By Aira Genesa Magdayao
Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez said he is expecting the plebiscite on the division of Palawan into three provinces to be held in July.
The polling, which was originally scheduled last May 10, was sidetracked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his “Pakimanan ta si Gob” live address, Alvarez said the lifting of the GCQ in Palawan will prompt the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold the plebiscite.
“I believe that sometime in July, matutuloy ang plebisito,” he said.
Alvarez said the Comelec en banc will decide on the new schedule of the plebiscite when everything returns back to normal.
He emphasized that the activity will happen in accordance with the law.
“Matutuloy yan dahil may batas yan. Immediately after this emergency ay Comelec will issue a resolution, I think June or July matutuloy ‘yan. Comelec en banc na ang magde-decide. Imbis na isang araw ay gagawing dalawang araw, medyo magastos lang, but we are ready. Of course, matutuloy yan this year,” Alvarez said.
Under the Omnibus Election Code and established jurisprudence, the Comelec has the authority to suspend plebiscites if needed.
The Comelec ordered the immediate suspension of ongoing preparatory activities for the holding of the plebiscite in May on the planned division, taking note of the quarantine measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In a memorandum dated March 25 addressed to Malacañang, the poll body stated that they decided to approve the recommendations to suspend the preparations “effective immediately.”
“The Comelec en banc, after due deliberation, has approved the suspension of all preparatory activities relative to the conduct of plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan upon the recommendation, citing the ongoing ECQ declared by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The suspension of the preparatory activities of the Palawan plebiscite is effective immediately,” the memorandum signed by acting Comelec secretary Consuelo B. Diola stated.
Republic Act No. 11259 was approved and signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2019.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/14/plebiscite-on-division-of-palawan-into-3-provinces-may-be-held-in-july/
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Excerpt: Cignal - BENCH/ Under the Stars 2017 Teaser
"Swimmer and 3-time UAAP Swimming Championships MVP Enchong Dee is wearing JINS Airframe U377 (Spider), 2009 Adidas DLSU hoodie (green), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (white), BENCH/ body Hipster Brief - White (BUB2032WH3), BENCH/ Skinny Jeans - Black (LAM6000) and DC Shoes Men's AT-3 Mid Sneaker (Royal Blue/Armor) would be exhibited at BENCH/ stores nationwide because he was in Bench Uncut: A Bolder Look at the Future also got wild cheers from the audience and he shows his athletic side with these dance moves, and doing workouts at Bodyworx Spa & Fitness Club instead of Anytime Fitness Dona Hemady before doing a photo shoot at BENCH/ Tower."
"The colorful Brazil portion was inspired by exotic birds of the Amazon, according to designer Val Taguba. The most action-packed segment featuring accidental porn star Katrina Halili and young heartthrob Enchong Dee." ('Bench Uncut': It's a tradition!', CHUVANESS By Cecile Van Straten, The Philippine Star, July 7, 2010)
“When Enchong Dee made his entrance at this year’s Bench Universe show, he owned the night in no less than an aerial canoe, looking every bit the gladiator with his toned body and feisty stance.” (Metro Magazine, November 2012)
Provisional franchise for ABS-CBN will shield network from political pressure: Cayetano
A provisional franchise for ABS-CBN valid until October pending deliberations on its 25-year license renewal bid will shield the network from succumbing to "political pressure" ahead of the 2022 presidential elections, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano told ABS-CBN News on Wednesday.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday constituted itself as a Committee of the Whole to tackle House Bill No. 6732, Cayetano's proposal which would grant ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, before Congress deliberates on long-pending bills giving the media giant license to broadcast for another 25 years.
In an interview with TV Patrol, Cayetano defended the length of the proposed provisional franchise, saying this would prevent the network from playing "kingmaker" in 2022.
At least 13 senators on Monday filed a bill that will grant ABS-CBN Corp. "provisional franchise" until June 30, 2022 while Congress is still tackling the media giant's bid for a fresh 25-year broadcast license.
"Para sa akin freedom of the press and freedom of expression is so important in the democracy but if you have a giant network playing kingmaker, na-endanger din 'yung democracy. So sa akin kung bibigyan natin ng until end of 2022 or middle of 2022 ang ABS, lalong mapupunta under political pressure ang ABS," Cayetano said.
(For me, freedom of the press and freedom of expression is so important in the democracy but if you have a giant network playing kingmaker, democracy is endangered. So for me, if we give ABS until the end or middle of 2022, it will be under political pressure.)
He said the provisional franchise will also put pressure on lawmakers to speed up hearings that would thresh out the issues hounding the media giant.
"Sa loob ng 6 months wala naman pong eleksyon at sa loob po ng 6 months ang pressure comes from all sides... I would rather that the whole 2021 and going into 2022 may 25-year franchise na kayo kung ibibigay para you can guarantee independence of the newsroom," said Cayetano.
(Within 6 months there will be no elections and within 6 months pressure comes from all sides... I would rather that the whole 2021 and going into 2022 you already have a 25-year franchise, if it is granted, so you can guarantee independence in the newsroom.)
ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcast company, was forced to go off the air on May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) walked back on its commitment to allow the network's continued operations following the lapse of its franchise.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/provisional-franchise-for-abs-cbn-will-shield-network-from-political-pressure-cayetano
The House of Representatives on Wednesday constituted itself as a Committee of the Whole to tackle House Bill No. 6732, Cayetano's proposal which would grant ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, before Congress deliberates on long-pending bills giving the media giant license to broadcast for another 25 years.
In an interview with TV Patrol, Cayetano defended the length of the proposed provisional franchise, saying this would prevent the network from playing "kingmaker" in 2022.
At least 13 senators on Monday filed a bill that will grant ABS-CBN Corp. "provisional franchise" until June 30, 2022 while Congress is still tackling the media giant's bid for a fresh 25-year broadcast license.
"Para sa akin freedom of the press and freedom of expression is so important in the democracy but if you have a giant network playing kingmaker, na-endanger din 'yung democracy. So sa akin kung bibigyan natin ng until end of 2022 or middle of 2022 ang ABS, lalong mapupunta under political pressure ang ABS," Cayetano said.
(For me, freedom of the press and freedom of expression is so important in the democracy but if you have a giant network playing kingmaker, democracy is endangered. So for me, if we give ABS until the end or middle of 2022, it will be under political pressure.)
He said the provisional franchise will also put pressure on lawmakers to speed up hearings that would thresh out the issues hounding the media giant.
"Sa loob ng 6 months wala naman pong eleksyon at sa loob po ng 6 months ang pressure comes from all sides... I would rather that the whole 2021 and going into 2022 may 25-year franchise na kayo kung ibibigay para you can guarantee independence of the newsroom," said Cayetano.
(Within 6 months there will be no elections and within 6 months pressure comes from all sides... I would rather that the whole 2021 and going into 2022 you already have a 25-year franchise, if it is granted, so you can guarantee independence in the newsroom.)
ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcast company, was forced to go off the air on May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) walked back on its commitment to allow the network's continued operations following the lapse of its franchise.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/provisional-franchise-for-abs-cbn-will-shield-network-from-political-pressure-cayetano
ABS-CBN thanks House leaders for approving provisional authority bill
ABS-CBN Corp. on Wednesday welcomed the approval of House Bill 6732 by the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole granting the country's largest network a 6-month provisional franchise to operate.
In a statement following the approval of HB 6732 on second reading via viva voce voting, ABS-CBN thanked the sponsors of the bill led by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez "for recognizing the role we play in providing for the needs of the people in terms of access to news, information, entertainment, and public service at this crucial time."
ABS-CBN had been broadcasting news and information about the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic via free television and radio before it was ordered shut by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) after its franchise expired on May 4.
The company also said it was looking "forward to participating in the process of our franchise renewal and stand[s] ready to respond to the issues that have been raised against the network, its owners, management and employees."
Among the issues raised are alleged violations of labor laws and the constitution, election bias, tax liabilities, and foreign ownership.
ABS-CBN said it remains "open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people."
It also thanked the various individuals and groups "who have expressed their love and support," saying "You inspire us."
HB 6732 still has to be approved on 3rd and final reading before it is sent to the Senate where senators have committed to supporting the measure.
ABS-CBN Corp. last Thursday asked the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation of the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the NTC.
“The public needs the services of ABS-CBN now more than ever, as the country grapples with the effects of COVID-19. In this time of public health emergency, ABS-CBN plays a significant role in providing continued employment to thousands of employees and delivering valuable information and entertainment to millions of Filipinos locked down in their homes,” ABS-CBN said in its petition.
The 46-page petition for certiorari and prohibition also asked the high court to set aside the CDO and declare a permanent injunction against its implementation.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/abs-cbn-thanks-house-leaders-for-approving-provisional-authority-bill
In a statement following the approval of HB 6732 on second reading via viva voce voting, ABS-CBN thanked the sponsors of the bill led by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez "for recognizing the role we play in providing for the needs of the people in terms of access to news, information, entertainment, and public service at this crucial time."
ABS-CBN had been broadcasting news and information about the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic via free television and radio before it was ordered shut by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) after its franchise expired on May 4.
The company also said it was looking "forward to participating in the process of our franchise renewal and stand[s] ready to respond to the issues that have been raised against the network, its owners, management and employees."
Among the issues raised are alleged violations of labor laws and the constitution, election bias, tax liabilities, and foreign ownership.
ABS-CBN said it remains "open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people."
It also thanked the various individuals and groups "who have expressed their love and support," saying "You inspire us."
HB 6732 still has to be approved on 3rd and final reading before it is sent to the Senate where senators have committed to supporting the measure.
ABS-CBN Corp. last Thursday asked the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation of the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the NTC.
“The public needs the services of ABS-CBN now more than ever, as the country grapples with the effects of COVID-19. In this time of public health emergency, ABS-CBN plays a significant role in providing continued employment to thousands of employees and delivering valuable information and entertainment to millions of Filipinos locked down in their homes,” ABS-CBN said in its petition.
The 46-page petition for certiorari and prohibition also asked the high court to set aside the CDO and declare a permanent injunction against its implementation.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/abs-cbn-thanks-house-leaders-for-approving-provisional-authority-bill
ABS-CBN may be back on air by June: Cayetano
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Wednesday ABS-CBN Corp may be back on air by the first week of June, amid swift proceedings on his proposed measure granting the network a temporary broadcast franchise until October.
Speaking on Teleradyo, Cayetano said the network may be able to broadcast again by next month.
"If everything goes well, God willing, Monday matapos namin on final reading, Tuesday nasa Senado. Kung kaya ng Senado one week, the week after next, latest first week ng June, on the air na ulit," Cayetano said.
(God willing, we will finish the final reading on Monday, and transmit this on Tuesday. If the Senate can finish in a week, the week after next, then ABS-CBN may be back on air by the first week of June.)
He also believes President Rodrigo Duterte will be fair and approve the provisional license.
"Ang ating Pangulo po ay abogado. Kung ako ang tanungin niya, ang sasabihin ko 'sir, pang ano lang 'to eh, pang-due process'," Cayetano said.
(Our President is a lawyer. If he asks me, I'll tell him that this is for due process.)
Cayetano said he believes the President would choose fairness and due process in deciding whether to sign the provisional authority into law.
"Hindi ko alam kung ive-veto niya o hindi, pero sa pagkakilala ko sa ating pangulo, abogado eh, fairness, due process," he said.
(I'm not sure if he will veto it or not, but I know the President, he is a lawyer and he will choose fairness and due process.)
The House of Representatives Committee of the Whole on Wednesday approved a bill that gives ABS-CBN provisional franchise until October 2020.
Cayetano filed the bill, as he cited the need for Congress to focus on addressing the coronavirus crisis and giving it sufficient time to tackle the network's "controversial" application for a fresh 25-year franchise.
The Senate also said it would "work expeditiously" to pass ABS-CBN's provisional franchise before Congress adjourns in the first week of June, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
House Bill No. 6732 grants ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, before Congress deliberates on long-pending bills giving the media giant license to broadcast for another 25 years.
The interim license will "give both the House of Representatives and the Senate [time] to hear the issues being raised for and against the renewal, and assess, with complete impartiality and fairness, whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another 25 years."
"We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug," read the bill's explanatory note.
ABS-CBN's halt in broadcast last week was the first time it was forced to sign off since the Marcos dictatorship. The shutdown imperils an estimated 11,000 jobs.
It has asked the Supreme Court to stop the NTC shutdown order.
The network, which reached millions of Filipinos through its television, radio and online platforms, said it did not violate the law in its 66 years of service. - with reports from Jauhn Villaruel, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/abs-cbn-may-be-back-on-air-by-june-cayetano
Speaking on Teleradyo, Cayetano said the network may be able to broadcast again by next month.
"If everything goes well, God willing, Monday matapos namin on final reading, Tuesday nasa Senado. Kung kaya ng Senado one week, the week after next, latest first week ng June, on the air na ulit," Cayetano said.
(God willing, we will finish the final reading on Monday, and transmit this on Tuesday. If the Senate can finish in a week, the week after next, then ABS-CBN may be back on air by the first week of June.)
He also believes President Rodrigo Duterte will be fair and approve the provisional license.
"Ang ating Pangulo po ay abogado. Kung ako ang tanungin niya, ang sasabihin ko 'sir, pang ano lang 'to eh, pang-due process'," Cayetano said.
(Our President is a lawyer. If he asks me, I'll tell him that this is for due process.)
Cayetano said he believes the President would choose fairness and due process in deciding whether to sign the provisional authority into law.
"Hindi ko alam kung ive-veto niya o hindi, pero sa pagkakilala ko sa ating pangulo, abogado eh, fairness, due process," he said.
(I'm not sure if he will veto it or not, but I know the President, he is a lawyer and he will choose fairness and due process.)
The House of Representatives Committee of the Whole on Wednesday approved a bill that gives ABS-CBN provisional franchise until October 2020.
Cayetano filed the bill, as he cited the need for Congress to focus on addressing the coronavirus crisis and giving it sufficient time to tackle the network's "controversial" application for a fresh 25-year franchise.
