billion in revenues from tourism activities alone.
The reclamation projects are likewise expected to boost productivity and efficiency for economic enterprises and open new business and livelihood opportunities.
https://business.mb.com.ph/2020/01/13/bacoor-city-pushes-project-to-reclaim-420-hectares/
Duterte thumbs down Manila Bay reclamation projects
By Argyll Geducos
“Not in my time.”
President Duterte said he was unlikely to approve any proposed reclamation project in Manila Bay as he expressed concern over its effect on the environment.
Duterte made the statement after the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) said last month that at least four reclamation projects in Manila Bay were already given the green light.
PRA general manager Joselito Gonzales told DZMM last month that the approved projects were the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Duterte said it would have been fine if the projects were just investments to infuse money into the economy but added that reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay was “mind-boggling.”
“That entire, how many? Ten thousand hectares? It would be, surely, for habitation. There might be some offices or some residences there,” he said in the interview aired over DZMM Monday.
“But you have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated. Because now, you must have water treatment. If you have a new building, make sure you are connected to [a] water treatment facility,” he added.
Duterte said he was not ready to approve any reclamation project if there was no concrete plan showing how the environment would be protected.
“That big [of an area] is stupefying. Mukhang (I think), I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say I will grant it. Not in my time,” he said.
“As long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded,” he added.
Environmental group Climate Reality Project earlier warned the government that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would displace thousands of residents, cause flooding, and harm its biodiversity.
However, Gonzales told DZMM last month that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would not cause it to overflow but said the water would go to the West Philippine Sea because of displacement theory.
In February last year, President Duterte ordered the creation of the Manila Bay Task Force to ensure the expedited and complete rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation of the coastal and marine ecosystem of the Manila Bay.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which was named head of the task force, was ordered to strictly enforce the Philippine Clean Water Act on the conduct of containment, removal, and clean operations, and the exercise of supervision and control on all aspects of water quality management.
The agency was likewise tasked to monitor compliance with critical environmental laws, rules and regulations, and issue notices of closure, cease and desist orders, and other appropriate sanctions to violators, including the filing of cases against erring government officials.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/13/duterte-thumbs-down-manila-bay-reclamation-projects/
“Not in my time.”
President Duterte said he was unlikely to approve any proposed reclamation project in Manila Bay as he expressed concern over its effect on the environment.
Duterte made the statement after the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) said last month that at least four reclamation projects in Manila Bay were already given the green light.
PRA general manager Joselito Gonzales told DZMM last month that the approved projects were the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Duterte said it would have been fine if the projects were just investments to infuse money into the economy but added that reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay was “mind-boggling.”
“That entire, how many? Ten thousand hectares? It would be, surely, for habitation. There might be some offices or some residences there,” he said in the interview aired over DZMM Monday.
“But you have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated. Because now, you must have water treatment. If you have a new building, make sure you are connected to [a] water treatment facility,” he added.
Duterte said he was not ready to approve any reclamation project if there was no concrete plan showing how the environment would be protected.
“That big [of an area] is stupefying. Mukhang (I think), I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say I will grant it. Not in my time,” he said.
“As long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded,” he added.
Environmental group Climate Reality Project earlier warned the government that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would displace thousands of residents, cause flooding, and harm its biodiversity.
However, Gonzales told DZMM last month that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would not cause it to overflow but said the water would go to the West Philippine Sea because of displacement theory.
In February last year, President Duterte ordered the creation of the Manila Bay Task Force to ensure the expedited and complete rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation of the coastal and marine ecosystem of the Manila Bay.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which was named head of the task force, was ordered to strictly enforce the Philippine Clean Water Act on the conduct of containment, removal, and clean operations, and the exercise of supervision and control on all aspects of water quality management.
The agency was likewise tasked to monitor compliance with critical environmental laws, rules and regulations, and issue notices of closure, cease and desist orders, and other appropriate sanctions to violators, including the filing of cases against erring government officials.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/13/duterte-thumbs-down-manila-bay-reclamation-projects/
Duterte not inclined to approve proposed Manila Bay reclamation
Describing the scope of the proposals as "almost mind-boggling" and "stupefying," President Rodrigo Duterte said he is to approve the proposed Manila Bay reclamation projects if they have safeguards for the environment and public health.
