Egypt seems determined to create a central Sinai governorate, carving out parts of the peninsula's existing northern Sinai and southern Sinai provinces. The result, officials hope, will reduce terrorism in the area and allow the country to take advantage of the region's potential.
Maj. Gen. Khaled Fouda, governor of southern Sinai, told a visiting parliamentary delegation Jan. 19 that a decision would be issued soon on whether to set up the proposed province.
The partition plan dates back years, and was especially notable when then-deputy Prime Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said he would run in the May 2014 presidential election. A proposal to redivide the provinces and establish new cities was part of his platform. After his election, a special committee proposed provincial borders and by December of that year, plans even included an airport for the new province. The government said central Sinai would consist of the southern Sinai towns of Ras Sedr, as the capital, Abu Zenima, Abou Redis, Nuweiba and Taba. Nekhel in northern Sinai would also become part of the new province.
Some Sinai tribes, however, rebuffed the proposal at that time. Sheikh Salemeh Masmah, leader of the Haywat tribe in Taba, said annexing parts of the southern and northern Sinai provinces to form a third could cause problems among the tribes, whose social lifestyles vary. He also noted that mountains would be a barrier to the annexation.
Recently, Sheikh Abdullah Jahama, leader of the Tarabin Bedouins and head of the Sinai Mujahedeen Society, told Al-Monitor, “The decision to create the central Sinai governorate is designed to place the focus on development in the central parts of Sinai, where terrorism hotbeds mushroomed." According to him, the area has much to offer, and "the central parts of Sinai are known for their vast territory, large population and natural resources — most notably the quarries.”
In past decades, the government focused on developing the northern and southern parts of the peninsula, while the central parts lack infrastructure and services. "These will be made available when these parts become their own governorate," he explained.
However, Jahama said, "The Sinai tribes [still] fear that the redemarcation of the Sinai [borders] will break up the families and divide areas where a single family lives. Based on that, the proposal must be raised for discussion among the tribes.”
Rahmi Abd Rabbo, a parliament member representing northern Sinai, told El-Balad news Jan. 18 that establishing a central Sinai province would boost the population there, help develop villages "and contribute to the discovery of the natural resources such as marble, glass sand, coal and cement.” The area also has fertile soil, he noted.
Medical and religious tourism also would benefit from development in the central peninsula, said Attia Moussa, a parliament member for the south Sinai province. “Providing central Sinai with an administrative body and governor of its own would help boost investments," he told Al-Monitor.
Another parliament member, Salama al-Raqiei, told Al-Monitor he had previously proposed establishing a central Sinai province, to include Ras Sedr and administrative divisions for Hasna, Nekhel and Taba.
"There should be an integrated strategy to establish [the central Sinai province], to avoid a cancellation of the decision, as happened to the decisions to set up the 6th of October and Helwan governorates.”
The government abolished a decision to set up the 6th of October and Helwan provinces as separate governorates, deciding instead to keep them as cities in the Giza and Cairo provinces, respectively. The decision had been implemented, but employees and residents of those areas objected because of the ensuing administrative confusion.
Like Jahama, Raqiei noted there are similar concerns now among tribes in towns bordering the proposed province, and some of the communities that would be affected are close-knit. But, he said, officials "will undoubtedly take that into account when demarcating the border of the new governorate.”
He stressed the importance of developing the central peninsula, noting, "The central parts of Sinai are known for its cement industry, mining resources, and marble and coal quarries. They are affiliated with the north Sinai governorate, but lack attention from the government."
According to Raqiei, “[Most of] the residents of the central parts of Sinai welcome this decision, which allows them to benefit from the budget and services of the central governorate’s administrative body. This is because they suffer marginalization and lack services.”
Also, he said, "The state has become aware that the best means to combat extremist [groups] is through development and the resulting scattered populations. Based on that, the work in the coming period will focus on developing the central parts of Sinai that previously suffered from terrorism.”
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/egypt-to-create-new-governorate-to-develop-central-sinai.html
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Philippines moves to cancel top broadcaster’s franchise
PHILIPPINE government lawyers moved today to strip the nation’s biggest media group of its franchise in what campaigners branded another attack on press freedom under President Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte has repeatedly pledged to stop the broadcast operations of ABS-CBN and expressed anger over its reporting during the 2016 presidential election campaign.
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/218168
Duterte has repeatedly pledged to stop the broadcast operations of ABS-CBN and expressed anger over its reporting during the 2016 presidential election campaign.
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/218168
Calida asks SC: Nullify ABS-CBN franchise
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to cancel the congressional franchise of television network ABS-CBN through quo warranto, the same type of petition it used to oust Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice in 2018.
As in the case of Sereno, Malacañang claimed it had no hand in the move against ABS-CBN, which rights watchdog decried as an attack on press freedom.
Solicitor general Jose Calida declined to accept questions from reporters, although he said there was no politics involved in the move.
But at an event later in the day at Camp Crame, he said it is better to file the petition even this late – the ABS-CBN franchise will expire on March 30 – than to never have pushed legal boundaries and castigate the network for “violations against the Constitution and laws.”
“What’s wrong is wrong,” Calida stressed.
In its statement, the OSG said it “want(ed) an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of its millions of loyal subscribers.”
The broadcasting giant “has been broadcasting for a fee,” which was “an abuse (of) the privilege granted by the State when it launched and operated a pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.”
In the KBO (Kapamilya Box Office) Channel, subscribers of ABS-CBN TV Plus, a device introduced by ABS-CBN to transmit digital signal to television sets, will pay a certain fee for them to watch select movies weekly.
The OSG also said that ABS-CBN has “issued Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDR) through ABS-CBN Holdings Corporation to foreigners,” which violates Article 16, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution that limits ownership of mass media to Filipinos.
It also pointed out that the network’s subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, “resorted to an ingenious corporate laying scheme in order to transfer its franchise without the necessary congressional approval.”
“It failed to publicly offer any of its outstanding capital stock to any securities exchange within the Philippines within five years from the start of its operations, which is an indispensable condition in its franchise,” the OSG claimed.
President Duterte has expressed many times in the past his opinion against the renewal of the network’s franchise and even told the owners – the Lopez family which included the late former Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Gina Lopez – to just sell the company.
But presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte has no hand in the filing of the petition and that the OSG is “constitutionally bound to institute any action against any transgressors of law.”
“And if a franchise holder is violating its franchise, then it is his duty to file a petition of quo warranto,” Panelo said at a press briefing.?“What I know of the President’s style is, if you want to do something in relation to your job, do it. Let the law takes its course.” ?Duterte has accused ABS-CBN of peddling “garbage” reports designed to discredit him and of swindling for allegedly not airing his campaign advertisements.
He threatened to block the renewal of the broadcast giant’s franchise by saying “I will see to it that you’re out” in a speech delivered in Malacañang last Dec. 3.
Panelo could not say for sure what the President meant when he made the remark. “He did not finish (the statement). Out when? Maybe out of my grace? It’s like you are bad shot to me. You used to be good shot.”
Panelo claimed Duterte’s statement was just an “expression of displeasure” and that, ultimately, it would be up to Congress to decide whether the ABS-CBN franchise would be renewed.
He cited as an example Duterte’s statement that he would “kill” billionaires, a remark that he said actually meant killing the “desire of rich billionaires to steal money from the people.” ?“Now, with respect to the... President’s feelings about ABS-CBN, you must remember that there is a basis for his expression of displeasure. What? He was a victim of fraud. And when he expresses that, that expression falls within the freedom of expression which we cannot deprive a President, given that all citizens are entitled to that,” he added.
Panelo, however, acknowledged that “Congress has the authority to grant or to renew, not the President... And as you know, the practice of the President, he does not interfere with the function of Congress.”?“Congress has the constitutional authority to grant a franchise. But when you file a petition for a franchise to be withdrawn, which has already been granted, it is not depriving Congress... The petition was filed because there are violations,” he explained in reference to the position of several lawmakers on jurisdiction.
Panelo advised ABS-CBN artists who are calling for the renewal of the network’s franchise to relay their concerns to Congress, saying, “they should ask Congress to renew the license. The President had nothing to do with that. Second, it’s the court that will decide (on the petition), not him... But I can understand the feelings of people in (ABS-CBN).” – With Neil Jayson Servallos, Alexis Romero
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/11/1992181/calida-asks-sc-nullify-abs-cbn-franchise
As in the case of Sereno, Malacañang claimed it had no hand in the move against ABS-CBN, which rights watchdog decried as an attack on press freedom.
Solicitor general Jose Calida declined to accept questions from reporters, although he said there was no politics involved in the move.
But at an event later in the day at Camp Crame, he said it is better to file the petition even this late – the ABS-CBN franchise will expire on March 30 – than to never have pushed legal boundaries and castigate the network for “violations against the Constitution and laws.”
“What’s wrong is wrong,” Calida stressed.
In its statement, the OSG said it “want(ed) an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of its millions of loyal subscribers.”
The broadcasting giant “has been broadcasting for a fee,” which was “an abuse (of) the privilege granted by the State when it launched and operated a pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.”
In the KBO (Kapamilya Box Office) Channel, subscribers of ABS-CBN TV Plus, a device introduced by ABS-CBN to transmit digital signal to television sets, will pay a certain fee for them to watch select movies weekly.
The OSG also said that ABS-CBN has “issued Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDR) through ABS-CBN Holdings Corporation to foreigners,” which violates Article 16, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution that limits ownership of mass media to Filipinos.
It also pointed out that the network’s subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, “resorted to an ingenious corporate laying scheme in order to transfer its franchise without the necessary congressional approval.”
“It failed to publicly offer any of its outstanding capital stock to any securities exchange within the Philippines within five years from the start of its operations, which is an indispensable condition in its franchise,” the OSG claimed.
President Duterte has expressed many times in the past his opinion against the renewal of the network’s franchise and even told the owners – the Lopez family which included the late former Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Gina Lopez – to just sell the company.
But presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte has no hand in the filing of the petition and that the OSG is “constitutionally bound to institute any action against any transgressors of law.”
“And if a franchise holder is violating its franchise, then it is his duty to file a petition of quo warranto,” Panelo said at a press briefing.?“What I know of the President’s style is, if you want to do something in relation to your job, do it. Let the law takes its course.” ?Duterte has accused ABS-CBN of peddling “garbage” reports designed to discredit him and of swindling for allegedly not airing his campaign advertisements.
He threatened to block the renewal of the broadcast giant’s franchise by saying “I will see to it that you’re out” in a speech delivered in Malacañang last Dec. 3.
Panelo could not say for sure what the President meant when he made the remark. “He did not finish (the statement). Out when? Maybe out of my grace? It’s like you are bad shot to me. You used to be good shot.”
Panelo claimed Duterte’s statement was just an “expression of displeasure” and that, ultimately, it would be up to Congress to decide whether the ABS-CBN franchise would be renewed.
He cited as an example Duterte’s statement that he would “kill” billionaires, a remark that he said actually meant killing the “desire of rich billionaires to steal money from the people.” ?“Now, with respect to the... President’s feelings about ABS-CBN, you must remember that there is a basis for his expression of displeasure. What? He was a victim of fraud. And when he expresses that, that expression falls within the freedom of expression which we cannot deprive a President, given that all citizens are entitled to that,” he added.
Panelo, however, acknowledged that “Congress has the authority to grant or to renew, not the President... And as you know, the practice of the President, he does not interfere with the function of Congress.”?“Congress has the constitutional authority to grant a franchise. But when you file a petition for a franchise to be withdrawn, which has already been granted, it is not depriving Congress... The petition was filed because there are violations,” he explained in reference to the position of several lawmakers on jurisdiction.
Panelo advised ABS-CBN artists who are calling for the renewal of the network’s franchise to relay their concerns to Congress, saying, “they should ask Congress to renew the license. The President had nothing to do with that. Second, it’s the court that will decide (on the petition), not him... But I can understand the feelings of people in (ABS-CBN).” – With Neil Jayson Servallos, Alexis Romero
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/11/1992181/calida-asks-sc-nullify-abs-cbn-franchise
Manila urges court to cancel ABS-CBN Corp’s franchise
The Philippine government yesterday urged the Supreme Court of the Philippines to cancel the franchises of the country’s top broadcaster, ABS-CBN Corp., a move that opposition lawmakers and rights advocates called intimidation of independent media.
The government said that the 66-year-old entertainment and media conglomerate had violated ownership laws and was involved in “highly abusive practices.”