The Senate also said it would "work expeditiously" to pass ABS-CBN's provisional franchise before Congress adjourns in the first week of June, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
House Bill No. 6732 grants ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, before Congress deliberates on long-pending bills giving the media giant license to broadcast for another 25 years.
The interim license will "give both the House of Representatives and the Senate [time] to hear the issues being raised for and against the renewal, and assess, with complete impartiality and fairness, whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another 25 years."
"We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug," read the bill's explanatory note.
ABS-CBN's halt in broadcast last week was the first time it was forced to sign off since the Marcos dictatorship. The shutdown imperils an estimated 11,000 jobs.
It has asked the Supreme Court to stop the NTC shutdown order.
The network, which reached millions of Filipinos through its television, radio and online platforms, said it did not violate the law in its 66 years of service. - with reports from Jauhn Villaruel, ABS-CBN News
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/abs-cbn-may-be-back-on-air-by-june-cayetano
House okays ABS-CBN's provisional franchise bill on 2nd reading
The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a measure seeking to grant media giant ABS-CBN a provisional franchise valid until Oct. 31, 2020.
During the plenary session, the lower chamber passed through voice voting House Bill No. 6732, which seeks to grant the ABS-CBN Corporation a franchise to construct, install, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
In his sponsorship speech, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the main rationale of the bill is to enable Congress to have an “impartial, comprehensive, and extensive” hearing to address the issues surrounding the ABS-CBN franchise.
He pertained to the network’s issues of taxes, labor conditions, foreign ownership, pay-per-view service, and Philippine Depositary Receipts.
“If we do not extensively hear the issues surrounding this franchise, we will be reneging on our constitutional duty and mandate to ensure a due process that will enable us, members of Congress, to decide freely and objectively whether to approve or deny this franchise,” Villafuerte said.
“We want to grant a temporary provisional franchise until October of this year because this is a contentious bill… We have to hear all sides,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the House Committee of the Whole approved the provisional franchise measure.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who is a principal author of the bill, said the sudden turn-around of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from its earlier commitment during a March 10 House hearing to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority has distracted Congress from focusing on the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The NTC issued a cease and desist order on May 5 against ABS-CBN to stop the operations of its television and radio stations after the broadcast firm’s legislative franchise expired on May 4.
“This distraction is the reason why we must not allow the betrayal of NTC and the unconstitutional meddling of the Solicitor General in this exclusive power of Congress to go unchallenged,” he said,, referring to the power to grant or cancel any franchise.
“Their actions are not only an upfront to this institution, it also delays the discussion and passage of crucial legislation that our people sorely need,” he added.
He said the grant of a provisional franchise to ABS-CBN would give Congress time to assess with complete impartiality and fairness whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another 25 years.
“We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug and proceed as if nothing happened. As we have always promised, these hearings will be fair, impartial, and above all, thorough,” Cayetano said.
“There will be no rush to judgment. Both the praise for and the charges against the network will be heard and will be put on public record,” he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102787
During the plenary session, the lower chamber passed through voice voting House Bill No. 6732, which seeks to grant the ABS-CBN Corporation a franchise to construct, install, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
In his sponsorship speech, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the main rationale of the bill is to enable Congress to have an “impartial, comprehensive, and extensive” hearing to address the issues surrounding the ABS-CBN franchise.
He pertained to the network’s issues of taxes, labor conditions, foreign ownership, pay-per-view service, and Philippine Depositary Receipts.
“If we do not extensively hear the issues surrounding this franchise, we will be reneging on our constitutional duty and mandate to ensure a due process that will enable us, members of Congress, to decide freely and objectively whether to approve or deny this franchise,” Villafuerte said.
“We want to grant a temporary provisional franchise until October of this year because this is a contentious bill… We have to hear all sides,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the House Committee of the Whole approved the provisional franchise measure.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who is a principal author of the bill, said the sudden turn-around of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from its earlier commitment during a March 10 House hearing to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority has distracted Congress from focusing on the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The NTC issued a cease and desist order on May 5 against ABS-CBN to stop the operations of its television and radio stations after the broadcast firm’s legislative franchise expired on May 4.
“This distraction is the reason why we must not allow the betrayal of NTC and the unconstitutional meddling of the Solicitor General in this exclusive power of Congress to go unchallenged,” he said,, referring to the power to grant or cancel any franchise.
“Their actions are not only an upfront to this institution, it also delays the discussion and passage of crucial legislation that our people sorely need,” he added.
He said the grant of a provisional franchise to ABS-CBN would give Congress time to assess with complete impartiality and fairness whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another 25 years.
“We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug and proceed as if nothing happened. As we have always promised, these hearings will be fair, impartial, and above all, thorough,” Cayetano said.
“There will be no rush to judgment. Both the praise for and the charges against the network will be heard and will be put on public record,” he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102787
Senators eye passing ABS-CBN's provisional license before session adjourns in June
The Senate will "work expeditiously" to pass ABS-CBN's provisional franchise before Congress adjourns in the first week of June, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Wednesday, as the House of Representatives swiftly acted on a measure that would allow the Philippines' largest media network to operate until December 31, 2020.
The Senate will begin committee deliberations for a counterpart measure early next week and vote on ABS-CBN's temporary license "by Wednesday afternoon," Zubiri told reporters in a text message.
"Hopefully we can pass the measure the week after. We will work expeditiously to pass the measure up to ratification before the June 3 break," he said.
At least 13 senators earlier filed a bill granting ABS-CBN 'provisional franchise' until June 2022.
Under the law, franchise bills must emanate from the House of Representatives before the Senate can tackle it in plenary.
Under Senate rules, a bill approved on committee level can only be taken to the plenary after 3 days to give lawmakers enough time to study the measure, unless the President certifies it as urgent.
More details to follow.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/senators-eye-passing-abs-cbns-provisional-license-before-session-adjourns-in-june
The Senate will begin committee deliberations for a counterpart measure early next week and vote on ABS-CBN's temporary license "by Wednesday afternoon," Zubiri told reporters in a text message.
"Hopefully we can pass the measure the week after. We will work expeditiously to pass the measure up to ratification before the June 3 break," he said.
At least 13 senators earlier filed a bill granting ABS-CBN 'provisional franchise' until June 2022.
Under the law, franchise bills must emanate from the House of Representatives before the Senate can tackle it in plenary.
Under Senate rules, a bill approved on committee level can only be taken to the plenary after 3 days to give lawmakers enough time to study the measure, unless the President certifies it as urgent.
More details to follow.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/senators-eye-passing-abs-cbns-provisional-license-before-session-adjourns-in-june
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
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Senate panel eyes law to 'automatically extend' franchises pending in Congress
The Senate Committee on Public Services "will look" at the possibility of crafting a bill that would "automatically extend for a certain period" expired franchises provided that a renewal bid is still pending in Congress, the panel's chair Sen. Grace Poe said Tuesday.
Lawmakers have to solve a "gap in the law" to ensure that networks and their employees are not left in limbo should Congress fail to act on their franchise applications, Poe told reporters in an online press conference.