"If it's an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it seems to be OK. But the hugeness of the area you are trying to reclaim, to me, is almost mind-boggling because that entire 10,000 hectares, it will be for...surely for habitation. There might be some offices and some residences," Duterte said in an interview aired over radio station dzMM Monday.
"I am not ready even to say that I will grant it, not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded," he added.
Duterte said an audit has to be conducted to determine whether the reclamation area could absorb the waste from the residences and offices that would occupy it. He noted that buildings should be connected to a water treatment facility.
"There has to be a concrete showing that the environment will be protected, otherwise I would say that I am not, I do not have the wherewithals, but that big, it's stupefying. It seems that I am not ready for that," the president said.
The proposed Manila Bay reclamation involves 25 projects that cover 10,000 hectares from Navotas City to Cavite.
At least four projects — the Navotas City coastal bay reclamation project, Pasay 360-hectare reclamation project, Pasay 265-hectare reclamation project and the Horizon Manila 418-hectare reclamation project — have been given notices to proceed, according to the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/13/1984507/duterte-not-inclined-approve-proposed-manila-bay-reclamation
"If it's an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it seems to be OK. But the hugeness of the area you are trying to reclaim, to me, is almost mind-boggling because that entire 10,000 hectares, it will be for...surely for habitation. There might be some offices and some residences," Duterte said in an interview aired over radio station dzMM Monday.
"I am not ready even to say that I will grant it, not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded," he added.
Duterte said an audit has to be conducted to determine whether the reclamation area could absorb the waste from the residences and offices that would occupy it. He noted that buildings should be connected to a water treatment facility.
"There has to be a concrete showing that the environment will be protected, otherwise I would say that I am not, I do not have the wherewithals, but that big, it's stupefying. It seems that I am not ready for that," the president said.
The proposed Manila Bay reclamation involves 25 projects that cover 10,000 hectares from Navotas City to Cavite.
At least four projects — the Navotas City coastal bay reclamation project, Pasay 360-hectare reclamation project, Pasay 265-hectare reclamation project and the Horizon Manila 418-hectare reclamation project — have been given notices to proceed, according to the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/13/1984507/duterte-not-inclined-approve-proposed-manila-bay-reclamation
Duterte expresses reservations over Manila Bay reclamation projects
President Rodrigo Duterte had reservations over the proposed reclamation projects in Manila Bay due to their potential impact on the environment.
Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay would be reclaimed to give way to 25 projects.
In a recent interview with ABS-CBN News, Duterte said there needed be an audit on whether the environment could “absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated.”
“If it’s an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it seems to be OK. But the hugeness of the area you are trying to reclaim to me is almost mind-boggling,” he said.
“I am not ready even to say that I will grant it, not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded.”
In February last year, Duterte gave the power to approve reclamation projects back to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), which, in turn, had been placed under the Office of the President.
The PRA was also mandated to seek advisory opinions from the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources on any reclamation project.
No reclamation project would be approved by the PRA without the required area clearance and environmental compliance certificate from the DENR and all reclamation projects had to undergo "competitive" public bidding, according to the EO.
The EO applied to reclamation projects, including those initiated by local government units and all other agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations or any government entity allowed under existing laws to reclaim land. — Virgil Lopez/DVM, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/722007/lorenzana-no-need-for-foreign-aid-yet-amid-taal-activity/story/
Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay would be reclaimed to give way to 25 projects.
In a recent interview with ABS-CBN News, Duterte said there needed be an audit on whether the environment could “absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated.”
“If it’s an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it seems to be OK. But the hugeness of the area you are trying to reclaim to me is almost mind-boggling,” he said.
“I am not ready even to say that I will grant it, not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded.”
In February last year, Duterte gave the power to approve reclamation projects back to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), which, in turn, had been placed under the Office of the President.
The PRA was also mandated to seek advisory opinions from the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources on any reclamation project.