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s opponents said that the complaint was timed to deny the Philippine Congress the chance to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, which employs nearly 7,000 people and engages hundreds of celebrities in radio, television and online content.
Philippine Solicitor-General Jose Calida said that ABS-CBN had for too long shown greed and abuse of what was a privileged franchise.
“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefiting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers,” Calida said in a statement.
ABS-CBN denied that and said the complaint appeared to be “an effort to shut down ABS-CBN to the serious prejudice of millions of Filipinos.”
Duterte has accused ABS-CBN of refusing to air his campaign commercials.
ABS-CBN has not directly responded to Duterte’s claims, but its chairman, Eugenio Lopez, said at the company stockholders’ meeting in 2017 that it was “part and parcel of our work being a media institution.”
In 2018, the government revoked the license of Rappler, a news Web site that Duterte called a “fake news outlet” sponsored by US spies.
Rappler still operates pending appeal.
Calida said that ABS-CBN started a pay-per-view channel without approval and charges fees not supposed to be levied.
Like Rappler, ABS-CBN had breached foreign ownership restrictions behind an “elaborately crafted corporate veil,” he said.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2020/02/11/2003730772
The government said that the 66-year-old entertainment and media conglomerate had violated ownership laws and was involved in “highly abusive practices.”
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s opponents said that the complaint was timed to deny the Philippine Congress the chance to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, which employs nearly 7,000 people and engages hundreds of celebrities in radio, television and online content.
Philippine Solicitor-General Jose Calida said that ABS-CBN had for too long shown greed and abuse of what was a privileged franchise.
“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefiting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers,” Calida said in a statement.
ABS-CBN denied that and said the complaint appeared to be “an effort to shut down ABS-CBN to the serious prejudice of millions of Filipinos.”
Duterte has accused ABS-CBN of refusing to air his campaign commercials.
ABS-CBN has not directly responded to Duterte’s claims, but its chairman, Eugenio Lopez, said at the company stockholders’ meeting in 2017 that it was “part and parcel of our work being a media institution.”
In 2018, the government revoked the license of Rappler, a news Web site that Duterte called a “fake news outlet” sponsored by US spies.
Rappler still operates pending appeal.
Calida said that ABS-CBN started a pay-per-view channel without approval and charges fees not supposed to be levied.
Like Rappler, ABS-CBN had breached foreign ownership restrictions behind an “elaborately crafted corporate veil,” he said.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2020/02/11/2003730772
ABS-CBN: We’ve complied with all laws on franchise, quo warranto filing ill-timed
MEDIA giant ABS-CBN Corp. maintained on Monday it has always complied with the laws governing its franchise and had secured all regulatory approvals for its operations.
In a statement after the Office of the Solicitor General filed a quo warranto case against it, the company said the allegations of the government lawyers “are without merit,” listing its defense against the case filed by the OSG.
The listed multimedia conglomerate said all its offerings, including KBO, are allowed under its franchise, and that its Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) were “evaluated and approved” by securities regulator prior to their offering.
It further explained that its ownership of ABS-CBN Convergence is the similar track by which telco companies own their businesses, and that the share transfers were above board, as they are “fully compliant” with the Public Telecommunications Act.
KBO, it said, is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment in the country. The capital raised from the PDRs funded its services to “nearly 90 percent of the Philippines, and to our overseas Filipino workers all over the world.” It added that its telco arm helps policy-makers in improving Internet access in the country.
“We reiterate that everything we do is in accordance with the law. We did not violate the law. This case appears to be an attempt to deprive Filipinos of the services of ABS-CBN,” the statement read.
Monday saw the OSG filing a quo warranto case against the Lopez-led multimedia giant before the Supreme Court, asking it to revoke the already expiring franchise of ABS-CBN for allegedly violating its franchise.
The quo warranto filing drew controversy, as it comes while the House of Representatives is being pressured to call hearings on various proposals to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise, which expires in March. Some lawmakers said Solicitor General Jose Calida’s move infringed on Congress’s power to grant franchises.
In his “very urgent” motion, Calida alleged foreign investors “taking part” in the ownership of mass media, citing the Philippine Constitution as his reference. He also said the set-top box for digital television—TV Plus—as well as the KBO network were “not approved by the National Telecommunications Commission.”
President Duterte has publicly stated he wanted to remove the ABS-CBN franchise from the Lopezes since he took office on June 30, 2016, when he started launching a tirade of accusations against the television titan.
Despite this, solons have given assurances that the franchise hearing will proceed.
“The Senate, the House of Representatives and the Executive branch have assured the public that our franchise will be allowed to go through the proper renewal process in a fair manner. To that end, the filing of the quo warranto case is ill-timed given that Congress has already resumed its session,” ABS-CBN’s statement read.
Time and again, media groups have cried foul against the Duterte administration’s “Marcosian game plan” to derail the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN Corp., calling it a blatant attack to suppress press freedom marred with “putrid motives.” The Duterte administration insists the case has nothing to do with press freedom.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/02/11/abs-cbn-weve-complied-with-all-laws-on-franchise-quo-warranto-filing-ill-timed/
Monday, February 10, 2020
Philippines Seeks Scrapping of 'Abusive' Broadcaster's Franchise
The Philippine government on Monday urged the Supreme Court to cancel the franchises of the country's top broadcaster, ABS-CBN Corp., a move slammed by opposition lawmakers and activists as an attack designed to intimidate independent media.
The government said the 66-year-old entertainment and media conglomerate, which drew the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte during his 2016 election campaign, had violated ownership laws and was involved in "highly abusive practices".
Duterte's opponents said the complaint was timed to deny Congress the chance to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, which employs nearly 7,000 people and engages hundreds of celebrities in radio, television and online content.
Solicitor-General and staunch Duterte loyalist Jose Calida said ABS-CBN had for too long shown greed and abuse of what was a privileged franchise.
"We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefiting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers", Calida said in a statement.
ABS-CBN denied that and said the complaint appeared to be "an effort to shut down ABS-CBN to the serious prejudice of millions of Filipinos".
Duterte's has threatened for three years to torpedo the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, which Duterte accuses of refusing to air his campaign commercials.
ABS-CBN has not directly responded to Duterte's claims, but its chairman, Eugenio Lopez said at the company stockholders' meeting in 2017 that it was "part and parcel of our work being a media institution".
Lopez also said the company deals with these problems privately.
The move comes at a time of concerns among some investors about regulatory unpredictability following a Duterte-ordered review of government contracts, which included big losses for two water firms whose billionaire owners Duterte has criticized.
ABS-CBN has lost 65% of its share value since Duterte assumed office in June 2016. It fell as much as 2.9% on Monday.
In 2018, the government revoked the license of Rappler, a news website known for its tough scrutiny of Duterte, who called it a "fake news outlet" sponsored by American spies. Rappler still operates pending appeal.
Calida said ABS-CBN started a pay-per-view channel without approval and charges fees not supposed to be levied. He said that like Rappler, ABS-CBN had breached foreign ownership restrictions behind an "elaborately crafted corporate veil".
The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines said the Supreme Court and Congress had the chance to prove they were independent and not beholden to Duterte.
"We must not allow the vindictiveness of one man, no matter how powerful, to run roughshod over the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of the press and of expression, and the people's right to know," it said.
Congressman Edcel Lagman said the complaint was "maliciously timed" while representative Rufus Rodriguez called it an encroachment on Congress's turf.
Presidential spokesman Savlador Panelo said Duterte personally had nothing to do with the complaint, and in criticizing ABS-CBN, he was exercising his right to free speech.
https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/philippines-seeks-scrapping-abusive-broadcasters-franchise
The government said the 66-year-old entertainment and media conglomerate, which drew the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte during his 2016 election campaign, had violated ownership laws and was involved in "highly abusive practices".
Duterte's opponents said the complaint was timed to deny Congress the chance to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, which employs nearly 7,000 people and engages hundreds of celebrities in radio, television and online content.
Solicitor-General and staunch Duterte loyalist Jose Calida said ABS-CBN had for too long shown greed and abuse of what was a privileged franchise.
"We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefiting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers", Calida said in a statement.
ABS-CBN denied that and said the complaint appeared to be "an effort to shut down ABS-CBN to the serious prejudice of millions of Filipinos".
Duterte's has threatened for three years to torpedo the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, which Duterte accuses of refusing to air his campaign commercials.
ABS-CBN has not directly responded to Duterte's claims, but its chairman, Eugenio Lopez said at the company stockholders' meeting in 2017 that it was "part and parcel of our work being a media institution".
Lopez also said the company deals with these problems privately.
The move comes at a time of concerns among some investors about regulatory unpredictability following a Duterte-ordered review of government contracts, which included big losses for two water firms whose billionaire owners Duterte has criticized.
ABS-CBN has lost 65% of its share value since Duterte assumed office in June 2016. It fell as much as 2.9% on Monday.
In 2018, the government revoked the license of Rappler, a news website known for its tough scrutiny of Duterte, who called it a "fake news outlet" sponsored by American spies. Rappler still operates pending appeal.
Calida said ABS-CBN started a pay-per-view channel without approval and charges fees not supposed to be levied. He said that like Rappler, ABS-CBN had breached foreign ownership restrictions behind an "elaborately crafted corporate veil".
The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines said the Supreme Court and Congress had the chance to prove they were independent and not beholden to Duterte.
"We must not allow the vindictiveness of one man, no matter how powerful, to run roughshod over the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of the press and of expression, and the people's right to know," it said.
Congressman Edcel Lagman said the complaint was "maliciously timed" while representative Rufus Rodriguez called it an encroachment on Congress's turf.
Presidential spokesman Savlador Panelo said Duterte personally had nothing to do with the complaint, and in criticizing ABS-CBN, he was exercising his right to free speech.
https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/philippines-seeks-scrapping-abusive-broadcasters-franchise
Journalists denounce move to void ABS-CBN franchise
Several journalists denounced Monday a legal move to shut down ABS-CBN Corp by invalidating its franchise, even as they hailed the media conglomerate's role in nation-building.
Online news website Rappler, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), and the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines backed ABS-CBN as Solicitor General Jose Calida sought to void the company's franchise via a "quo warranto" petition.
Rappler, in its statement, alleged that President Rodrigo Duterte's administration is "resorting to legal gymnastics to push their own agenda of silencing critical media."
"We at Rappler deplore the latest attempt by the Duterte administration to use the levers of state power to bring down a media company and silence Filipino journalists," it said.
"We stand with our colleagues at ABS-CBN and share the hope that they will weather this and come out even stronger," it added.
Both ABS-CBN and Rappler have been the subject of President Rodrigo Duterte's tirades.
In seeking to invalidate ABS-CBN's franchise, the government's top lawyer accused the company of "highly abusive practices."
ABS-CBN, however, insists it is compliant with all the laws governing its franchise and has secured necessary permits for its business operations.
"We reiterate that everything we do is in accordance with the law. We did not violate the law. This case appears to be an attempt to deprive Filipinos of the services of ABS-CBN," the company said.
Like Rappler, ABS-CBN allegedly violated the Filipino ownership restriction when it issued Philippine Depositary Receipts to foreigners, the Calida complaint said. A depositary receipt gives its holder some benefits without giving stockholder status.
"These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years," the complaint alleges.
FOCAP, meanwhile, said moves to shut ABS-CBN down threaten a pillar of the country's media industry, describing it a "cornerstone of Philippine democracy and the free press."
"Our ABS-CBN colleagues have been on the frontlines of every major breaking news in the country. They have chronicled history, and continue to hold power to account," FOCAP said.
"We stand with ABS-CBN. We stand with press freedom."
The NUJP criticized Calida for confronting ABS-CBN reporter Mike Navallo during the filing of the quo warranto petition.
"Calida's boorishness is the classic example of a government factotum who mistakes his position of authority as a license to throw his weight around. It is behavior that, of course, echoes his principal," the organization said.
ABS-CBN has repeatedly been hit by Duterte for allegedly not airing a paid campaign ad before the 2016 presidential elections.
In December, Duterte urged the owners of ABS-CBN to just sell the company, saying he would "see to it that you're out."
Salvador Panelo, the spokesman of Duterte, reiterated Monday that developments pertaining to the broadcast franchise of ABS-CBN have nothing to do with the issue of freedom of the press.
He also claimed that Duterte is not involved in Calida's complaint.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/10/20/journalists-denounce-move-to-void-abs-cbn-franchise
Online news website Rappler, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), and the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines backed ABS-CBN as Solicitor General Jose Calida sought to void the company's franchise via a "quo warranto" petition.