"Hindi naman natin puwede sabihin na open-ended forever. Baka ang mangyari kasi mawalan kami ng sense of urgency, kaming mga mambabatas," the senator said.
(We cannot leave it open-ended forever. If we do that, we lawmakers might lose our sense of urgency.)
"So kailangan natin ilagay sa isang batas ang kinakailangan na 'pag ang prangkisa mo ay mag-e-expire na, puwede kang automatically extended for a certain period," she said.
(So we have to put in place a law that will automatically extend your franchise for a certain period if it is about to expire.)
The proposed policy has yet to be drafted but it would likely contain "remedial measures" for companies with nearly-expired franchises, Poe said, noting that Congress cannot be compelled to prioritize tackling franchise bills.
The plan followed the shutdown of ABS-CBN Corp's broadcast operations after its franchise lapsed on May 4. Its bid for franchise renewal has been pending for years.
Sen. Lito Lapid filed a separate bill that would provide provisional licenses to radio stations with pending franchise renewal applications before Congress.
Under Lapid's Senate Bill No. 1522, the "validity of the provisional renewal shall be until the next adjournment of Congress."
"Malinaw na may pagkukulang o butas sa ating batas kaugnay sa pagrenew ng prangkisa ng isang kumpanya pero kaya naman itong remedyuhan ng isa ring batas," he said in a statement.
(It is clear that there is a loophole or gap in our law with regards to franchise renewals, but this can also be remedied by another law.)
Lapid did not explain why his bill was limited to radio stations.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevara first pointed out the legal loophole when Poe's committee tackled ABS-CBN's franchise issue in February.
"The DOJ stands by its position that there is sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the renewal of their franchise remain pending with Congress," Guevarra said.
In March, the House of Representatives and the Senate issued resolutions directing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue a temporary permit for ABS-CBN, whose 25-year franchise renewal bid has languished in the House Legislative Franchises Committee since 2014.
The NTC did not heed Congress' directive and ordered the Philippines' largest media network off the air on May 5 without due process.
At least 13 senators have authored a bill seeking to allow ABS-CBN to operate until June 2022, while Congress is still deliberating on its renewal application.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/senate-panel-eyes-law-to-automatically-extend-franchises-pending-in-congress
Lawmakers have to solve a "gap in the law" to ensure that networks and their employees are not left in limbo should Congress fail to act on their franchise applications, Poe told reporters in an online press conference.
"Hindi naman natin puwede sabihin na open-ended forever. Baka ang mangyari kasi mawalan kami ng sense of urgency, kaming mga mambabatas," the senator said.
(We cannot leave it open-ended forever. If we do that, we lawmakers might lose our sense of urgency.)
"So kailangan natin ilagay sa isang batas ang kinakailangan na 'pag ang prangkisa mo ay mag-e-expire na, puwede kang automatically extended for a certain period," she said.
(So we have to put in place a law that will automatically extend your franchise for a certain period if it is about to expire.)
The proposed policy has yet to be drafted but it would likely contain "remedial measures" for companies with nearly-expired franchises, Poe said, noting that Congress cannot be compelled to prioritize tackling franchise bills.
The plan followed the shutdown of ABS-CBN Corp's broadcast operations after its franchise lapsed on May 4. Its bid for franchise renewal has been pending for years.
Sen. Lito Lapid filed a separate bill that would provide provisional licenses to radio stations with pending franchise renewal applications before Congress.
Under Lapid's Senate Bill No. 1522, the "validity of the provisional renewal shall be until the next adjournment of Congress."
"Malinaw na may pagkukulang o butas sa ating batas kaugnay sa pagrenew ng prangkisa ng isang kumpanya pero kaya naman itong remedyuhan ng isa ring batas," he said in a statement.
(It is clear that there is a loophole or gap in our law with regards to franchise renewals, but this can also be remedied by another law.)
Lapid did not explain why his bill was limited to radio stations.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevara first pointed out the legal loophole when Poe's committee tackled ABS-CBN's franchise issue in February.
"The DOJ stands by its position that there is sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the renewal of their franchise remain pending with Congress," Guevarra said.
In March, the House of Representatives and the Senate issued resolutions directing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue a temporary permit for ABS-CBN, whose 25-year franchise renewal bid has languished in the House Legislative Franchises Committee since 2014.
The NTC did not heed Congress' directive and ordered the Philippines' largest media network off the air on May 5 without due process.
At least 13 senators have authored a bill seeking to allow ABS-CBN to operate until June 2022, while Congress is still deliberating on its renewal application.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/senate-panel-eyes-law-to-automatically-extend-franchises-pending-in-congress
Cayetano urged to 'immediately' conduct House hearings on ABS-CBN franchise
At least 14 lawmakers on Tuesday urged House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to "immediately convene" the chamber's committee on legislative franchises to tackle ABS-CBN's bid for a fresh 25-year license to operate, a week after it was forced off air by the country's telecoms body.
Cayetano earlier said the committee would conduct hearings that are "fair, impartial, thorough, and comprehensive," but he did not say when.
The group of lawmakers said it was now the chamber's "primary duty and responsibility to put an end to the uncertainties and confusion" on the network's franchise.
"We understand that there are more important measures that the House leadership has to attend to in this extraordinary time. However, we believe too that resolving the ABS-CBN issue the soonest is equally important given the impact, economically and politically, of its continued shutdown in this time of crisis," they said in a letter to Cayetano.
ABS-CBN halted its broadcast operations last week after the National Telecommunications Commission went back on its commitment to allow the network to operate beyond its lapsed franchise.
The cease-and-desist order from the NTC came a few days after the Office of the Solicitor General warned the telecoms body against issuing a provisional authority to ABS-CBN.
"The Committee and the House are now being blamed and vilified for the shutdown of the network and for being off the air since then, as well as the displacement of thousands of its employees and workers," they said.
"That the citizenry also lost one of their main sources of credible and efficient news and information in this time of crisis brought by the COVID-10 pandemic was also largely blamed on our chamber."
Among lawmakers who signed the petition are:
Rodriguez last week filed a joint resolution that would grant ABS-CBN a temporary franchise until the end of the 18th Congress or June 30, 2022. At least 13 senators have filed a measure seeking the same.
ABS-CBN has asked the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order against the NTC's order.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/cayetano-urged-to-immediately-conduct-house-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise
Cayetano earlier said the committee would conduct hearings that are "fair, impartial, thorough, and comprehensive," but he did not say when.
The group of lawmakers said it was now the chamber's "primary duty and responsibility to put an end to the uncertainties and confusion" on the network's franchise.
"We understand that there are more important measures that the House leadership has to attend to in this extraordinary time. However, we believe too that resolving the ABS-CBN issue the soonest is equally important given the impact, economically and politically, of its continued shutdown in this time of crisis," they said in a letter to Cayetano.
ABS-CBN halted its broadcast operations last week after the National Telecommunications Commission went back on its commitment to allow the network to operate beyond its lapsed franchise.