No reclamation project would be approved by the PRA without the required area clearance and environmental compliance certificate from the DENR and all reclamation projects had to undergo "competitive" public bidding, according to the EO.
The EO applied to reclamation projects, including those initiated by local government units and all other agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations or any government entity allowed under existing laws to reclaim land. — Virgil Lopez/DVM, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/722007/lorenzana-no-need-for-foreign-aid-yet-amid-taal-activity/story/
'Not in my time': Duterte nixes proposed Manila Bay reclamation projects
President Rodrigo Duterte said he is unlikely to approve proposed Manila Bay reclamation projects as he expressed apprehensions over its scope.
Duterte said reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay is "mind-boggling," emphasizing the need to protect the environment.
"That big, it's stupefying. Mukhang I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say that I will grant it," Duterte told broadcaster Ted Failon.
"Not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded," the President added.
Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay, from Navotas City to Cavite are supposed to undergo reclamation under 25 projects.
Last month, the Philippine Reclamation Authority said 4 projects have been given notices to proceed, namely the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.
The projects however still have to undergo value engineering approval before reclamation efforts begin.
Duterte said reclaiming such a huge part of the body of water should undergo an audit to study waste management.
"You have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated," he said.
"There has to be a concrete showing that the environment will be protected. Otherwise I would say that I am not [for it]," he added.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/13/20/not-in-my-time-duterte-nixes-proposed-manila-bay-reclamation-projects
Duterte said reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay is "mind-boggling," emphasizing the need to protect the environment.
"That big, it's stupefying. Mukhang I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say that I will grant it," Duterte told broadcaster Ted Failon.
"Not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded," the President added.
Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay, from Navotas City to Cavite are supposed to undergo reclamation under 25 projects.
Last month, the Philippine Reclamation Authority said 4 projects have been given notices to proceed, namely the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.
The projects however still have to undergo value engineering approval before reclamation efforts begin.
Duterte said reclaiming such a huge part of the body of water should undergo an audit to study waste management.
"You have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated," he said.
"There has to be a concrete showing that the environment will be protected. Otherwise I would say that I am not [for it]," he added.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/13/20/not-in-my-time-duterte-nixes-proposed-manila-bay-reclamation-projects
Sharon appeals to Duterte to renew ABS-CBN franchise for the sake of thousands of employees
One of Sharon Cuneta’s birthday wishes is for President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his stand on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal for the sake of thousands of employees of the network.
Sharon, who celebrated her 54th birthday last Jan. 6, shared her birthday wishes with reporters during the renewal of her contract with ABS-CBN on Thursday afternoon.
The President has repeatedly said he would block the passage of a law that would renew ABS-CBN’s franchise because of its failure to air his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential elections, among other things. The Kapamilya network’s franchise is set to expire in March this year.
“(Those) who have remained loyal to the station, grown up here, have learned from the school of hard knocks here, have become family, good friends, will lose almost everything they’ve built over the years,” Sharon said, in justifying her appeal.
“And even those who might choose to stay, if indeed it unfortunately goes that way, it won’t be the same,” she continued. “So I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of employees who have grown up here, learn the ropes here, and that includes me.”
As for her other wishes on her special day, the actress said: “For my family, it would have to be peace. I also wish for love, good health, devotion, family loyalty and closeness… And for my fans to continue supporting my projects.”
For the coming year, Sharon is expecting to do two TV shows (“Your Face Sounds Familiar” and a teleserye), seven new films (to be produced by different film outfits) and two concert tours abroad (one of which will be in May with Regine Velasquez).
Missing KC
On the same occasion, the Megastar lamented that her eldest daughter, KC Concepcion, has not been showing up in important gatherings at home and have been conspicuously absent during her birthday celebration.
“I don’t know what’s happening to my daughter. I miss her,” Sharon said.
“Social media is not really a good platform to express your feelings, especially if you’re a public figure. I just posted my greeting to my daughter because her explanation for her absence on my birthday special in ‘ASAP Natin To’ was also posted on social media,” the actress said, explaining her lengthy and highly emotional letter to KC on her Instagram account a few days ago.