Rappler, in its statement, alleged that President Rodrigo Duterte's administration is "resorting to legal gymnastics to push their own agenda of silencing critical media."
"We at Rappler deplore the latest attempt by the Duterte administration to use the levers of state power to bring down a media company and silence Filipino journalists," it said.
"We stand with our colleagues at ABS-CBN and share the hope that they will weather this and come out even stronger," it added.
Both ABS-CBN and Rappler have been the subject of President Rodrigo Duterte's tirades.
In seeking to invalidate ABS-CBN's franchise, the government's top lawyer accused the company of "highly abusive practices."
ABS-CBN, however, insists it is compliant with all the laws governing its franchise and has secured necessary permits for its business operations.
"We reiterate that everything we do is in accordance with the law. We did not violate the law. This case appears to be an attempt to deprive Filipinos of the services of ABS-CBN," the company said.
Like Rappler, ABS-CBN allegedly violated the Filipino ownership restriction when it issued Philippine Depositary Receipts to foreigners, the Calida complaint said. A depositary receipt gives its holder some benefits without giving stockholder status.
"These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years," the complaint alleges.
FOCAP, meanwhile, said moves to shut ABS-CBN down threaten a pillar of the country's media industry, describing it a "cornerstone of Philippine democracy and the free press."
"Our ABS-CBN colleagues have been on the frontlines of every major breaking news in the country. They have chronicled history, and continue to hold power to account," FOCAP said.
"We stand with ABS-CBN. We stand with press freedom."
The NUJP criticized Calida for confronting ABS-CBN reporter Mike Navallo during the filing of the quo warranto petition.
"Calida's boorishness is the classic example of a government factotum who mistakes his position of authority as a license to throw his weight around. It is behavior that, of course, echoes his principal," the organization said.
ABS-CBN has repeatedly been hit by Duterte for allegedly not airing a paid campaign ad before the 2016 presidential elections.
In December, Duterte urged the owners of ABS-CBN to just sell the company, saying he would "see to it that you're out."
Salvador Panelo, the spokesman of Duterte, reiterated Monday that developments pertaining to the broadcast franchise of ABS-CBN have nothing to do with the issue of freedom of the press.
He also claimed that Duterte is not involved in Calida's complaint.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/10/20/journalists-denounce-move-to-void-abs-cbn-franchise
Let Congress mandate on ABS-CBN franchise work: solon
A lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Monday said Congress has the mandate to act on the franchise renewal of broadcast giant ABS-CBN.
Laguna Representative Sol Aragones said that while she respects the decision of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to file a quo warranto petition asking the Supreme Court to revoke the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN, the chamber is “prepared to tackle the issues raised by the OSG as part of our mandate to study and evaluate all matters involving the renewal of legislative franchises".
"Handa po kami gawin ang trabaho namin dito sa Kongreso. Sana po bigyan kami ng pagkakataon himayin at busisiin itong pag-renew ng franchise ng ABS-CBN (We are ready to do our mandate here in Congress. We hope that we are given a chance to thoroughly examine the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise),” Aragones said, noting that several bills regarding the matter are pending before the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
Aragones, a former ABS-CBN reporter, said that it is important to take into consideration the more than 11,000 employees of the network and their families.
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, one of the authors of pending bills seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years, said the quo warranto petition is an “unconstitutional encroachment” of the exclusive power of Congress to grant a franchise.
Rodriguez also argued that the petition violates the separation of powers among the three branches of government.
Solicitor General Jose Calida said that ABS-CBN had been hiding behind an "elaborately crafted corporate veil", and alleged that it was allowing foreign investors to take part in the ownership of a Philippine mass media entity by issuing Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDRs) through ABS-CBN Holdings Corp., a violation of the 1987 Constitution.
Under the 1987 Constitution, mass media ownership is limited to Filipinos.
"This simply means that mass media companies operating in the Philippines must be 100 percent Filipino owned because they play an integral role in the nation's economic, political, and socio-political landscape," Calida said.
Calida added that the broadcasting firm "abused" the privilege granted by the State when it launched and operated a pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
"While it is true that broadcasting is a business, the welfare of the people must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of profit," Calida said. "We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years."
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093469
ABS-CBN denies franchise violations, says quo warranto case ‘without merit’
Media giant ABS-CBN on Monday denied allegations of violations in its legislative franchise, saying the quo warranto petition filed by Office of the Solicitor General only point to an effort to shut down the network.
A statement released by the broadcast giant claimed Solicitor General Jose Calida‘s petition before the Supreme Court to forfeit its franchise of ABS-CBN lacked merit.
“The Office of the Solicitor General’s filing of a quo warranto case against ABS-CBN on alleged violations of its franchise appears to be an effort to shut down ABS-CBN to the serious prejudice of millions of Filipinos who rely on the network for news, entertainment and public service,” the statement read.
“These allegations cited by the Office of the Solicitor General in his press statement are without merit. ABS-CBN complies with all pertinent laws governing its franchise and has secured all necessary government and regulatory approvals for its business operations,” it added.
The network also noted that the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Executive Branch have assured the public that its franchise will be allowed to undergo the proper renewal process in a “fair manner.”
“To that end, the filing of the quo warranto case is ill-timed given that Congress has already resumed its session,” ABS-CBN said.
According to the network, all its broadcast offerings, including the Kapamilya Box Office (KBO) have received the necessary government and regulatory approvals, and are not prohibited by its franchise.
It likewise said that Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDRs) of the ABS-CBN Holdings were evaluated and approved by the Security Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange prior to its public offering. ABS-CBN explained these are the same instruments used by other broadcast companies to raise capital for the improvement of its services.
The ownership of ABS-CBN in ABS-CBN Convergence was also undertaken under the same law and structures that have been utilized by other telecommunication companies. These are transfers that are approved under the Public Telecommunications Policy Act and are fully compliant with the law, according to the network.
“We reiterate that everything we do is in accordance with the law. We did not violate the law. This case appears to be an attempt to deprive Filipinos of the services of ABS-CBN,” it said.
The broadcast giant also noted that KBO remains one of the cheapest forms of entertainment that it can provide to the public.
“The capital we have raised from the PDRs has enabled us to provide services to nearly 90 percent of the Philippines and to our OFW’s all over the world. Our work with ABS-CBN Convergence supports the government policy of finding ways to bring down the cost of internet access,” it said.
“We remain committed to our mission to serve the Filipino people especially at this time when millions of Filipinos rely on our services in delivering information such as the 2019 NCoV ARD, the developments in the Middle East, and updates on Taal Volcano situation as they relate to our countrymen,” the network added.
In filing the quo warranto petition, Calida sought to void the franchise in a bid to stop the supposed “abusive practices” of ABS-CBN.
“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefiting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” Calida said.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226711/fwd-abs-cbn-solgens-claims-on-quo-warranto-case-without-merit
A statement released by the broadcast giant claimed Solicitor General Jose Calida‘s petition before the Supreme Court to forfeit its franchise of ABS-CBN lacked merit.
“The Office of the Solicitor General’s filing of a quo warranto case against ABS-CBN on alleged violations of its franchise appears to be an effort to shut down ABS-CBN to the serious prejudice of millions of Filipinos who rely on the network for news, entertainment and public service,” the statement read.
“These allegations cited by the Office of the Solicitor General in his press statement are without merit. ABS-CBN complies with all pertinent laws governing its franchise and has secured all necessary government and regulatory approvals for its business operations,” it added.
The network also noted that the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Executive Branch have assured the public that its franchise will be allowed to undergo the proper renewal process in a “fair manner.”
“To that end, the filing of the quo warranto case is ill-timed given that Congress has already resumed its session,” ABS-CBN said.
According to the network, all its broadcast offerings, including the Kapamilya Box Office (KBO) have received the necessary government and regulatory approvals, and are not prohibited by its franchise.
It likewise said that Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDRs) of the ABS-CBN Holdings were evaluated and approved by the Security Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange prior to its public offering. ABS-CBN explained these are the same instruments used by other broadcast companies to raise capital for the improvement of its services.
The ownership of ABS-CBN in ABS-CBN Convergence was also undertaken under the same law and structures that have been utilized by other telecommunication companies. These are transfers that are approved under the Public Telecommunications Policy Act and are fully compliant with the law, according to the network.
“We reiterate that everything we do is in accordance with the law. We did not violate the law. This case appears to be an attempt to deprive Filipinos of the services of ABS-CBN,” it said.
The broadcast giant also noted that KBO remains one of the cheapest forms of entertainment that it can provide to the public.
“The capital we have raised from the PDRs has enabled us to provide services to nearly 90 percent of the Philippines and to our OFW’s all over the world. Our work with ABS-CBN Convergence supports the government policy of finding ways to bring down the cost of internet access,” it said.
“We remain committed to our mission to serve the Filipino people especially at this time when millions of Filipinos rely on our services in delivering information such as the 2019 NCoV ARD, the developments in the Middle East, and updates on Taal Volcano situation as they relate to our countrymen,” the network added.
In filing the quo warranto petition, Calida sought to void the franchise in a bid to stop the supposed “abusive practices” of ABS-CBN.
“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefiting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” Calida said.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226711/fwd-abs-cbn-solgens-claims-on-quo-warranto-case-without-merit
Labor group favors ABS-CBN franchise renewal
By Leslie Ann Aquino
Labor group Defend Jobs Philippines said Supreme Court justices must vote in favor of the thousands of ABS-CBN workers and for press freedom by immediately denying the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida against the network.
“Once and for all, the Supreme Court must uphold its mandate to use its judicial powers to make the law of the land serve the best interests of the Filipino people and not of those in the sit (sic) of political power,” said Thadeus Ifurung, Defend Job Philippines spokesperson.
The group added that SC justices should vote on the SolGen’s petition according “to their conscience and not through partisan political dictates.”
The labor group said the move of the government was “not just an act to curtail press freedom but an attack against the livelihood of more than 11,000 workers of the Kapamilya network.”
It then reiterated their call for Congress to do their job and start discussing the bills that will grant new legislative franchise to ABS-CBN despite Calida’s petition.
Ifurung said, “Being the leading media network in the country employing more than 10,000 workers, the non-renewal and shutdown of ABS-CBN will mean massive termination in the Philippine labor sector nationwide.”
He added, “While we acknowledge different labor issues of Kapamilya workers, it doesn’t equate to the non-renewal of ABS-CBN franchise as thousands of families still rely their livelihood and source of income to (sic) the TV and radio network firm.”
Defend Job Philippines also urged President Duterte to resolve its rift with the ABS-CBN management in proper venues and must stop using the legislative franchise and the job security issue of ABS-CBN workers as hostage to his plans of going after the TV network.
Since 2018, President Duterte has been vocal on the supposed failure of ABS-CBN to air his presidential campaign advertisements in 2016, which was duly paid for.
According to Defend Jobs Philippines, being the country’s largest TV network, ABS CBN employs 6,730 regular employees, 900 non-regular workers and more than 3,325 talents since the end of 2018 citing the company’s report to the Securities and Exchange Commission and Philippine Stocks Exchange.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/10/labor-group-favors-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/
Labor group Defend Jobs Philippines said Supreme Court justices must vote in favor of the thousands of ABS-CBN workers and for press freedom by immediately denying the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida against the network.
“Once and for all, the Supreme Court must uphold its mandate to use its judicial powers to make the law of the land serve the best interests of the Filipino people and not of those in the sit (sic) of political power,” said Thadeus Ifurung, Defend Job Philippines spokesperson.
The group added that SC justices should vote on the SolGen’s petition according “to their conscience and not through partisan political dictates.”
The labor group said the move of the government was “not just an act to curtail press freedom but an attack against the livelihood of more than 11,000 workers of the Kapamilya network.”
It then reiterated their call for Congress to do their job and start discussing the bills that will grant new legislative franchise to ABS-CBN despite Calida’s petition.
Ifurung said, “Being the leading media network in the country employing more than 10,000 workers, the non-renewal and shutdown of ABS-CBN will mean massive termination in the Philippine labor sector nationwide.”
He added, “While we acknowledge different labor issues of Kapamilya workers, it doesn’t equate to the non-renewal of ABS-CBN franchise as thousands of families still rely their livelihood and source of income to (sic) the TV and radio network firm.”
Defend Job Philippines also urged President Duterte to resolve its rift with the ABS-CBN management in proper venues and must stop using the legislative franchise and the job security issue of ABS-CBN workers as hostage to his plans of going after the TV network.