The cease-and-desist order from the NTC came a few days after the Office of the Solicitor General warned the telecoms body against issuing a provisional authority to ABS-CBN.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers said they "take strong exceptions to NTC’s trickery and the Office of the Solicitor General’s interventionist action."READ: Letter to Speaker Cayetano and Joint Statement of Authors of ABS-CBN Franchise bills to register strong frustrations with the non-issuance of a provisional authority to the network by the National Telecommunications Commission pic.twitter.com/eNB1zcuO0J— RG Cruz (@R_G_Cruz888) May 12, 2020
"The Committee and the House are now being blamed and vilified for the shutdown of the network and for being off the air since then, as well as the displacement of thousands of its employees and workers," they said.
"That the citizenry also lost one of their main sources of credible and efficient news and information in this time of crisis brought by the COVID-10 pandemic was also largely blamed on our chamber."
Among lawmakers who signed the petition are:
- Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Rose Marie Arenas
- Surigao Del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel
- Batangas 6th District Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
- Bayan Muna Partylist Representatives Carlos Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, Ferdinand Gaite
- Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas
- ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro
- Laguna 3rd District Rep. Sol Aragones
- Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez
- Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato
- Paranaque 2nd District Rep. Joy Tambunting
- Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago
- Nueva Ecija 2nd SItrict Rep. Micaela Violago
Rodriguez last week filed a joint resolution that would grant ABS-CBN a temporary franchise until the end of the 18th Congress or June 30, 2022. At least 13 senators have filed a measure seeking the same.
ABS-CBN has asked the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order against the NTC's order.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/cayetano-urged-to-immediately-conduct-house-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise
Ayala may take interest in ABS-CBN frequencies
Conglomerate Ayala Corp. may take interest in the frequencies of ABS-CBN Corp. that might be recalled by the government after the National Telecommunications Commission ordered the shutdown of the Lopez-led broadcast network over the lack of a congressional franchise, according to sources.
Sources said Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media Inc., which is owned by Betlehem Holdings Inc., the holding company of Globe Telecom’s group retirement fund, may be used by the Ayala Group to bid for the frequencies of ABS-CBN Channel 2, DZMM 630 AM radio and MOR 101.9 FM radio.
BEAM is a broadcast company in the Philippines that operates free-to-air Channel 31. The company’s primary focus is on UHF broadcasting, but is upgrading its DTT for use in multimedia convergence.
BEAM has transmitter facilities in Davao, Cebu City, Zamboanga City, Baguio City, Naga City and Iloilo City.
Sources said the Ayala and Lopez groups have a history of partnership in telecom and broadcast industries, as Globe Telecom completed the acquisition of Bayan Telecommunications from the Lopez family in 2015. Globe also entered a network sharing agreement with ABS-CBN Corp. to offer ABS-CBN Mobile, but the mobile service was discontinued on Nov. 30, 2018.
Sources also said members of the Makati Business Club saw a deal between the Ayala and Lopez groups coming even before the closure of ABS-CBN. “In fact, they see this as a strategic move to save the Lopez company from its maturing P28-billion bank loans from BDO, BPI, PNB, UnionBank whose owners are all members of the MBC,” sources said.
BPI, the banking arm of the Ayala Group, has more than P10 billion in loan exposure to ABS-CBN, according to reports.
An executive of ABS-CBN denied any ongoing talks between the two parties. “It is not true,” the executive said.
Sought for comment, Yolanda Crisanto, spokesperson of Globe, also denied there were discussions between Globe and ABS-CBN. “We wish to clarify that there is no ongoing discussion between BEAM and ABS-CBN. Also Globe has no equity stake on ABS Convergence. What we had was an MVNO agreement.”
Astro del Castillo, managing director at First Grade Finance, said such transaction “would be a surprise.”
“The Ayala Group has never been in the news that they are really interested [in broadcasting business]. After the tiff with the president regarding the water, would it boldly invest in another controversial investment at this time,” Del Castilo said.
“If indeed true the public, particularly the financial analysts would be excited to hear the side of Ayala on their business model and how it would add value to its businesses,” he said.
Sources said the rumors became more possible after Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy, chairman of Udenna Corp., issued a statement to deny that he wanted to acquire ABS-CBN. “Let me be clear once and for all and say that we in Udenna Corp. have no intention to acquire ABS-CBN. Being in the business of broadcasting is not part of our corporate direction,” Uy said.
Sources said that once the government auctions the frequencies of ABS-CBN, BEAM is in the best position to acquire them estimated to be worth billions because it is backed by the Ayala Group.
Sources said those who may join the bidding for ABS-CBN’s frequencies are Aliw Broadcasting Corp., Manila Broadcasting Corp., Radio Mindanao Network, Bombo Radyo Holdings Inc. and Sunshine Media Network of religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.
Sources believe that given the high valuation of the ABS-CBN frequencies, BEAM will have the upper hand in the auction.
https://manilastandard.net/business/it-telecom/323498/ayala-may-take-interest-in-abs-cbn-frequencies.html
Sources said Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media Inc., which is owned by Betlehem Holdings Inc., the holding company of Globe Telecom’s group retirement fund, may be used by the Ayala Group to bid for the frequencies of ABS-CBN Channel 2, DZMM 630 AM radio and MOR 101.9 FM radio.
BEAM is a broadcast company in the Philippines that operates free-to-air Channel 31. The company’s primary focus is on UHF broadcasting, but is upgrading its DTT for use in multimedia convergence.
BEAM has transmitter facilities in Davao, Cebu City, Zamboanga City, Baguio City, Naga City and Iloilo City.
Sources said the Ayala and Lopez groups have a history of partnership in telecom and broadcast industries, as Globe Telecom completed the acquisition of Bayan Telecommunications from the Lopez family in 2015. Globe also entered a network sharing agreement with ABS-CBN Corp. to offer ABS-CBN Mobile, but the mobile service was discontinued on Nov. 30, 2018.
Sources also said members of the Makati Business Club saw a deal between the Ayala and Lopez groups coming even before the closure of ABS-CBN. “In fact, they see this as a strategic move to save the Lopez company from its maturing P28-billion bank loans from BDO, BPI, PNB, UnionBank whose owners are all members of the MBC,” sources said.
BPI, the banking arm of the Ayala Group, has more than P10 billion in loan exposure to ABS-CBN, according to reports.
An executive of ABS-CBN denied any ongoing talks between the two parties. “It is not true,” the executive said.
Sought for comment, Yolanda Crisanto, spokesperson of Globe, also denied there were discussions between Globe and ABS-CBN. “We wish to clarify that there is no ongoing discussion between BEAM and ABS-CBN. Also Globe has no equity stake on ABS Convergence. What we had was an MVNO agreement.”
Astro del Castillo, managing director at First Grade Finance, said such transaction “would be a surprise.”
“The Ayala Group has never been in the news that they are really interested [in broadcasting business]. After the tiff with the president regarding the water, would it boldly invest in another controversial investment at this time,” Del Castilo said.
“If indeed true the public, particularly the financial analysts would be excited to hear the side of Ayala on their business model and how it would add value to its businesses,” he said.