She said she felt sad that she didn’t even get a personal message from KC. “It’s not like her. I’m worried about her… I know that she will get in touch with us soon… It all boils down to a mother missing her daughter,” she declared.
Sharon said she did not even know that KC wouldn’t show up at their home on New Year’s Eve or the following day. It has been a tradition since KC was born, she added. “I was just worried about what she might be going through. I guess it’s because she’s older. As we grow older, maybe we feel less need to consult with our parents. But in our family—I’ve also gone through this while growing up—we still have to give our parents the respect of letting them know where we are, how we are and who we are with,” Sharon pointed out.
She added that she didn’t want to know about what’s happening in her eldest daughter’s life only from newspapers. “God forbid! What if there’s an accident? I’d go crazy! She’s my kid!” Sharon said.
This was why Sharon was also visibly surprised when reporters asked her reaction to the rumor that KC is dating American-Filipino rapper and record producer apl.de.ap, who is best known as the member of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas.“That’s a surprise to me so I don’t know what to say,” the Megastar said. “I have a lot of respect for apl. He is a good person. I just wish I had heard it from her, if it was true.”
Sharon continued: “KC is in her 30s and has her own life to live. All I’m asking for is her time for the family… I just know that I did not raise any bad children.” INQ
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/358089/sharon-appeals-to-duterte-to-renew-abs-cbn-franchise-for-the-sake-of-thousands-of-employees
Sharon, who celebrated her 54th birthday last Jan. 6, shared her birthday wishes with reporters during the renewal of her contract with ABS-CBN on Thursday afternoon.
The President has repeatedly said he would block the passage of a law that would renew ABS-CBN’s franchise because of its failure to air his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential elections, among other things. The Kapamilya network’s franchise is set to expire in March this year.
“(Those) who have remained loyal to the station, grown up here, have learned from the school of hard knocks here, have become family, good friends, will lose almost everything they’ve built over the years,” Sharon said, in justifying her appeal.
“And even those who might choose to stay, if indeed it unfortunately goes that way, it won’t be the same,” she continued. “So I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of employees who have grown up here, learn the ropes here, and that includes me.”
As for her other wishes on her special day, the actress said: “For my family, it would have to be peace. I also wish for love, good health, devotion, family loyalty and closeness… And for my fans to continue supporting my projects.”
For the coming year, Sharon is expecting to do two TV shows (“Your Face Sounds Familiar” and a teleserye), seven new films (to be produced by different film outfits) and two concert tours abroad (one of which will be in May with Regine Velasquez).
Missing KC
On the same occasion, the Megastar lamented that her eldest daughter, KC Concepcion, has not been showing up in important gatherings at home and have been conspicuously absent during her birthday celebration.
“I don’t know what’s happening to my daughter. I miss her,” Sharon said.
“Social media is not really a good platform to express your feelings, especially if you’re a public figure. I just posted my greeting to my daughter because her explanation for her absence on my birthday special in ‘ASAP Natin To’ was also posted on social media,” the actress said, explaining her lengthy and highly emotional letter to KC on her Instagram account a few days ago.
She said she felt sad that she didn’t even get a personal message from KC. “It’s not like her. I’m worried about her… I know that she will get in touch with us soon… It all boils down to a mother missing her daughter,” she declared.
Sharon said she did not even know that KC wouldn’t show up at their home on New Year’s Eve or the following day. It has been a tradition since KC was born, she added. “I was just worried about what she might be going through. I guess it’s because she’s older. As we grow older, maybe we feel less need to consult with our parents. But in our family—I’ve also gone through this while growing up—we still have to give our parents the respect of letting them know where we are, how we are and who we are with,” Sharon pointed out.
She added that she didn’t want to know about what’s happening in her eldest daughter’s life only from newspapers. “God forbid! What if there’s an accident? I’d go crazy! She’s my kid!” Sharon said.
This was why Sharon was also visibly surprised when reporters asked her reaction to the rumor that KC is dating American-Filipino rapper and record producer apl.de.ap, who is best known as the member of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas.“That’s a surprise to me so I don’t know what to say,” the Megastar said. “I have a lot of respect for apl. He is a good person. I just wish I had heard it from her, if it was true.”