Since 2018, President Duterte has been vocal on the supposed failure of ABS-CBN to air his presidential campaign advertisements in 2016, which was duly paid for.
According to Defend Jobs Philippines, being the country’s largest TV network, ABS CBN employs 6,730 regular employees, 900 non-regular workers and more than 3,325 talents since the end of 2018 citing the company’s report to the Securities and Exchange Commission and Philippine Stocks Exchange.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/10/labor-group-favors-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/
SolGen files quo warranto petition vs. ABS CBN
By Rey Panaligan
Government lawyers on Monday morning, February 10, asked the Supreme Court (SC) to forfeit the legislative franchises of ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc.
The plea was contained in a quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) led by Solicitor General Jose C. Calida.
A quo warranto “is a special civil action brought in the name of the Philippines against a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise; or against a public officer who does or suffers an act which, by provision of law, constitutes a ground for the forfeiture of his office; or an association which acts as a corporation within the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without lawful authority to act.”
Published reports stated that ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire next month. Several bills have been filed in Congress for the renewal of the franchise.
A copy of the OSG’s petition was not immediately available.
The full text of the press statement issued by the OSG:
“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years.
“The petition will show that ABS-CBN has been broadcasting for a fee, which is beyond the scope of its legislative franchise.
“Further, the media giant, hiding behind an ‘elaborately crafted corporate veil,’ has been allowing foreign investors to take part in the ownership of Philippine mass media entity, in gross violation of the foreign interest restriction of mass media provided under Section 11, Article XVI of the Constitution.
“ABS-CBN abused the privilege granted by the State when it launched and operated a pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the National Telecommunications Commission. While it is true that broadcasting is a business, the welfare of the people must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of profit.
“Further, like Rappler, ABS-CBN had issued Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDRs) through ABS-CBN Holdings Corporation to foreigners, in violation of the foreign ownership restriction on mass media in the Constitution.
“Section 11, Article XVI of the Constitution provides that ‘the ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives or associations, wholly-owned and managed by such citizens.’
“This simply means that mass media companies operating in the Philippines must be 100 percent Filipino owned because they play an integral role in a nation’s economic, political, and socio-cultural landscape.
“On the other hand, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. (formerly Multi-Media Telepony, Inc.) resorted to an ingenious corporate layering scheme in order to transfer its franchise without the necessary Congressional approval. It also failed to publicly offer any of its outstanding capital stock to any securities exchange within the Philippines within five years from the start of its operations, which is an indispensable condition in its franchise.
“The legislative franchises of ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc., must be revoked. A franchise is a special privilege granted by the State, and should be restricted only to entities which faithfully adhere to our Constitution and laws.”
The official reaction or position of ABS-CBN Corporation on the quo warranto petition will be known once it is required by the SC to file its comment on answer.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/10/solgen-files-quo-warranto-petition-vs-abs-cbn/
Government lawyers on Monday morning, February 10, asked the Supreme Court (SC) to forfeit the legislative franchises of ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc.
The plea was contained in a quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) led by Solicitor General Jose C. Calida.
A quo warranto “is a special civil action brought in the name of the Philippines against a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise; or against a public officer who does or suffers an act which, by provision of law, constitutes a ground for the forfeiture of his office; or an association which acts as a corporation within the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without lawful authority to act.”
Published reports stated that ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire next month. Several bills have been filed in Congress for the renewal of the franchise.
A copy of the OSG’s petition was not immediately available.
The full text of the press statement issued by the OSG:
“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years.
“The petition will show that ABS-CBN has been broadcasting for a fee, which is beyond the scope of its legislative franchise.
“Further, the media giant, hiding behind an ‘elaborately crafted corporate veil,’ has been allowing foreign investors to take part in the ownership of Philippine mass media entity, in gross violation of the foreign interest restriction of mass media provided under Section 11, Article XVI of the Constitution.
“ABS-CBN abused the privilege granted by the State when it launched and operated a pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the National Telecommunications Commission. While it is true that broadcasting is a business, the welfare of the people must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of profit.
“Further, like Rappler, ABS-CBN had issued Philippine Deposit Receipts (PDRs) through ABS-CBN Holdings Corporation to foreigners, in violation of the foreign ownership restriction on mass media in the Constitution.
“Section 11, Article XVI of the Constitution provides that ‘the ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives or associations, wholly-owned and managed by such citizens.’
“This simply means that mass media companies operating in the Philippines must be 100 percent Filipino owned because they play an integral role in a nation’s economic, political, and socio-cultural landscape.
“On the other hand, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. (formerly Multi-Media Telepony, Inc.) resorted to an ingenious corporate layering scheme in order to transfer its franchise without the necessary Congressional approval. It also failed to publicly offer any of its outstanding capital stock to any securities exchange within the Philippines within five years from the start of its operations, which is an indispensable condition in its franchise.
“The legislative franchises of ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc., must be revoked. A franchise is a special privilege granted by the State, and should be restricted only to entities which faithfully adhere to our Constitution and laws.”
The official reaction or position of ABS-CBN Corporation on the quo warranto petition will be known once it is required by the SC to file its comment on answer.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/10/solgen-files-quo-warranto-petition-vs-abs-cbn/
ABS-CBN shares bleed as government moves to revoke network's franchise
Shares in ABS-CBN Corp. took a beating Monday morning after the Office of the Solicitor General asked the Supreme Court to revoke the media giant’s legislative franchise.
As of 10:18 a.m., ABS-CBN shares fell 2% to P16.66 each. The main index was also in the red.
ABS-CBN reported that Solicitor General Jose Calida on Monday filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN Corp. and ABS-CBN Convergence Inc., a subsidiary of the network giant.
In the plea, Calida accused the broadcasting giant of “unlawfully exercising their legislative franchises”. He maintained that “there is no politics” involved in his moves.
“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” Calida said in a statement.
Rule 66 of the Rules of Court provides that the solicitor general can file a quo warranto (Latin for "by what authority") against “a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise.”
The petition may also be filed against “an association which acts as a corporation within the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without lawful authority so to act.”
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block the franchise extension of ABS-CBN, which he accused of bias and of not airing his paid political advertisement during the 2016 election campaign.
The media company is racing against time as its franchise will expire in March this year. A bill to extend its license for another 25 years is pending in Congress.
Analysts have warned that ABS-CBN’s franchise woes and Duterte’s recent attacks on big businesses can dampen investor confidence in the country.
The non-renewal of the franchise is also expected to severely affect the network’s business as traditional media revenues account for 70% of ABS-CBN’s revenues. — with a report from Kristine Joy Patag
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/02/10/1991952/abs-cbn-shares-bleed-government-moves-revoke-networks-franchise
As of 10:18 a.m., ABS-CBN shares fell 2% to P16.66 each. The main index was also in the red.
ABS-CBN reported that Solicitor General Jose Calida on Monday filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN Corp. and ABS-CBN Convergence Inc., a subsidiary of the network giant.
In the plea, Calida accused the broadcasting giant of “unlawfully exercising their legislative franchises”. He maintained that “there is no politics” involved in his moves.
“We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” Calida said in a statement.
Rule 66 of the Rules of Court provides that the solicitor general can file a quo warranto (Latin for "by what authority") against “a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise.”
The petition may also be filed against “an association which acts as a corporation within the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without lawful authority so to act.”
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block the franchise extension of ABS-CBN, which he accused of bias and of not airing his paid political advertisement during the 2016 election campaign.
The media company is racing against time as its franchise will expire in March this year. A bill to extend its license for another 25 years is pending in Congress.
Analysts have warned that ABS-CBN’s franchise woes and Duterte’s recent attacks on big businesses can dampen investor confidence in the country.
The non-renewal of the franchise is also expected to severely affect the network’s business as traditional media revenues account for 70% of ABS-CBN’s revenues. — with a report from Kristine Joy Patag
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/02/10/1991952/abs-cbn-shares-bleed-government-moves-revoke-networks-franchise
Solgen Calida asks Supreme Court to revoke ABS-CBN franchise
(Update 3; 10:58 a.m.) — Solicitor General Jose Calida has asked the Supreme Court to revoke the legislative franchise of broadcast giant ABS-CBN, which has been at the receiving end of many of President Rodrigo Duterte’s tirades.
ABS-CBN reported that Calida on Monday filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN Corportation and ABS-CBN Convergence Inc., a subsidiary of the network giant.
In the plea, Calida accused the broadcasting giant of “unlawfully exercising their legislative franchises under Republic Act No. 7966 and Republic Act No. 8332.”
RA 7966 pertains to the Act granting ABS-CBN Corporation franchise to operate while RA 8332 meanwhile is the Act Granting Multi-Media Telephony, Incorporated, a Franchise to Construct, Establish, Operate and Maintain Radio Paging System in the Philippines.
ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. and is the network's communications arm.
Calida declined almost all questions from reporters after filing, but he said that “there is no politics” involved in the filing.
In a statement, Calida said: “We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years.”
Rule 66 of the Rules of Court provides that the solicitor general can file a quo warranto (Latin for "by what authority") against “a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise.”
The petition may also be filed against “an association which acts as a corporation within the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without lawful authority so to act.”
ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise will expire by the end of March but bills calling for its renewal remain pending before Congress.
House members: Encroachment on congressional power
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro), author of one of nearly a dozen bills to renew ABS-CBN's franchise, said in a phone patch interview on the ABS-CBN News Channel, that the move "is an encroachment on the right of Congress to grant and revoke franchises."
Rep. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur), deputy House speaker, said in a separate phone patch interview that the move is "questionable and alarming."
"It is only Congress that has the power to grant or cancel franchises," he said, adding "we have not even started hearings on the renewal."
Nonoy Espina, chairperson of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said the move was "more or less expected" although the timing of the filing—with the network's franchise expiring in less than two months—is "weird."
"If they can't stop Congress from acting on the bills, then the quo warranto petition is the way to go, at least to stop it," he said.
He said that said that aside from the business implications for ABS-CBN as a network, thousands of media workers could lose their jobs, adding the petition is "really a direct attack on the freedom of the press and freedom of expression."
He added: "The ball is in Congress, especially in the committee of congressional franchises. They can start the ball rolling, it's not too late."
NUJP launched last month a signature campaign to urge lawmakers to act on the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.
"[T]o not act on the bill is to prove that they are nothing but lapdogs of this administration," Espina said.
ABS-CBN has yet to issue an official statement on the latest development in its bid to extend its franchise.
Solgen alleges foreign ownership in ABS-CBN
A copy of the full petition has yet to be made public, but in the statement provided to media, the OSG accused ABS-CBN of allowing foreigners to invest in its ownership.
The 1987 Constitution holds that mass media ownership and management should be limited to Filipino citizens.
"Like Rappler, ABS-CBN issued Philippine Deposit Receipts through ABS-CBN Holdings Corporation to foreigners, in violation of the foreign ownership restriction on mass media in the Constitution," the statement read.
PDRs are instruments that give foreign investors a passive economic interest in a Philippine company.
Rappler, another media entity that has earned the ire of the president, faced a closure order from the Securities and Exchange Commission due to PDRs.
The Court of Appeals sent the case back to the SEC after investor Omidyar Network later donated its PDRs to Rappler executives. The appeals court told the SEC to look into the legal effect of the donation,
'Moves without Congressional approval'
Calida also accused ABS-CBN of “abusing the privilege” given by the State when it launched pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, KBO Channel without permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.
He also said that ABS-CBN Convergence “resorted to an ingenious corporate layering scheme in order to transfer its franchise without the necessary Congressional approval.”
The solicitor general said that the subsidiary did not publicly offer its outstanding capital stock to any securities exchange within five years since its operation started, “which is an indispensable condition in its franchise.”
In 2018, Calida filed a quo warranto petition against former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno that eventually led to her ouster.
Sereno, whom Duterte had branded as his enemy, was booted out of the SC after her colleagues voted 8-6 to grant Calida's quo warranto petition against her. They decided that she had never been appointed chief justice and that her appointment was invalid from the very beginning.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/10/1991949/solgen-calida-asks-supreme-court-revoke-abs-cbn-franchise
ABS-CBN reported that Calida on Monday filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN Corportation and ABS-CBN Convergence Inc., a subsidiary of the network giant.
In the plea, Calida accused the broadcasting giant of “unlawfully exercising their legislative franchises under Republic Act No. 7966 and Republic Act No. 8332.”