Sources said the rumors became more possible after Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy, chairman of Udenna Corp., issued a statement to deny that he wanted to acquire ABS-CBN. “Let me be clear once and for all and say that we in Udenna Corp. have no intention to acquire ABS-CBN. Being in the business of broadcasting is not part of our corporate direction,” Uy said.
Sources said that once the government auctions the frequencies of ABS-CBN, BEAM is in the best position to acquire them estimated to be worth billions because it is backed by the Ayala Group.
Sources said those who may join the bidding for ABS-CBN’s frequencies are Aliw Broadcasting Corp., Manila Broadcasting Corp., Radio Mindanao Network, Bombo Radyo Holdings Inc. and Sunshine Media Network of religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.
Sources believe that given the high valuation of the ABS-CBN frequencies, BEAM will have the upper hand in the auction.
https://manilastandard.net/business/it-telecom/323498/ayala-may-take-interest-in-abs-cbn-frequencies.html
Pandemic lockdown gives Philippine province time to rethink planned split-up
The plebiscite, initially set for Monday, May 11, would have given nearly half a million voters in Palawan the choice of whether or not to accept Republic Act 11259, which would split the biggest province in the country into three smaller ones: Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur
PALAWAN, Philippines — A landmark vote on dividing the biodiverse Philippine province of Palawan into three smaller provinces has been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s given critics of the move a chance to press their case that splitting up the province could prove harmful to natural resources management and the welfare of indigenous groups.
The plebiscite, initially set for May 11, would have given nearly half a million voters in Palawan the choice of whether or not to accept Republic Act 11259, which would split the 1.5-million-hectare (3.7-million-acre) province — the biggest in the country — into three smaller ones: Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur.
Proponents of the act, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2019, say dividing the province will fast-track public access to government services and spark growth in this region of the country known for its rich biodiversity and model ecotourism practices.
Once ratified, the towns of Brooke’s Point, Roxas and Taytay would be upgraded into the respective capitals of the new provinces, and Puerto Princesa, the current capital, would be an independent city. Residents of Puerto Princesa would not be eligible to vote in the plebiscite or in any elections for provincial positions, according to Republic Act 11259.
Pushing through with the plebiscite as scheduled, however, is “impossible at the height of the spread of the COVID-19,” the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said in a memorandum dated April 7.
Coronavirus cases in the Philippines reached 10,794 with 719 deaths as of May 10. In Palawan, there have only been two confirmed cases as of April 26, but the entire province has been under lockdown, known as an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), since March 17.
Under the restrictions imposed by the lockdown, the deployment of personnel and election materials is “logistically impossible,” Comelec said, meaning the plebiscite is suspended indefinitely. As early as March 25, the commission had already suspended all preparatory activities leading up to the plebiscite, shelving the 80 million pesos ($1.6 million) allotted for the preparations.
Anti-division coalition One Palawan has welcomed the announcement to delay the vote. “The quarantine period can be useful for the Palawan people to contemplate on what is happening around them,” campaigner Cynthia Del Rosario told Mongabay. “Dividing the province has become irrelevant [at this time] as it could only spell another bureaucratic bloat and waste.”
One Palawan and other opponents of the partition say the plan was borne out of political maneuvering instead of popular demand. Proper public consultations and feasibility studies supporting it were not carried out, they say.
Critics say they are concerned that dividing the province would cement control of resources with oligarchic families and weaken environmental authorities’ ability to protect the natural ecosystems in the province. These sensitive areas could potentially be shared by different provinces, One Palawan says.
Palawan boasts 690,000 hectares (1.7 million acres) of natural-growth forest that is home to 422 species, 39 of them endemic. It also has the largest marine protected areas and critical habitats in the Philippines, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The province’s keen attention to sustainable development has prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to allow local authorities to manage key protected areas under the oversight of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).
The division plan isn’t clear on how these management schemes will be affected, anti-division groups say, as studies have not been publicized. Some civil society groups were not invited for public consultations, and online and offline debates between politicians and local environmentalists unfold against the backdrop of aggressive development. This fight that started on social media has since reached the nation’s highest court.
Micromanaging poverty, development
The province’s scale is the main reason for the division, says Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez. “We experience difficulty in managing our large province,” Alvarez said on the cable news show Rundown on April 13, 2019. “Today, the whole province [is] the biggest province in the whole country. We are doing what is best for the province. It’s not gerrymandering.”
The size makes it difficult for the provincial government to provide basic services like public health care, education and transportation to the most remote villages. These amenities are concentrated in the provincial capital Puerto Princesa, declared a highly urbanized city since 2007. With a population of more than 255,000, out of the total 1.3 million in Palawan, it’s also the province’s economic hub, home to more advanced health care facilities, international airport and seaport, national government agencies’ field offices, universities, and malls.
Access to social services is not the same for residents in other towns across the sprawling archipelago, many of whom must travel four to five hours by sea and another eight hours by land to experience these services.
“From our house atop a mountain, we would walk for more than three hours to the national road to catch a bus for another four- to five-hour trip to the city,” Beto Calman, a penglima (customary leader) of the Palaw’an indigenous group, told Mongabay. “But life’s difficult so that rarely happens here. Going to the city is already a luxury for us who don’t always have money and just subsist on forest resources to survive.”
The province is home to 100,000 indigenous families who rely largely on the region’s natural environment. The Palaw’ans live in the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (MMPL) in southern Palawan. The mountain is the province’s largest terrestrial protected area, spanning 120,457 hectares (297,656 acres) across five towns. It’s also been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palawan isn’t lacking in either fiscal or natural resources. The province banks on its tourism prowess, which generated 83 billion pesos ($1.6 billion) in tourism services and investments in 2018 alone. The province’s revenue share from the national government — provincial allotment from earnings from large-scale industries — is 3.2 billion pesos ($63 million) this year. With total assets of more than 11.27 billion pesos ($223 million) as of 2018, Palawan is the ninth-richest province in the Philippines.
But the poverty incidence rate is 54%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Local officials point at geography as the prime driver of poverty. Under a divided Palawan, new sets of local government officials can focus on the most vulnerable and abandoned sectors, Alvarez said.
Each political subdivision would downscale each provincial government’s constituents to around 400,000. According to Alvarez, this will give rise to new capitals with additional elective, appointive and support staff positions to fast-track the delivery of services to the remotest areas. The provinces will also receive higher revenue allotments from the national government of at least 1.5 billion to 2 billion pesos ($30 million to $40 million) every year, according to Alvarez.
“Having three provinces in more compact geographic areas with fewer constituents to serve and equally fewer municipalities to supervise will be better suited to pursue the general welfare than a single province,” he said in a press statement, adding that the move will allow the “micromanagement of poverty and development.”
Civil society groups, in doubt
Dividing Palawan is not a new idea; it was introduced in the 1960s by Monching Mitra, a Palawan congressional representative. Similar proposals were echoed in the early 1990s up to the late 2000s, with provincial lawmakers passing measures calling for the division. Each time they were thwarted by lack of support in both houses of Congress.