Sharon continued: “KC is in her 30s and has her own life to live. All I’m asking for is her time for the family… I just know that I did not raise any bad children.” INQ
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/358089/sharon-appeals-to-duterte-to-renew-abs-cbn-franchise-for-the-sake-of-thousands-of-employees
I have girlfriends, not cronies – Duterte
As critics accuse him of creating his own oligarchs and favoring the business interests of his allies, President Duterte insisted he has no cronies, saying he does not have use for them.
Duterte said some people have raised doubts on his plans, including his directive to rehabilitate Boracay island, a tourist destination he had previously called a “cesspool.”
“Boracay used to be dirty. I had it rehabilitated. It’s now clean. But behind my back, many are talking, especially the rich people who are interested. ‘Duterte will give that to his cronies,’ ” the President said during the distribution of assistance to farmers in Cotabato last Friday.
“Wala akong crony. May girlfriends ako. Crony wala akong silbi ’yang – hindi ko mayakap ’yang mga buwang na ’yan. Ang akin, girlfriends. Wala akong crony (I do not have cronies. I have girlfriends. I do not have use for cronies I cannot hug those crazies. I have girlfriends. I don’t have cronies),” he added.
Duterte said he has placed Boracay under land reform to dispel claims that he would give the island to cronies.
The Chief Executive claimed some of the problems hounding the Philippines were caused by rich people.
“To the rich, you know, (if) you have the social conscience, you won’t have any problem with me. By the mercy of God, I did not accept contributions from you during the election. I worked on a shoestring budget,” he said.
Duterte has been hurling tirades at some of the country’s top businessmen, accusing them of various wrongdoings, including using “onerous” deals to earn huge sums at the expense of the public.
He has claimed that water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad have taken advantage of their contracts with the government to earn billions at the expense of Filipino consumers.
The President has also announced that he would offer new contracts to the water firms but clarified that the concessionaires could still face charges even if they accept the deal.
He has also vowed to block the renewal of the franchise of Lopez-owned ABS-CBN and has advised its owners to just sell the television network. ABS-CBN, whose franchise is set to expire this March, has been accused by Duterte of biased reporting and of not returning the money he had spent for a campaign advertisement that did not air.
Critics suspect that Duterte is lambasting the water concessionaires and ABS-CBN so that their owners would be forced to sell them to his friends.
Malacañang has denied the allegation, saying the President is just against unfair deals and anomalies.
Officials have also claimed that the President is committed to ensuring a competitive economic climate.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/13/1984346/i-have-girlfriends-not-cronies-duterte
Duterte said some people have raised doubts on his plans, including his directive to rehabilitate Boracay island, a tourist destination he had previously called a “cesspool.”
“Boracay used to be dirty. I had it rehabilitated. It’s now clean. But behind my back, many are talking, especially the rich people who are interested. ‘Duterte will give that to his cronies,’ ” the President said during the distribution of assistance to farmers in Cotabato last Friday.
“Wala akong crony. May girlfriends ako. Crony wala akong silbi ’yang – hindi ko mayakap ’yang mga buwang na ’yan. Ang akin, girlfriends. Wala akong crony (I do not have cronies. I have girlfriends. I do not have use for cronies I cannot hug those crazies. I have girlfriends. I don’t have cronies),” he added.
Duterte said he has placed Boracay under land reform to dispel claims that he would give the island to cronies.
The Chief Executive claimed some of the problems hounding the Philippines were caused by rich people.
“To the rich, you know, (if) you have the social conscience, you won’t have any problem with me. By the mercy of God, I did not accept contributions from you during the election. I worked on a shoestring budget,” he said.
Duterte has been hurling tirades at some of the country’s top businessmen, accusing them of various wrongdoings, including using “onerous” deals to earn huge sums at the expense of the public.
He has claimed that water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad have taken advantage of their contracts with the government to earn billions at the expense of Filipino consumers.