RA 7966 pertains to the Act granting ABS-CBN Corporation franchise to operate while RA 8332 meanwhile is the Act Granting Multi-Media Telephony, Incorporated, a Franchise to Construct, Establish, Operate and Maintain Radio Paging System in the Philippines.
ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. and is the network's communications arm.
Calida declined almost all questions from reporters after filing, but he said that “there is no politics” involved in the filing.
In a statement, Calida said: “We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years.”
Rule 66 of the Rules of Court provides that the solicitor general can file a quo warranto (Latin for "by what authority") against “a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a public office, position or franchise.”
The petition may also be filed against “an association which acts as a corporation within the Philippines without being legally incorporated or without lawful authority so to act.”
ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise will expire by the end of March but bills calling for its renewal remain pending before Congress.
House members: Encroachment on congressional power
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro), author of one of nearly a dozen bills to renew ABS-CBN's franchise, said in a phone patch interview on the ABS-CBN News Channel, that the move "is an encroachment on the right of Congress to grant and revoke franchises."
Rep. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur), deputy House speaker, said in a separate phone patch interview that the move is "questionable and alarming."
"It is only Congress that has the power to grant or cancel franchises," he said, adding "we have not even started hearings on the renewal."
Nonoy Espina, chairperson of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said the move was "more or less expected" although the timing of the filing—with the network's franchise expiring in less than two months—is "weird."
"If they can't stop Congress from acting on the bills, then the quo warranto petition is the way to go, at least to stop it," he said.
He said that said that aside from the business implications for ABS-CBN as a network, thousands of media workers could lose their jobs, adding the petition is "really a direct attack on the freedom of the press and freedom of expression."
He added: "The ball is in Congress, especially in the committee of congressional franchises. They can start the ball rolling, it's not too late."
NUJP launched last month a signature campaign to urge lawmakers to act on the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.
"[T]o not act on the bill is to prove that they are nothing but lapdogs of this administration," Espina said.
ABS-CBN has yet to issue an official statement on the latest development in its bid to extend its franchise.
Solgen alleges foreign ownership in ABS-CBN
A copy of the full petition has yet to be made public, but in the statement provided to media, the OSG accused ABS-CBN of allowing foreigners to invest in its ownership.
The 1987 Constitution holds that mass media ownership and management should be limited to Filipino citizens.
"Like Rappler, ABS-CBN issued Philippine Deposit Receipts through ABS-CBN Holdings Corporation to foreigners, in violation of the foreign ownership restriction on mass media in the Constitution," the statement read.
PDRs are instruments that give foreign investors a passive economic interest in a Philippine company.
Rappler, another media entity that has earned the ire of the president, faced a closure order from the Securities and Exchange Commission due to PDRs.
The Court of Appeals sent the case back to the SEC after investor Omidyar Network later donated its PDRs to Rappler executives. The appeals court told the SEC to look into the legal effect of the donation,
'Moves without Congressional approval'
Calida also accused ABS-CBN of “abusing the privilege” given by the State when it launched pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, KBO Channel without permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.
He also said that ABS-CBN Convergence “resorted to an ingenious corporate layering scheme in order to transfer its franchise without the necessary Congressional approval.”
The solicitor general said that the subsidiary did not publicly offer its outstanding capital stock to any securities exchange within five years since its operation started, “which is an indispensable condition in its franchise.”
In 2018, Calida filed a quo warranto petition against former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno that eventually led to her ouster.
Sereno, whom Duterte had branded as his enemy, was booted out of the SC after her colleagues voted 8-6 to grant Calida's quo warranto petition against her. They decided that she had never been appointed chief justice and that her appointment was invalid from the very beginning.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/10/1991949/solgen-calida-asks-supreme-court-revoke-abs-cbn-franchise
Poe: Congress has authority over ABS-CBN legislative franchise
By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senator Grace Poe maintained that Congress still has the authority over the legislative franchise granted to broadcast company ABS-CBN despite the quo warranto petition filed by the government.
Solicitor-General Jose Calida on Monday asked the Supreme Court to cancel the congressional franchise of ABS-CBN and its subsidiary ABS-CBN Convergence Inc, for its “highly abusive practices” and alleged violation of the Constitution.
While pointing out that the quo warranto petition is a legal matter that should be resolved by the SC, Poe in her statement, said, “As the constitution mandates, the Senate’s jurisdiction over franchises remains despite the existence of the petition.”
The senator chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services which tackles franchises given to public utilities and media companies. She said she plans to discuss the franchise even with Calida’s petition.
“At any case, every franchise undergoes a public hearing and I intend to tackle these issues in a fair and a deliberative manner,” Poe said.
“I think this is not just an issue of franchise, but this is in a broader stroke, a concern for fair and sound business practice, press freedom, and jobs for all the employees of the television network,” she added.
Poe said she hopes that the High Court will decide on Calida’s petition “on the basis fairness and for the interest of the greatest number of people.”
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, on the other hand, was mum about Calida’s move as he believed that the ABS-CBN’s franchise would still be tackled by the Senate.
“Considering the possibility of the franchise reaching the Senate, I would rather reserve my opinion on the matter,” Sotto said in a text message sent to reporters.
When pressed on the possible effect of the quo warranto case on the franchise bills filed in Congress, he said “it’s prudent to not judge it” because “it might have an effect when we decide later should it reach us.”
The Senate will have to wait for the House of Representatives before it tackles any measures on the renewal of the ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise, granted on March 30, 1995, and set to expire on March 30. The Lower Chamber has not taken up the matter yet.
The quo warranto case finally came after President Duterte’s repeated vow to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, for its supposed failure to air his 2016 presidential campaign advertisement despite paying the network for it.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President had nothing to do with the quo warranto petition, saying instead that it is part of the Solicitor General’s job.
Calida filed the same petition in 2018 to remove from office former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who was critical of the Duterte administration.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/10/poe-congress-has-authority-over-abs-cbn-legislative-franchise/
Senator Grace Poe maintained that Congress still has the authority over the legislative franchise granted to broadcast company ABS-CBN despite the quo warranto petition filed by the government.
Solicitor-General Jose Calida on Monday asked the Supreme Court to cancel the congressional franchise of ABS-CBN and its subsidiary ABS-CBN Convergence Inc, for its “highly abusive practices” and alleged violation of the Constitution.
While pointing out that the quo warranto petition is a legal matter that should be resolved by the SC, Poe in her statement, said, “As the constitution mandates, the Senate’s jurisdiction over franchises remains despite the existence of the petition.”
The senator chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services which tackles franchises given to public utilities and media companies. She said she plans to discuss the franchise even with Calida’s petition.
“At any case, every franchise undergoes a public hearing and I intend to tackle these issues in a fair and a deliberative manner,” Poe said.
“I think this is not just an issue of franchise, but this is in a broader stroke, a concern for fair and sound business practice, press freedom, and jobs for all the employees of the television network,” she added.
Poe said she hopes that the High Court will decide on Calida’s petition “on the basis fairness and for the interest of the greatest number of people.”
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, on the other hand, was mum about Calida’s move as he believed that the ABS-CBN’s franchise would still be tackled by the Senate.
“Considering the possibility of the franchise reaching the Senate, I would rather reserve my opinion on the matter,” Sotto said in a text message sent to reporters.
When pressed on the possible effect of the quo warranto case on the franchise bills filed in Congress, he said “it’s prudent to not judge it” because “it might have an effect when we decide later should it reach us.”
The Senate will have to wait for the House of Representatives before it tackles any measures on the renewal of the ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise, granted on March 30, 1995, and set to expire on March 30. The Lower Chamber has not taken up the matter yet.
The quo warranto case finally came after President Duterte’s repeated vow to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, for its supposed failure to air his 2016 presidential campaign advertisement despite paying the network for it.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President had nothing to do with the quo warranto petition, saying instead that it is part of the Solicitor General’s job.
Calida filed the same petition in 2018 to remove from office former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who was critical of the Duterte administration.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/10/poe-congress-has-authority-over-abs-cbn-legislative-franchise/
Senators air support for ABS-CBN franchise renewal
By Hannah Torregoza
Some senators have expressed their support for the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN Network, which until remains languishing at the House of Representatives.
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said he believes a majority of the members of the Senate are in favor of the franchise renewal of the media network.
Thus, Pangilinan said, there was still time for Congress to approve the measure seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise which is expected to expire on March 30, 2020.
Congress has until March 11 to tackle the measure, before adjourning.
“Press freedom is so much important and ABS-CBN is one of the pillars of press freedom in the country. It’s closure will mean a threat to press freedom,” Pangilinan said.
He also said ABS-CBN was a publicly listed corporation and its stockholders belong to the general public that also prefers the continuation of the network’s operations.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, for his part, said he favored the renewal of their franchise in order to secure the employees of the network who stand to lose their jobs once the franchise of the media network is terminated.
“Thousands of jobs are at stake here. It’s important that we take it (measure) up as soon as possible),” according to Villanueva.
Sen. Imelda “Imee” Marcos also said she was open to the proposal to extend ABS-CBN’s franchise and this should be reviewed carefully by the Senate.
Other senators who have already signified their support for ABS-CBN were Senators Grace Poe and Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/09/senators-air-support-for-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/
Some senators have expressed their support for the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN Network, which until remains languishing at the House of Representatives.
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said he believes a majority of the members of the Senate are in favor of the franchise renewal of the media network.
Thus, Pangilinan said, there was still time for Congress to approve the measure seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise which is expected to expire on March 30, 2020.
Congress has until March 11 to tackle the measure, before adjourning.
“Press freedom is so much important and ABS-CBN is one of the pillars of press freedom in the country. It’s closure will mean a threat to press freedom,” Pangilinan said.
He also said ABS-CBN was a publicly listed corporation and its stockholders belong to the general public that also prefers the continuation of the network’s operations.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, for his part, said he favored the renewal of their franchise in order to secure the employees of the network who stand to lose their jobs once the franchise of the media network is terminated.
“Thousands of jobs are at stake here. It’s important that we take it (measure) up as soon as possible),” according to Villanueva.
Sen. Imelda “Imee” Marcos also said she was open to the proposal to extend ABS-CBN’s franchise and this should be reviewed carefully by the Senate.
Other senators who have already signified their support for ABS-CBN were Senators Grace Poe and Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/09/senators-air-support-for-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/
Friday, February 7, 2020
Solons comment on ABS-CBN franchise renewal
Natutulog lamang diumano sa Kongreso ang may lagpas sampung panukalang batas na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang ABS-CBN.
Ayon sa ulat ng One News/News5 kagabi, February 6, sinabi ni House Legislative Franchises Committee Chairman Franz "Chikoy" Alvarez na inuuna ng kanyang komite ang mga mas importanteng panukala.
Hindi rin masabi ng kongresista mula sa Palawan kung kailan nila maikakalendaryo ang proposed bills sa franchise renewal ng Kapamilya network.
Sa kabilang banda, hinihikayat ng Makabayan bloc ng Kongreso ang Legislative Franchises Committee na talakayin na ang mga panukalang batas patungkol sa prangkisa ng broadcast giant.
Kamakailan lamang, inihain nila ang House Bill 6052 na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang istasyon.
Dagdag pa ni Bayan Muna Congressman Carlos Zarate ng Makabayan bloc, “Nakita naman natin kahapon na napakabilis na ipinasa ang mga prangkisa, application for franchise and renewal.”
May halos isang buwan na lamang ang Kongreso para matalakay ang franchise renewal bills bago mag-summer break sa March 14.
Nakatakdang mapaso ang 25-year franchise ng ABS-CBN sa March 30, 2020.
Ayon naman kay Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, kapag hindi na-renew ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN, maaaring magbigay ang Kongreso ng provisional franchise upang makapagpatuloy na makapag-broadcast ang network hanggang sa makakuha sila ng legislative franchise.
“There can be a provisional authority that can be authorized by Congress to the National Telecomunications Commission, which has jurisdiction over broadcast media.”
Ayon pa kay Rodriguez, maaaring magpatuloy ang digital operations ng ABS-CBN.
Si Congressman Rodriguez ang author ng House Bill No. 5705, na naglalayong mabigyan ng bagong legislative franchise to broadcast ang Kapamilya network.
Noong January 22, nangako si House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano na tatalakayin na sa Kongreso sa unang linggo ng Pebrero ang franchise applications.