Alvarez mounted a strong push to revive the proposal in 2016. Reportedly the country’s richest governor in 2015, thanks to a logging business in neighboring Indonesia in the 1970s, Alvarez met with municipal mayors, barangay (ward) heads, and local business people to gather support for the bid. At the same time, three Palawan congressional representatives pushed for the division at the House of Representatives.
In December 2017, the provincial legislature passed a resolution in support of the move. The bill breezed through Congress, passed by the House in August 2018 and the Senate in November that same year. President Duterte signed the bill into law on April 13, 2019, setting into motion a rigorous debate among residents.
“There will always be a cost, it’s not just benefits,” environmental lawyer Grizelda Mayo-Anda, executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, told Mongabay. “Without these studies, how can you plausibly, logically state that the division of Palawan will ultimately result in the economic development of the three provinces? This is still wishful thinking.”
The Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI), the province’s largest coalition of civil society groups, called the law “problematic” and said it would perpetuate nepotism and political dynasties.
PNNI and the provincial government have been at loggerheads for years over a string of environmental issues, in particular the latter’s support for high-impact projects: from palm oil and coconut investments in forested tribal lands, to building a coal-fired power plant near a protected area, to a six-lane highway for which trees had to be cut down.
“If the motive for this division is good, then its results will be sound,” PNNI executive director Robert Chan told Mongabay, “but if its intent is evil, then nothing good can come out of it.”
“What is the motive for dividing the province? Is it to provide better basic services? Or to prolong the dynasty of the incumbent?” Chan said. “Note that this is the governor’s last term. And to divide means he can run anew in any of the divided portions. And put his kin in the other two.” (Under Philippine law, elected officials can only serve a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same position.)
One of Alvarez’s daughter, Amy Alvarez, is the mayor of the Palawan municipality of San Vicente; another daughter, Pie Alvarez, was the previous mayor. The governor’s nephews also hold pivotal posts: Franz Alvarez is a congressman, while Juan Alvarez is a provincial board member.
Alvarez denied the allegation that he planned to use the division to run for another term. “I asked framers of the law to remove a provision which says after my third term I can still run as governor,” Alvarez said in the Rundown interview. “I said no. It’s not a matter of political convenience.”
Another of PNNI’s objections centers on public participation — or lack thereof — leading up to the passage of the division act. There was a series of “public consultations” in municipalities, but PNNI says these were “not much-publicized, massive and inclusive” to get the real pulse of the majority of locals.
“Why is civil society doubtful? Throughout the whole process, from its inception in the Provincial Board to deliberations in Congress, we have never been invited to present our side much less interpolate this legislation, despite PNNI’s board resolution opposing the same,” Chan said.
Critics: pandemic negates geography bottleneck
On June 26, 2019, One Palawan took its case to the Supreme Court, hoping a writ of prohibition would render Republic Act 11259 null and void.
The coalition alleges the law contains provisions that go against the Philippine Constitution and the Local Government Code, including amendments to the natural wealth-sharing agreement, non-consultation of the general public, and exclusion of Puerto Princesa residents in the consultation and in the plebiscite.
The court has yet to decide on the petition. One Palawan also launched an online petition nearly two years ago that has since gathered more than 48,000 signatures. On the ground, residents are split over whether to divide. But with the cancellation of the vote amid the pandemic, residents have more time to consider the move, groups say.
For the indigenous Palaw’an tribe, their decision rests on easy access to public goods and services, infrastructure and industry development, and a steady stream of cash income, among other benefits touted by pro-division groups. But what’s missing, they say, are the trade-offs.
“We want quick access to government services, but we fear that the division plan could negatively affect the way of life of marginalized locals, especially like us natives,” said tribe leader Calman, who is also the president of the Organization of Indigenous People for Action in Palawan. “If aggressive development creeps into this biodiverse mountain range where we live, that could result in the demise of our cultural traditions deeply rooted in the forest.”
The pandemic is also a good time to assess the efficiency of local governments in deploying services to villages in a time of crisis, One Palawan’s Del Rosario says. It also highlights the importance of having unified governance in the deployment of services at such a time, she says.
The pandemic has pushed public officials, from the provincial down to the barangay level, rushing to the aid of their constituents, including indigenous peoples. “Geography isn’t the challenge but political will,” Del Rosario said, adding that political will is what ensures goods and financial assistance can reach even the remotest sites in the province.
“The crisis also shows the people that the quality of leaders they put in office actually matters,” Del Rosario said. “Some local officials have excelled in delivering assistance to their communities while some were just a big disappointment. It also shows that the [current] system in delivering basic services is already in place, underscoring the barangays for being pivotal in the fight against COVID-19.”
Calman and other Palaw’an natives say they are wary that the division plan may open up their home — the “mother province” — to the rest of the world, an unwelcome development they regard as a threat to their culture and survival.
“Now that there’s this contagion, we impose our own lockdown to ensure all of us would survive,” Calman said. “When this is over, the plan might push through. And if it really happens, we expect to see more people, especially from foreign countries who may bring in diseases our body system cannot fight off. This may not be the last pandemic we would experience. What would our future be if there’d be another?” – Rappler.com
https://www.rappler.com/nation/260590-pandemic-lockdown-gives-philippine-province-time-rethink-planned-split-up
PALAWAN, Philippines — A landmark vote on dividing the biodiverse Philippine province of Palawan into three smaller provinces has been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s given critics of the move a chance to press their case that splitting up the province could prove harmful to natural resources management and the welfare of indigenous groups.
The plebiscite, initially set for May 11, would have given nearly half a million voters in Palawan the choice of whether or not to accept Republic Act 11259, which would split the 1.5-million-hectare (3.7-million-acre) province — the biggest in the country — into three smaller ones: Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur.
Proponents of the act, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2019, say dividing the province will fast-track public access to government services and spark growth in this region of the country known for its rich biodiversity and model ecotourism practices.
Once ratified, the towns of Brooke’s Point, Roxas and Taytay would be upgraded into the respective capitals of the new provinces, and Puerto Princesa, the current capital, would be an independent city. Residents of Puerto Princesa would not be eligible to vote in the plebiscite or in any elections for provincial positions, according to Republic Act 11259.
Pushing through with the plebiscite as scheduled, however, is “impossible at the height of the spread of the COVID-19,” the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said in a memorandum dated April 7.
Coronavirus cases in the Philippines reached 10,794 with 719 deaths as of May 10. In Palawan, there have only been two confirmed cases as of April 26, but the entire province has been under lockdown, known as an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), since March 17.
Under the restrictions imposed by the lockdown, the deployment of personnel and election materials is “logistically impossible,” Comelec said, meaning the plebiscite is suspended indefinitely. As early as March 25, the commission had already suspended all preparatory activities leading up to the plebiscite, shelving the 80 million pesos ($1.6 million) allotted for the preparations.
Anti-division coalition One Palawan has welcomed the announcement to delay the vote. “The quarantine period can be useful for the Palawan people to contemplate on what is happening around them,” campaigner Cynthia Del Rosario told Mongabay. “Dividing the province has become irrelevant [at this time] as it could only spell another bureaucratic bloat and waste.”
One Palawan and other opponents of the partition say the plan was borne out of political maneuvering instead of popular demand. Proper public consultations and feasibility studies supporting it were not carried out, they say.