The President has also announced that he would offer new contracts to the water firms but clarified that the concessionaires could still face charges even if they accept the deal.
He has also vowed to block the renewal of the franchise of Lopez-owned ABS-CBN and has advised its owners to just sell the television network. ABS-CBN, whose franchise is set to expire this March, has been accused by Duterte of biased reporting and of not returning the money he had spent for a campaign advertisement that did not air.
Critics suspect that Duterte is lambasting the water concessionaires and ABS-CBN so that their owners would be forced to sell them to his friends.
Malacañang has denied the allegation, saying the President is just against unfair deals and anomalies.
Officials have also claimed that the President is committed to ensuring a competitive economic climate.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/13/1984346/i-have-girlfriends-not-cronies-duterte
ABS-CBN’s ongoing struggle for franchise renewal
By ALYSSA MAE CLARIN
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — The new decade poses possible threat to ABS-CBN as the broadcast corporation’s franchise expiration approaches in less than two months, and with President Duterte’s ongoing tirades against the network’s franchise renewal.
The corporation, whose approaching its 74th year in business and is considered one of the Philippines’ biggest TV networks, has experienced something similar in 1972 when the network was forcefully closed down a day after Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law.
ABS-CBN and its affiliate stations were seized and closed down midnight of September 22, 1972 and Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr., the network’s president at that time, was imprisoned for allegedly plotting to kill Marcos.
ABS-CBN was then taken over by Robert Benedicto, a known crony of Marcos, and was renamed as ‘Broadcasting Plaza’ until former ABS-CBN talents’ forceful retrieval on February 24, 1986 at the height of the People Power uprising. The network was then used to televise the mammoth protests that aided in the overthrow of the dictatorship.
The network was then returned back to the ownership of the Lopezes in July 1986.
It seems history tends to repeat itself, as once again, the network is at the forefront of President Rodrigo Duterte’s attacks.
An attack on press freedom
Duterte’s attack against ABS-CBN has been going on since the start of his administration, when the broadcast company allegedly did not air Duterte’s paid campaign in 2016 but instead chose to give the air time to his know-critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes.
The following year, Duterte had called out ABS-CBN, as well as Philippine Daily Inquirer for being “rude” and for writing “unfair news” about him in, going as far as adding expletives and saying that “karma” will surely come to these media entities.
Then in April 2017, Duterte stated that he is open to ‘formally blocking’ the network’s franchise renewal especially since the network had ‘swindled’ him of his 2016 ad. He even went as far as saying that he would be filing a complaint and told the Congress that there was no need to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) had released a statement regarding the matter, urging the Congress to continue being an independent branch and fto renew the network’s franchise.
According to NUJP, almost 11,000 jobs are currently on the line as Duterte continues to be against the network’s franchise renewal. They also appealed to legislators “not allow one man’s vindictiveness displace thousands of workers, including journalists and artists, and spell the end for freedom of the press and of expression.”
Two choices: close down or sell out
It seemed like Duterte’s goals in his attacks against the network had shifted, as he is now pushing the network to sell out.
Months before the network’s franchise renewal, Duterte dropped another threat against ABS-CBN and claimed that it would be better for the network to ‘just sell’ because it is unlikely that the Congress would approve of the franchise renewal.
The real question would be: to who?
It seems like Duterte is pushing for another repeat of Ramon Ang’s buyout of the Inquirer Group of Companies’ major shares from the Prietos, also similar to what happened to the network during the Marcos’ regime and it’s temporary hand-over to Benedicto.
Speculators are betting on Dennis Uy, a Duterte ally who has been steadily growing his business acquisition since 2016.
In 2018, Uy had expanded his business empire to telecommunications after his acquisition of Mislatel, one of the telecommunication firms approved by the House and the Senate to become the third major telco provider in the Philippines.
Mislatel, now rebranded as Dito Telecommunication, is now under Uy’s ISM Communications Corporation.
In 2019, it was then revealed that ISM Communications Corp.’s board has approved to fully interject Uy’s media and entertainment business, and the corporation will be changing its name into Dito CME Holdings Inc.