Ngunit hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin naisasalang sa Committee on Legislative Franchises ang franchise renewal bills ng ABS-CBN.
https://www.pep.ph/news/local/149227/solons-comment-on-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-a718-20200207
Ayon sa ulat ng One News/News5 kagabi, February 6, sinabi ni House Legislative Franchises Committee Chairman Franz "Chikoy" Alvarez na inuuna ng kanyang komite ang mga mas importanteng panukala.
Hindi rin masabi ng kongresista mula sa Palawan kung kailan nila maikakalendaryo ang proposed bills sa franchise renewal ng Kapamilya network.
Sa kabilang banda, hinihikayat ng Makabayan bloc ng Kongreso ang Legislative Franchises Committee na talakayin na ang mga panukalang batas patungkol sa prangkisa ng broadcast giant.
Kamakailan lamang, inihain nila ang House Bill 6052 na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang istasyon.
Dagdag pa ni Bayan Muna Congressman Carlos Zarate ng Makabayan bloc, “Nakita naman natin kahapon na napakabilis na ipinasa ang mga prangkisa, application for franchise and renewal.”
May halos isang buwan na lamang ang Kongreso para matalakay ang franchise renewal bills bago mag-summer break sa March 14.
Nakatakdang mapaso ang 25-year franchise ng ABS-CBN sa March 30, 2020.
Ayon naman kay Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, kapag hindi na-renew ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN, maaaring magbigay ang Kongreso ng provisional franchise upang makapagpatuloy na makapag-broadcast ang network hanggang sa makakuha sila ng legislative franchise.
“There can be a provisional authority that can be authorized by Congress to the National Telecomunications Commission, which has jurisdiction over broadcast media.”
Ayon pa kay Rodriguez, maaaring magpatuloy ang digital operations ng ABS-CBN.
Si Congressman Rodriguez ang author ng House Bill No. 5705, na naglalayong mabigyan ng bagong legislative franchise to broadcast ang Kapamilya network.
Noong January 22, nangako si House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano na tatalakayin na sa Kongreso sa unang linggo ng Pebrero ang franchise applications.
Ngunit hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin naisasalang sa Committee on Legislative Franchises ang franchise renewal bills ng ABS-CBN.
https://www.pep.ph/news/local/149227/solons-comment-on-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-a718-20200207
Thursday, February 6, 2020
ABS-CBN bills bypassed anew as House panel takes up legislative franchise measures
The House committee on legislative franchises bypassed anew all eight bills proposing to grant broadcast giant ABS-CBN another 25 years to operate.
The House panel conducted its first congressional hearing for 2020 on Tuesday but did not include the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bills on the agenda.
In all hearings conducted last year, the committee deliberated on other measures except the ABS-CBN bills authored by senior administration and opposition lawmakers.
Four legislative proposals, all recent filings compared to at least three ABS-CBN bills, were taken up during the hearing presided over by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, committee chairman.
The four were swiftly approved by the House panel the same day they were deliberated on.
Approved were House Bill (HB) No. 4162 granting the Romeo Cabresante Servando company another 25 years to operate a radio-television network, HB 5154 for the legislative franchise of Philand Communications Network, HB 5361 for the FBS Radio Network, and HB 5154 for the Century Communications Marketing Corporation.
Before the adjournment, Alvarez was asked when he intended to set the ABS-CBN legislative franchise for committee hearing.
Alvarez responded by saying that this is still being studied. He did not elaborate.
The continued broadcasting operation of ABS-CBN has drawn serious opposition from various quarters, including President Duterte who has accused the network of being prejudiced against him during the 2016 presidential campaign.
However, the committee’s indecisiveness in scheduling the legislative franchise bills for a hearing is caused by an intense lobby allegedly by leaders of an influential religious sect who resented the network’s coverage of controversies that involved them.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/06/abs-cbn-bills-bypassed-anew-as-house-panel-takes-up-legislative-franchise-measures/
The House panel conducted its first congressional hearing for 2020 on Tuesday but did not include the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bills on the agenda.
In all hearings conducted last year, the committee deliberated on other measures except the ABS-CBN bills authored by senior administration and opposition lawmakers.
Four legislative proposals, all recent filings compared to at least three ABS-CBN bills, were taken up during the hearing presided over by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, committee chairman.
The four were swiftly approved by the House panel the same day they were deliberated on.
Approved were House Bill (HB) No. 4162 granting the Romeo Cabresante Servando company another 25 years to operate a radio-television network, HB 5154 for the legislative franchise of Philand Communications Network, HB 5361 for the FBS Radio Network, and HB 5154 for the Century Communications Marketing Corporation.
Before the adjournment, Alvarez was asked when he intended to set the ABS-CBN legislative franchise for committee hearing.
Alvarez responded by saying that this is still being studied. He did not elaborate.
The continued broadcasting operation of ABS-CBN has drawn serious opposition from various quarters, including President Duterte who has accused the network of being prejudiced against him during the 2016 presidential campaign.
However, the committee’s indecisiveness in scheduling the legislative franchise bills for a hearing is caused by an intense lobby allegedly by leaders of an influential religious sect who resented the network’s coverage of controversies that involved them.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/06/abs-cbn-bills-bypassed-anew-as-house-panel-takes-up-legislative-franchise-measures/
Progressive solons urge House franchise committee to tackle ABS-CBN renewal bills
By Charissa Luci-Atienza
Progressive lawmakers challenged the House committee on legislative franchises on Thursday (Feb. 5) to prove its independence from the Executive by immediately tackling measures seeking to renew the franchise of broadcast network ABS-CBN for another 25 years.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate exhorted his colleagues to prove that they are not a rubber stamp of Malacañang by exercising their mandate to hear measures concerning press freedom.
He said the House committee on legislative franchises, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, has yet to calendar the measures for its discussion.
Alvarez said last year his panel would tackle the bills in early 2020.
“Let us fulfill our responsibility that we are an independent branch of our government. Let us fulfill our duties and responsibilities as legislators to tackle the application for renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN,” Zarate told reporters in a press conference.
“The hearing on the application for the renewal of franchise of the ABS-CBN should be immediately set.”
He said the non-action of the House on the matter would imperil the livelihood of the network’s 11,000 employees.
The Lopez-owned broadcasting firm would have to close down its operations by March 30, 2020 if the legislative franchise is not granted.
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said in the Alvarez panel hearing on Wednesday
(Feb.5) that Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito-Castelo had inquired about the status of the franchise bills.
“The answer was they are still studying the bills. They have long been studying these proposals since the 17th Congress,” Castro said. “We should tackle this so that the burden will not be on us, but on President Duterte.”
Last year, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones appealed to President Duterte to “reconsider his position” as far as the non-renewal of television giant ABS-CBN’s franchise or its sale is concerned.
The chairman of the House committee on tourism expressed her hope that the chief executive would show concern and compassion to the thousands of employees of ABS-CBN who will be affected either by the non-renewal of the TV network’s legislative franchise, or its sale.
“I appeal to the President to reconsider his position on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, as its non-renewal or its sale to third parties may threaten the livelihoods of over 11,000 employees––many of whom I worked with during my stint as a reporter in the network,” she said.
“The past three-plus years have shown that the President’s actions are guided by his concern and his compassion for our people.”
Aragones is one of the principal authors of a bill seeking to renew the ABS-CBN franchise for another 25 years.
In a speech before earthquake victims in M’lang, North Cotabato in December last year, President Duterte said it would be better for the Lopezes to sell their network, hinting at the possibility that its franchise will not be granted.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano had given the assurance that the House of Representatives would give due attention to the measures concerning freedom of the press, including the proposed renewal of the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN Corp.
He said like with any other hearings, it is the obligation of Congress to be “fair” and “to bring out those real issues and to give the other side the opportunity to respond and determine who is right.”
In 2017, President Duterte publicly declared he would oppose the renewal of ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise. Since then, he has launched repeated tirades against the network for its supposed refusal to run his advertisements during the 2016 election campaign and for showing an ad critical of him.
Among the authors of the franchise bill are Aragones, Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago, Deputy Speakers Vilma Santos and Baby Arenas, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.
The House of Representatives during the previous 17th Congress failed to act on the bill.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/06/progressive-solons-urge-house-franchise-committee-to-tackle-abs-cbn-renewal-bills/
Progressive lawmakers challenged the House committee on legislative franchises on Thursday (Feb. 5) to prove its independence from the Executive by immediately tackling measures seeking to renew the franchise of broadcast network ABS-CBN for another 25 years.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate exhorted his colleagues to prove that they are not a rubber stamp of Malacañang by exercising their mandate to hear measures concerning press freedom.
He said the House committee on legislative franchises, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, has yet to calendar the measures for its discussion.
Alvarez said last year his panel would tackle the bills in early 2020.
“Let us fulfill our responsibility that we are an independent branch of our government. Let us fulfill our duties and responsibilities as legislators to tackle the application for renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN,” Zarate told reporters in a press conference.
“The hearing on the application for the renewal of franchise of the ABS-CBN should be immediately set.”
He said the non-action of the House on the matter would imperil the livelihood of the network’s 11,000 employees.
The Lopez-owned broadcasting firm would have to close down its operations by March 30, 2020 if the legislative franchise is not granted.
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said in the Alvarez panel hearing on Wednesday
(Feb.5) that Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito-Castelo had inquired about the status of the franchise bills.
“The answer was they are still studying the bills. They have long been studying these proposals since the 17th Congress,” Castro said. “We should tackle this so that the burden will not be on us, but on President Duterte.”
Last year, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones appealed to President Duterte to “reconsider his position” as far as the non-renewal of television giant ABS-CBN’s franchise or its sale is concerned.
The chairman of the House committee on tourism expressed her hope that the chief executive would show concern and compassion to the thousands of employees of ABS-CBN who will be affected either by the non-renewal of the TV network’s legislative franchise, or its sale.
“I appeal to the President to reconsider his position on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, as its non-renewal or its sale to third parties may threaten the livelihoods of over 11,000 employees––many of whom I worked with during my stint as a reporter in the network,” she said.
“The past three-plus years have shown that the President’s actions are guided by his concern and his compassion for our people.”
Aragones is one of the principal authors of a bill seeking to renew the ABS-CBN franchise for another 25 years.
In a speech before earthquake victims in M’lang, North Cotabato in December last year, President Duterte said it would be better for the Lopezes to sell their network, hinting at the possibility that its franchise will not be granted.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano had given the assurance that the House of Representatives would give due attention to the measures concerning freedom of the press, including the proposed renewal of the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN Corp.
He said like with any other hearings, it is the obligation of Congress to be “fair” and “to bring out those real issues and to give the other side the opportunity to respond and determine who is right.”
In 2017, President Duterte publicly declared he would oppose the renewal of ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise. Since then, he has launched repeated tirades against the network for its supposed refusal to run his advertisements during the 2016 election campaign and for showing an ad critical of him.
Among the authors of the franchise bill are Aragones, Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago, Deputy Speakers Vilma Santos and Baby Arenas, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.
The House of Representatives during the previous 17th Congress failed to act on the bill.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/06/progressive-solons-urge-house-franchise-committee-to-tackle-abs-cbn-renewal-bills/
Clock is ticking: House pressed to urgently tackle ABS-CBN franchise renewal
Over a month before the franchise of media giant ABS-CBN expires, lawmakers pushed leaders of the House of Representatives to deal with the issue.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said Thursday the lower chamber should perform its responsibilities as an independent body from the executive department.
To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte, on numerous occasions, has declared he would block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN due to supposed “violations” committed by the broadcast network. ABS-CBN’s legal franchise to operate is set to lapse on March 30.
“Muli hinahamon namin ang liderato ng kamarang ito na isalang na at dinggin ang prangkisa. If there’s a ground to renew it, if there is basis to renew it, so be it. Kung wala sa pagdinig, then so be it,” Zarate said in a press briefing.
(Again, we are challenging the leaders of the House to hear the franchise of ABS-CBN. If there’s a ground to renew it, if there is a basis to renew it, so be it. If there is none, then so be it.)
“Gawin natin ang ating duties and responsibilities as legislators na tingnan itong application for renewal ng prangkisa ng ABS-CBN,” the lawmaker added.
(Let us perform our duties and responsibilities as legislators and look into the application for renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN.)
Zarate said the matter not only covers the franchise of ABS-CBN but also the employment of the 11,000 workers who would be directly affected by the closure of the media company.
Further, the lawmaker said that if Malacañang really does not approve of the franchise renewal, Duterte can still veto it even if it is approved by Congress.
Meanwhile, ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said the lower chamber should still hear the measure so the blame would not be put on the legislative branch.
“Sana ‘wag mapunta ‘yung blame sa legislation kasi personal na away lang ito ng Presidente with ABS-CBN. Kaya ang hamon natin sa liderato, i-hearing na ito,” Castro said.
(I hope the blame would not be put on legislation because this is a personal feud between the President and ABS-CBN. So our challenge to the House leadership [is] set a hearing on this.)
“Kung kailangan ilagay sa plenary, pagdebatehan ‘yan para ang burden ay hindi sa legislation. Hindi dito ang burden kundi kay President Duterte,” she added.
(If we need to bring this to the plenary, debate on it so the burden won’t be on legislation. The burden isn’t here but to President Duterte.)
For Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal is about press freedom.
“Syempre ipinagtatanggol natin dito ‘yung press freedom. Talagang notorious sa ngayon na ang mga nalalabag ay ang ating civil political-economic rights,” Brosas said.
(Of course, we’d fight for press freedom here. Right now, violations of our civil political-economic rights are really notorious.)
Republic Act No. 3846 requires television and radio broadcasting companies to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress that will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has previously said that Palawan 1st Dist. Rep. Franz Alvarez, chair of the House committee on legislative franchises, recommended that franchise bills be tackled in the first week of February.
On Wednesday, February 5, the House panel on legislative franchises conducted hearings but ABS-CBN’s franchise was not on the agenda. The House of Representatives is scheduled to take a break on March 13.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1225150/clock-is-ticking-house-pressed-to-urgently-tackle-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said Thursday the lower chamber should perform its responsibilities as an independent body from the executive department.
To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte, on numerous occasions, has declared he would block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN due to supposed “violations” committed by the broadcast network. ABS-CBN’s legal franchise to operate is set to lapse on March 30.
“Muli hinahamon namin ang liderato ng kamarang ito na isalang na at dinggin ang prangkisa. If there’s a ground to renew it, if there is basis to renew it, so be it. Kung wala sa pagdinig, then so be it,” Zarate said in a press briefing.
(Again, we are challenging the leaders of the House to hear the franchise of ABS-CBN. If there’s a ground to renew it, if there is a basis to renew it, so be it. If there is none, then so be it.)
“Gawin natin ang ating duties and responsibilities as legislators na tingnan itong application for renewal ng prangkisa ng ABS-CBN,” the lawmaker added.
(Let us perform our duties and responsibilities as legislators and look into the application for renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN.)
Zarate said the matter not only covers the franchise of ABS-CBN but also the employment of the 11,000 workers who would be directly affected by the closure of the media company.
Further, the lawmaker said that if Malacañang really does not approve of the franchise renewal, Duterte can still veto it even if it is approved by Congress.
Meanwhile, ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said the lower chamber should still hear the measure so the blame would not be put on the legislative branch.
“Sana ‘wag mapunta ‘yung blame sa legislation kasi personal na away lang ito ng Presidente with ABS-CBN. Kaya ang hamon natin sa liderato, i-hearing na ito,” Castro said.
(I hope the blame would not be put on legislation because this is a personal feud between the President and ABS-CBN. So our challenge to the House leadership [is] set a hearing on this.)
“Kung kailangan ilagay sa plenary, pagdebatehan ‘yan para ang burden ay hindi sa legislation. Hindi dito ang burden kundi kay President Duterte,” she added.
(If we need to bring this to the plenary, debate on it so the burden won’t be on legislation. The burden isn’t here but to President Duterte.)
For Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal is about press freedom.
“Syempre ipinagtatanggol natin dito ‘yung press freedom. Talagang notorious sa ngayon na ang mga nalalabag ay ang ating civil political-economic rights,” Brosas said.
(Of course, we’d fight for press freedom here. Right now, violations of our civil political-economic rights are really notorious.)
Republic Act No. 3846 requires television and radio broadcasting companies to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress that will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has previously said that Palawan 1st Dist. Rep. Franz Alvarez, chair of the House committee on legislative franchises, recommended that franchise bills be tackled in the first week of February.
On Wednesday, February 5, the House panel on legislative franchises conducted hearings but ABS-CBN’s franchise was not on the agenda. The House of Representatives is scheduled to take a break on March 13.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1225150/clock-is-ticking-house-pressed-to-urgently-tackle-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Rival TV networks claim lead
ABS-CBN Corp. said it remained “leader” in national television ratings last month, while GMA Network, Inc. said it “clinched the top spot,” citing different rating providers.
The Lopez-led media giant said its nationwide TV audience share for the month of January, as reported by Kantar Media, stood at 38%, beating its rival GMA’s 32%.
ABS-CBN said Kantar Media used a nationwide panel composed of 2,610 urban and rural homes, representing 100% of the total TV viewing population of the country.
In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN said its audience share stood at 38% versus GMA’s 27%. But in mega Manila, the company had a share of 32% compared to GMA’s 33%.
GMA also beat ABS-CBN in total Luzon as its audience share stood at 35% versus the Lopez firm’s 34%.
In the Visayas, ABS-CBN had a share of 49% against GMA’s 27%. In Mindanao, it had a 44% share against GMA’s 28%.
ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida programs continued to draw a large viewership across the country. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano topped the list of most watched programs, followed by Make It With You and A Soldier’s Heart and the recently concluded Starla and The Killer Bride.
Other Kapamilya shows that ranked in the top 10 were TV Patrol, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet, Your Moment, Maalaala Mo Kaya, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo?, The Haunted, Gandang Gabi Vice, Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, It’s Showtime, Ipaglaban Mo, Kadenang Ginto, Sandugo, SOCO, Kuha Mo and Pamilya Ko.
In urban Luzon, GMA said its audience share stood at 36.7% against ABS-CBN’s 29.1%.
For mega Manila, GMA said it posted a 37.1% average total day people audience share against ABS-CBN’s 27%.
“Both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila respectively account for 72 and 57 percent of all urban viewers in the country,” GMA said.
Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.
GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.
Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador. — Arjay L. Balinbin
https://www.bworldonline.com/rival-tv-networks-claim-lead/
ABS-CBN retains lead but GMA 7 recaptures nationwide urban ratings
By JAMES A. LOYOLA
The ratings competition heats up in January with ABS-CBN retaining the nationwide lead but rival GMA Network has reclaimed the top spot for urban areas in the country.
ABS-CBN said it opened 2020 with a TV audience share of 38 percent compared to GMA’s 32 percent in January, according to data from Kantar Media.
The network kept its firm grip of all time blocks, remaining the leader during primetime with 41 percent as GMA earned 33 percent; in the morning with 34 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent; at noontime with 37 percent versus GMA’s 33 percent; and in the afternoon with 39 percent versus GMA’s 37 percent.
ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida programs continued to draw a large viewership across the country. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano topped the list of most watched programs, followed by Make It With You and A Soldier’s Heart and the recently concluded Starla and The Killer Bride.
Other Kapamilya shows that ranked in the top 10 were TV Patrol, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Your Moment, Maalaala Mo Kaya, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo?, The Haunted, Gandang Gabi Vice, Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, It’s Showtime, Ipaglaban Mo, Kadenang Ginto, Sandugo, SOCO, Kuha Mo and Pamilya Ko.
GMA’s said its NUTAM victory was a result of its impressive performance across all day parts. Providing a head start in the morning block, GMA recorded 28.8 percent people audience share versus competition’s 27.4 percent.
Its afternoon block brought in the biggest lead with 37.7 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 31.4 percent. In the evening block, which includes the hotly contested primetime slot, the GMA posted 34.8 percent while its rival network got 33.6 percent.
GMA said it also ruled in all time blocks with wider margins in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 57 percent of all urban viewers in the country.
GMA registered an average of 36.7 percent total day people audience share in Urban Luzon; beating ABS-CBN’s 29.1 percent.
With official data from January 1 to 25, GMA kept its winning streak in Mega Manila with 37.1 percent, which was way ahead of ABS-CBN’s 27 percent.
Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.
GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.
Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador.
https://business.mb.com.ph/2020/02/04/abs-cbn-retains-lead-but-gma-7-recaptures-nationwide-urban-ratings/
ABS-CBN will continue operating with or without franchise renewal
- Butch Franciso says that ABS-CBN will not stop operating
- ABS-CBN has new projects lined up for employees
Butch Francisco, the founder of Francisco Study Center and founding chairman of Francisco Center for Social Change FCSC Foundation, wrote an article saying that ABS-CBN’s legacy and activities will go on, with or without the franchise renewal.
Butch said that there is no question that ABS-CBN is worried about its franchise renewal, but the company is focusing more on other aspects and on work.
“Sure, they talk about the possibility of the network losing its franchise from time to time. However, that issue doesn’t necessarily consume them 24 hours a day. What they discuss mostly among themselves is still work-related.”
Employees are also looking forward to being involved in other projects and are more focused on getting roles, especially those who are seen on television.
ABS-CBN also has a new studio located in San Jose Del Monte which is nearly 8 hectares in size. The technical team of the company is currently working on this.
The reality talent competition Your Moment also had their episodes shot there. The next project of Star Cinema will also be using the studio to film. The new studio is comparable to those that one can find in Hollywood. Foreign film companies have also shown interest in using and renting the studio but President Carlo Katigbak said that it isn’t the right time yet, but it is very possible.
“The two studios are of Hollywood standards – with high ceilings and measuring 1,500 square meters each. So far, there are already inquiries from American film companies that regularly shoot here in the Philippines about the possibility of renting the new ABS-CBN studio facilities. ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak, however, isn’t open to the idea. At least, not yet.'”
The company is also working on building 10 new sound stages, and the technical team is also being trained to handle the many kinds of facilities. One problem that employees might face is the time of travel to get to the new studio.
“There are also those who dread the commute to the new studios, which may take an hour to reach from Quezon City – on a day without traffic, that is.”
It can be very tedious to get to the studio, especially for those who do not have their own vehicles. But there are plans to make traveling more convenient for these people.
“Those who do not have vehicles, but are required to do chores there are forced to take the shuttle from SM San Jose. But there are ongoing talks with the Ayalas for them to devote an MRT station there for the convenience of the ABS-CBN employees.”
Even if the franchise isn’t renewed, ABS-CBN is still optimistic because people can still watch their favorite shows on cable and social media, but this doesn’t mean that the company isn’t worried.
“In case, the ABS-CBN franchise doesn’t get renewed, all that the network is losing is just its frequency. Its regular viewers will not see It’s Showtime and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano anymore on Channel 2. Likewise with the listeners of the radio stations DZMM and MOR. But they can still watch their favorite Kapamilya shows in other ABS-CBN platforms – like cable, I Want and The Filipino Channel abroad. And lest we forget – there’s always Facebook.”
Another reason for this optimistic mindset is that analytics show that only 60% of the population watch TV, since people would rather go online and stream. This number is also expected to go down in the near future so TV would most likely be obsolete. The company was already preparing for when television starts dying, but the threat of their contract not getting renewed is at a bad timing since other ways of viewing their shows are not that popular yet.
“Even before the threat of franchise cancellation came around, ABS-CBN was already preparing to get into other platforms since its executives had long been aware of the possibility of regular television going extinct. It’s just unfortunate that the threat of franchise cancellation came at a time when the other platforms aren’t exactly profitable yet.”
Butch said that employees losing their jobs will be inevitable, but the company will need people to handle the other platforms. These people will expect to have lower salaries but will see adjustment when things will go the right way.
The Lopez family isn’t that worried about this problem since they have other businesses that generate a lot of income.
When Martial Law was introduced back in 1972, ABS-CBN also went away, but came right back after 14 years and remained a powerhouse in the broadcasting aspect of things.
During the 1960s, the Lopez family built the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.
The facilities and studio were up to standards, plus ABS-CBN became the first network to air in full color.
The company opened a second station called Channel 4 to monopolize the broadcasting business in the country.
“Every day at 6 p.m. for example, ABS-CBN Channel 2 aired the variety show On With the Show with Mitch Valdes, Maritess Revilla, and Manolo Favis. In the very same time slot, ABS-CBN Channel 4 also aired a program with a similar format–The Wow Generation with Baby O’Brien.”
The company then saw success and had more viewers compared to the other channels. But all of this went down the drain because of then-President Ferdinand Marcos.
“That also proved to be cost-efficient: The on-cam talents shared one dressing room and had the same team of makeup artists. After they were all dolled-up, they went to their respective studios that were just across each to make more money for ABS-CBN. But all that ended when Marcos shut down ABS-CBN.”