Because of the sudden rebranding and Duterte’s change of threats against ABS-CBN, speculators are betting on Uy to be the one to buy-out ABS-CBN if ever the Lopezes cave under the Duterte’s continued pressure.
However, Uy had said that there’s currently ‘no definitive plans’ on acquiring ABS-CBN and the Lopezes have yet to signal their intention of selling the network.
ABS-CBN’s franchise was approved through Republic Act No. 7966 on March 30, 1995 and is set to expire this coming March 2020.
Currently, eight bills seeking the franchise extension are being pushed in the House of Representatives plenary despite Duterte’s continued claims that he is vehemently against the corporation’s franchise renewal. (https://www.bulatlat.com)
https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/01/13/abs-cbns-ongoing-struggle-for-franchise-renewal/
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — The new decade poses possible threat to ABS-CBN as the broadcast corporation’s franchise expiration approaches in less than two months, and with President Duterte’s ongoing tirades against the network’s franchise renewal.
The corporation, whose approaching its 74th year in business and is considered one of the Philippines’ biggest TV networks, has experienced something similar in 1972 when the network was forcefully closed down a day after Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law.
ABS-CBN and its affiliate stations were seized and closed down midnight of September 22, 1972 and Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr., the network’s president at that time, was imprisoned for allegedly plotting to kill Marcos.
ABS-CBN was then taken over by Robert Benedicto, a known crony of Marcos, and was renamed as ‘Broadcasting Plaza’ until former ABS-CBN talents’ forceful retrieval on February 24, 1986 at the height of the People Power uprising. The network was then used to televise the mammoth protests that aided in the overthrow of the dictatorship.
The network was then returned back to the ownership of the Lopezes in July 1986.
It seems history tends to repeat itself, as once again, the network is at the forefront of President Rodrigo Duterte’s attacks.
An attack on press freedom
Duterte’s attack against ABS-CBN has been going on since the start of his administration, when the broadcast company allegedly did not air Duterte’s paid campaign in 2016 but instead chose to give the air time to his know-critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes.
The following year, Duterte had called out ABS-CBN, as well as Philippine Daily Inquirer for being “rude” and for writing “unfair news” about him in, going as far as adding expletives and saying that “karma” will surely come to these media entities.
Then in April 2017, Duterte stated that he is open to ‘formally blocking’ the network’s franchise renewal especially since the network had ‘swindled’ him of his 2016 ad. He even went as far as saying that he would be filing a complaint and told the Congress that there was no need to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) had released a statement regarding the matter, urging the Congress to continue being an independent branch and fto renew the network’s franchise.
According to NUJP, almost 11,000 jobs are currently on the line as Duterte continues to be against the network’s franchise renewal. They also appealed to legislators “not allow one man’s vindictiveness displace thousands of workers, including journalists and artists, and spell the end for freedom of the press and of expression.”
Two choices: close down or sell out
It seemed like Duterte’s goals in his attacks against the network had shifted, as he is now pushing the network to sell out.
Months before the network’s franchise renewal, Duterte dropped another threat against ABS-CBN and claimed that it would be better for the network to ‘just sell’ because it is unlikely that the Congress would approve of the franchise renewal.
The real question would be: to who?
It seems like Duterte is pushing for another repeat of Ramon Ang’s buyout of the Inquirer Group of Companies’ major shares from the Prietos, also similar to what happened to the network during the Marcos’ regime and it’s temporary hand-over to Benedicto.
Speculators are betting on Dennis Uy, a Duterte ally who has been steadily growing his business acquisition since 2016.
In 2018, Uy had expanded his business empire to telecommunications after his acquisition of Mislatel, one of the telecommunication firms approved by the House and the Senate to become the third major telco provider in the Philippines.
Mislatel, now rebranded as Dito Telecommunication, is now under Uy’s ISM Communications Corporation.
In 2019, it was then revealed that ISM Communications Corp.’s board has approved to fully interject Uy’s media and entertainment business, and the corporation will be changing its name into Dito CME Holdings Inc.
Because of the sudden rebranding and Duterte’s change of threats against ABS-CBN, speculators are betting on Uy to be the one to buy-out ABS-CBN if ever the Lopezes cave under the Duterte’s continued pressure.
However, Uy had said that there’s currently ‘no definitive plans’ on acquiring ABS-CBN and the Lopezes have yet to signal their intention of selling the network.
ABS-CBN’s franchise was approved through Republic Act No. 7966 on March 30, 1995 and is set to expire this coming March 2020.
Currently, eight bills seeking the franchise extension are being pushed in the House of Representatives plenary despite Duterte’s continued claims that he is vehemently against the corporation’s franchise renewal. (https://www.bulatlat.com)
https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/01/13/abs-cbns-ongoing-struggle-for-franchise-renewal/
Solon asks Congress to set hearings on ABS-CBN franchise
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Despite the repeated pronouncements of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte against the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, one of his allies in Congress has expressed desire for the giant television network to continue its operations.
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez asked the House Committee on Legislative Franchise, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, to set the hearings on his proposed House Bill 5705 which aims to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years, together with nine other bills on the same subject matter.
“Congress should always uphold the Constitutional mandate under 4, 3 to ensure the freedom of the press,” Rodriguez said in a statement over the weekend.
The lawmaker has requested the hearings to be conducted upon the resumption of session on Jan. 20, saying “time is of the essence”. From that day until March 11 or when the Congress adjourns, only 24 session days are left.
ABS-CBN’s license to operate will expire on March 30, 2020.
“All authors and stakeholders must be heard especially ABS-CBN. Then the Committee will have to decide to renew or not to renew,” Rodriguez said.
The lawmaker said not acting on his bill and the other bills is improper, noting that ABS-CBN is the Philippines’ “largest media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization, and number of employees”.
Alvarez, meanwhile, has assured ABS-CBN that his committee would be “fair and objective” in renewing the media company’s application for franchise renewal. He stressed, though, that the franchise is “a privilege, not a right, under the law.”
In his explanatory note on HB 5705, Rodriguez stated the television network has been “very big” on corporate social responsibility, in helping others, and in giving back.
“The late Gina Lopez initiated the Bantay Bata 163, the Bantay Kalikasan, and the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig Project,” he said.
In a few of his televised or recorded speeches, Duterte had been adamant on his stand against ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
The president accused the media conglomerate with “biased reporting,” and alleged that in the run-up to the national elections last 2016, ABS-CBN failed to air a campaign advertisement despite being paid by his camp. (davaotoday.com)
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/solon-asks-congress-to-set-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise/
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez asked the House Committee on Legislative Franchise, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, to set the hearings on his proposed House Bill 5705 which aims to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years, together with nine other bills on the same subject matter.
“Congress should always uphold the Constitutional mandate under 4, 3 to ensure the freedom of the press,” Rodriguez said in a statement over the weekend.
The lawmaker has requested the hearings to be conducted upon the resumption of session on Jan. 20, saying “time is of the essence”. From that day until March 11 or when the Congress adjourns, only 24 session days are left.
ABS-CBN’s license to operate will expire on March 30, 2020.
“All authors and stakeholders must be heard especially ABS-CBN. Then the Committee will have to decide to renew or not to renew,” Rodriguez said.
The lawmaker said not acting on his bill and the other bills is improper, noting that ABS-CBN is the Philippines’ “largest media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization, and number of employees”.
Alvarez, meanwhile, has assured ABS-CBN that his committee would be “fair and objective” in renewing the media company’s application for franchise renewal. He stressed, though, that the franchise is “a privilege, not a right, under the law.”
In his explanatory note on HB 5705, Rodriguez stated the television network has been “very big” on corporate social responsibility, in helping others, and in giving back.
“The late Gina Lopez initiated the Bantay Bata 163, the Bantay Kalikasan, and the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig Project,” he said.
In a few of his televised or recorded speeches, Duterte had been adamant on his stand against ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
The president accused the media conglomerate with “biased reporting,” and alleged that in the run-up to the national elections last 2016, ABS-CBN failed to air a campaign advertisement despite being paid by his camp. (davaotoday.com)
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/solon-asks-congress-to-set-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise/
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