The Lopez family have always been risk-takers. One good example of this was when they bought the coverage rights to the Barcelona Olympics back in 1992 then did the same two years later with the Miss Universe. They lost a lot of money but did not care because it helped the company’s reputation.
“Even during the post-EDSA I ABS-CBN, the Lopezes continued taking risks. Putting up TFC was a gamble for one. But that later paid off handsomely. In 1992, it bought the exclusive coverage rights to the Barcelona Olympics. Two years later, the network handled the Miss Universe show in Manila. Those were costly projects. ABS-CBN, however, wanted the prestige. That sure added luster to the company’s image.”
ABS-CBN also took over the coverage of Binibining Pilipinas from GMA and saw success, instead of losing money.
“GMA operates differently. From 1998 till 2010, for instance, it aired the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. If you go by the math, any network airing a special event is bound to lose money because its programs are preempted and regular advertising income is lost. The network, however, doesn’t go to the poorhouse because of that. At most, only a night’s income is sacrificed. When GMA gave up Binibining Pilipinas in spite of Venus Raj’s fourth-place win at Miss Universe, ABS-CBN gladly took the pageant in and got lucky: All the Philippine bets after Venus did impressively at the international beauty congress and became news-makers.”
ABS-CBN was then able to capitalize on the success of those beauty pageants, and GMA wasn’t able to do anything because these women were exclusive to the former.
“GMA was unable to get hold of any of those girls because they were only exclusive to ABS-CBN. Jessica Soho actually had to fly to New York to corner Pia Wurtzbach. ABS-CBN, on the other hand, was able to bleed each one of those beauty queens for all they were worth. Oh, how those girls brought in the ratings because – as they say – everybody loves a winner.”
Butch then says that there is no need to lose sleep over this, the Lopez family knows how to execute the right moves, and have proven so ever since the company was established.
“Perhaps that was one of the reasons why GMA slid down to No. 2 sometime in 2014 after lording it over in Philippine television beginning in late 2003. And so – for those worried about ABS-CBN losing its franchise, there’s no need to panic. Trust ABS-CBN to know how to play its cards right.”
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/abs-cbn-will-continue-operating-with-or-without-franchise-renewal/ar-BBZDQdA
GMA, ABS-CBN claim lead in January 2020 ratings game
RIVALS GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp. claimed separately on Tuesday that they dominated the nationwide ratings game in the first month 2020.
In a statement, the Gozon-led broadcaster, citing data from Nielsen, said it “reclaimed” the top spot in the nationwide ratings for January, after posting 34.7 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (Nutam), a few points higher than the 31.7 percent of its competition.
GMA also recorded a 36.7-percent total day people share in Urban Luzon last year, outscoring the 29.1-percent share of ABS-CBN. In Mega Manila, it scored an average of 37.1 percent versus the Lopez-led network’s 27-percent share.
Urban Luzon accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country, while Mega Manila represents 57 percent of all urban households in the Philippines.
GMA, likewise, led the morning block at 28.8-percent share, beating ABS-CBN’s 27.4 percent. It also won in the afternoon block at 37.7 percent versus its competitor’s 31.4 percent, and the evening block, where it recorded an average audience share of 34.8 percent versus the competitor’s 33.6 percent.
Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.
GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.
Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador.
ABS-CBN’s claim
In a separate statement, ABS-CBN said it continued to be the No. 1 network in the country with an average national audience share of 38 percent versus its rival’s 32-percent share in January, citing data from Kantar Media.
The Lopez-led entertainment and multimedia conglomerate also claimed leadership in Metro Manila and Mega Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 38 percent and 32 percent, respectively, against GMA’s 27 percent and 33-percent share.
ABS-CBN also attracted more viewers than GMA in other areas. It won the ratings game in Total Luzon with an average total-day audience share of 34 percent, versus GMA’s 35 percent, in Total Visayas with 49 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent, and in Total Mindanao with 44 percent, versus GMA’s 28 percent.
ABS-CBN also claimed it fared better against GMA in all time blocks. In the morning block it scored an average share of 34 percent versus its rival’s 27 percent, while maintaining its lead in the noontime block at 37 percent versus the competition’s 33 percent, and the afternoon block at 39 percent versus its rival’s 37 percent.
It also sustained a 41-percent share in the primetime block versus the Gozon-led network’s 33-percent share.
The prime-time block is the most important part of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers effectively.
ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida programs continued to draw a large viewership across the country. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano topped the list of most watched programs, followed by Make It With You and A Soldier’s Heart and the recently concluded Starla and The Killer Bride.
Other Kapamilya shows that ranked in the top 10 were TV Patrol, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Home Sweetie Home: Extra Sweet, Your Moment, Maalaala Mo Kaya, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo?, The Haunted, Gandang Gabi Vice, Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, It’s Showtime, Ipaglaban Mo, Kadenang Ginto, Sandugo, SOCO, Kuha Mo and Pamilya Ko.
The Lopez-led network sources its data from Kantar Media, which uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/02/05/gma-abs-cbn-claim-lead-in-january-2020-ratings-game/
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
ABS-CBN renewal bills not on the agenda of latest franchise hearing
Hindi pa rin kasama sa agenda sa nakatakdang hearing ng House Committee on Legislative Franchises ang anumang panukalang batas na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang broadcast giant na ABS-CBN.
Ito ay ayon sa ulat ng Politiko/Abante kahapon, February 3.
Batay sa ulat, sa kopya ng agenda na kanilang nakuha ay apat na panukalang batas ukol sa pagbibigay ng prangkisa ang nakatakdang dinggin ng komite, ngunit hindi kasali rito ang sa Kapamilya network.
Kabilang sa apat na franchise renewal bills na nakasama sa agenda ay ang sa FBS Radio Network, Century Communications Marketing Center, Caceres Broadcasting Network, at Philand Communications Network Coporation.
Hindi rin malinaw kung kailan ang hearing ng komite.
Sa inilabas kasing advisory ng House of Representatives sa Facebook, hindi kasama ang Committee on Legislative Franchises sa may hearing ngayong araw, February 4.
Noong January 22, ipinangako ni House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano na tatalakayin sa unang linggo ng Pebrero ang lahat ng franchise renewal bills sa House Committtee on Legislative Franchises, na pinamumunuan ni Palawan Congressman Franz "Chikoy" Alvarez.
May halos 40-50 franchise renewal bills ang nakahain sa nasabing komite.
Banggit pa ni Speaker Cayetano noon, "I talked to Chairman Chicoy Alvarez and he’s recommending we start… there are about 40 to 50 franchise bills.
“So, first week of February daw he will start, and kung sino daw ang may kumpletong requirements, he will start the hearings.
“So, magkakaroon ng update maybe next week."
Nangako rin siyang magiging patas ang Kongreso pagdating sa franchise renewal bills ng ABS-CBN.
May lagpas sampung panukalang batas ang inihain ng mga kongresista na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang broadcast giant.
Mayroon ding isang kahalintulad na batas ang nakahain sa Senado.
Sa March 30, 2020 nakatakdang magtapos ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN.
https://www.pep.ph/news/local/149146/abs-cbn-renewal-bills-not-on-the-agenda-latest-franchise-hearing-a718-20200204
Ito ay ayon sa ulat ng Politiko/Abante kahapon, February 3.
Batay sa ulat, sa kopya ng agenda na kanilang nakuha ay apat na panukalang batas ukol sa pagbibigay ng prangkisa ang nakatakdang dinggin ng komite, ngunit hindi kasali rito ang sa Kapamilya network.
Kabilang sa apat na franchise renewal bills na nakasama sa agenda ay ang sa FBS Radio Network, Century Communications Marketing Center, Caceres Broadcasting Network, at Philand Communications Network Coporation.
Hindi rin malinaw kung kailan ang hearing ng komite.
Sa inilabas kasing advisory ng House of Representatives sa Facebook, hindi kasama ang Committee on Legislative Franchises sa may hearing ngayong araw, February 4.
Noong January 22, ipinangako ni House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano na tatalakayin sa unang linggo ng Pebrero ang lahat ng franchise renewal bills sa House Committtee on Legislative Franchises, na pinamumunuan ni Palawan Congressman Franz "Chikoy" Alvarez.
May halos 40-50 franchise renewal bills ang nakahain sa nasabing komite.
Banggit pa ni Speaker Cayetano noon, "I talked to Chairman Chicoy Alvarez and he’s recommending we start… there are about 40 to 50 franchise bills.
“So, first week of February daw he will start, and kung sino daw ang may kumpletong requirements, he will start the hearings.
“So, magkakaroon ng update maybe next week."
Nangako rin siyang magiging patas ang Kongreso pagdating sa franchise renewal bills ng ABS-CBN.
May lagpas sampung panukalang batas ang inihain ng mga kongresista na naglalayong mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa ang broadcast giant.
Mayroon ding isang kahalintulad na batas ang nakahain sa Senado.
Sa March 30, 2020 nakatakdang magtapos ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN.
https://www.pep.ph/news/local/149146/abs-cbn-renewal-bills-not-on-the-agenda-latest-franchise-hearing-a718-20200204
GMA Network reclaims no. 1 spot in nationwide ratings, opens 2020 with stronger viewership
GMA Network’s 70th anniversary celebration begins on a high note as it clinched the top spot in the nationwide television ratings competition anew.
Latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that for January 2020 (with January 26 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA reigned supreme with an average total day people audience share of 34.7% in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), outscoring ABS-CBN’s 31.7%.
The Kapuso Network’s NUTAM victory was a result of its impressive performance across all day parts. Providing a head start in the morning block, GMA recorded 28.8% people audience share versus competition’s 27.4%.
GMA’s strong afternoon block brought in the biggest lead with 37.7% as against ABS-CBN’s 31.4%.
Continuing well into the evening block, which includes the hotly contested primetime slot, the Kapuso channel posted 34.8% while the rival network only got 33.6%.
The Kapuso Network likewise ruled in all time blocks with wider margins in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 57% of all urban viewers in the country.
GMA registered an average of 36.7% total day people audience share in Urban Luzon; beating ABS-CBN’s 29.1%.
With official data from January 1 to 25, the Kapuso Network kept its winning streak in Mega Manila with 37.1%, which was way ahead of ABS’ 27%.
Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.
GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.
Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador.
Nielsen TV Audience Measurement's client pool covers a total of 37 clients/subscribers consisting of local TV networks, regional clients, blocktimers, advertisers, and agencies.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/724720/gma-network-reclaims-no-1-spot-in-nationwide-ratings-opens-2020-with-stronger-viewership/story/
Latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that for January 2020 (with January 26 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA reigned supreme with an average total day people audience share of 34.7% in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), outscoring ABS-CBN’s 31.7%.
The Kapuso Network’s NUTAM victory was a result of its impressive performance across all day parts. Providing a head start in the morning block, GMA recorded 28.8% people audience share versus competition’s 27.4%.
GMA’s strong afternoon block brought in the biggest lead with 37.7% as against ABS-CBN’s 31.4%.
Continuing well into the evening block, which includes the hotly contested primetime slot, the Kapuso channel posted 34.8% while the rival network only got 33.6%.
The Kapuso Network likewise ruled in all time blocks with wider margins in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 57% of all urban viewers in the country.
GMA registered an average of 36.7% total day people audience share in Urban Luzon; beating ABS-CBN’s 29.1%.
With official data from January 1 to 25, the Kapuso Network kept its winning streak in Mega Manila with 37.1%, which was way ahead of ABS’ 27%.
Similarly, more GMA shows made it to NUTAM’s list of top programs for January. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was the undisputed number one show in 2019, still remained in the top spot.
GMA also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila top programs lists where it respectively grabbed 19 and 20 spots out of the overall top 30.
Aside from KMJS, the Network’s ratings drivers for January were Magpakailanman, 24 Oras, Pepito Manaloto, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Daddy’s Gurl, The Gift, Beautiful Justice, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, Amazing Earth, One of the Baes, Prima Donnas, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, The Boobay and Tekla Show, 24 Oras Weekend, Unang Hirit, Mars Pa More, Magkaagaw, Wowowin, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Madrasta, Tadhana, Wish Ko Lang, and Imbestigador.
Nielsen TV Audience Measurement's client pool covers a total of 37 clients/subscribers consisting of local TV networks, regional clients, blocktimers, advertisers, and agencies.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/724720/gma-network-reclaims-no-1-spot-in-nationwide-ratings-opens-2020-with-stronger-viewership/story/
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