Critics say they are concerned that dividing the province would cement control of resources with oligarchic families and weaken environmental authorities’ ability to protect the natural ecosystems in the province. These sensitive areas could potentially be shared by different provinces, One Palawan says.
Palawan boasts 690,000 hectares (1.7 million acres) of natural-growth forest that is home to 422 species, 39 of them endemic. It also has the largest marine protected areas and critical habitats in the Philippines, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The province’s keen attention to sustainable development has prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to allow local authorities to manage key protected areas under the oversight of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).
The division plan isn’t clear on how these management schemes will be affected, anti-division groups say, as studies have not been publicized. Some civil society groups were not invited for public consultations, and online and offline debates between politicians and local environmentalists unfold against the backdrop of aggressive development. This fight that started on social media has since reached the nation’s highest court.
Micromanaging poverty, development
The province’s scale is the main reason for the division, says Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez. “We experience difficulty in managing our large province,” Alvarez said on the cable news show Rundown on April 13, 2019. “Today, the whole province [is] the biggest province in the whole country. We are doing what is best for the province. It’s not gerrymandering.”
The size makes it difficult for the provincial government to provide basic services like public health care, education and transportation to the most remote villages. These amenities are concentrated in the provincial capital Puerto Princesa, declared a highly urbanized city since 2007. With a population of more than 255,000, out of the total 1.3 million in Palawan, it’s also the province’s economic hub, home to more advanced health care facilities, international airport and seaport, national government agencies’ field offices, universities, and malls.
Access to social services is not the same for residents in other towns across the sprawling archipelago, many of whom must travel four to five hours by sea and another eight hours by land to experience these services.
“From our house atop a mountain, we would walk for more than three hours to the national road to catch a bus for another four- to five-hour trip to the city,” Beto Calman, a penglima (customary leader) of the Palaw’an indigenous group, told Mongabay. “But life’s difficult so that rarely happens here. Going to the city is already a luxury for us who don’t always have money and just subsist on forest resources to survive.”
The province is home to 100,000 indigenous families who rely largely on the region’s natural environment. The Palaw’ans live in the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (MMPL) in southern Palawan. The mountain is the province’s largest terrestrial protected area, spanning 120,457 hectares (297,656 acres) across five towns. It’s also been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palawan isn’t lacking in either fiscal or natural resources. The province banks on its tourism prowess, which generated 83 billion pesos ($1.6 billion) in tourism services and investments in 2018 alone. The province’s revenue share from the national government — provincial allotment from earnings from large-scale industries — is 3.2 billion pesos ($63 million) this year. With total assets of more than 11.27 billion pesos ($223 million) as of 2018, Palawan is the ninth-richest province in the Philippines.
But the poverty incidence rate is 54%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Local officials point at geography as the prime driver of poverty. Under a divided Palawan, new sets of local government officials can focus on the most vulnerable and abandoned sectors, Alvarez said.
Each political subdivision would downscale each provincial government’s constituents to around 400,000. According to Alvarez, this will give rise to new capitals with additional elective, appointive and support staff positions to fast-track the delivery of services to the remotest areas. The provinces will also receive higher revenue allotments from the national government of at least 1.5 billion to 2 billion pesos ($30 million to $40 million) every year, according to Alvarez.
“Having three provinces in more compact geographic areas with fewer constituents to serve and equally fewer municipalities to supervise will be better suited to pursue the general welfare than a single province,” he said in a press statement, adding that the move will allow the “micromanagement of poverty and development.”
Civil society groups, in doubt
Dividing Palawan is not a new idea; it was introduced in the 1960s by Monching Mitra, a Palawan congressional representative. Similar proposals were echoed in the early 1990s up to the late 2000s, with provincial lawmakers passing measures calling for the division. Each time they were thwarted by lack of support in both houses of Congress.
Alvarez mounted a strong push to revive the proposal in 2016. Reportedly the country’s richest governor in 2015, thanks to a logging business in neighboring Indonesia in the 1970s, Alvarez met with municipal mayors, barangay (ward) heads, and local business people to gather support for the bid. At the same time, three Palawan congressional representatives pushed for the division at the House of Representatives.
In December 2017, the provincial legislature passed a resolution in support of the move. The bill breezed through Congress, passed by the House in August 2018 and the Senate in November that same year. President Duterte signed the bill into law on April 13, 2019, setting into motion a rigorous debate among residents.
“There will always be a cost, it’s not just benefits,” environmental lawyer Grizelda Mayo-Anda, executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, told Mongabay. “Without these studies, how can you plausibly, logically state that the division of Palawan will ultimately result in the economic development of the three provinces? This is still wishful thinking.”
The Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI), the province’s largest coalition of civil society groups, called the law “problematic” and said it would perpetuate nepotism and political dynasties.
PNNI and the provincial government have been at loggerheads for years over a string of environmental issues, in particular the latter’s support for high-impact projects: from palm oil and coconut investments in forested tribal lands, to building a coal-fired power plant near a protected area, to a six-lane highway for which trees had to be cut down.
“If the motive for this division is good, then its results will be sound,” PNNI executive director Robert Chan told Mongabay, “but if its intent is evil, then nothing good can come out of it.”
“What is the motive for dividing the province? Is it to provide better basic services? Or to prolong the dynasty of the incumbent?” Chan said. “Note that this is the governor’s last term. And to divide means he can run anew in any of the divided portions. And put his kin in the other two.” (Under Philippine law, elected officials can only serve a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same position.)
One of Alvarez’s daughter, Amy Alvarez, is the mayor of the Palawan municipality of San Vicente; another daughter, Pie Alvarez, was the previous mayor. The governor’s nephews also hold pivotal posts: Franz Alvarez is a congressman, while Juan Alvarez is a provincial board member.
Alvarez denied the allegation that he planned to use the division to run for another term. “I asked framers of the law to remove a provision which says after my third term I can still run as governor,” Alvarez said in the Rundown interview. “I said no. It’s not a matter of political convenience.”
Another of PNNI’s objections centers on public participation — or lack thereof — leading up to the passage of the division act. There was a series of “public consultations” in municipalities, but PNNI says these were “not much-publicized, massive and inclusive” to get the real pulse of the majority of locals.
“Why is civil society doubtful? Throughout the whole process, from its inception in the Provincial Board to deliberations in Congress, we have never been invited to present our side much less interpolate this legislation, despite PNNI’s board resolution opposing the same,” Chan said.
Critics: pandemic negates geography bottleneck
On June 26, 2019, One Palawan took its case to the Supreme Court, hoping a writ of prohibition would render Republic Act 11259 null and void.
The coalition alleges the law contains provisions that go against the Philippine Constitution and the Local Government Code, including amendments to the natural wealth-sharing agreement, non-consultation of the general public, and exclusion of Puerto Princesa residents in the consultation and in the plebiscite.
The court has yet to decide on the petition. One Palawan also launched an online petition nearly two years ago that has since gathered more than 48,000 signatures. On the ground, residents are split over whether to divide. But with the cancellation of the vote amid the pandemic, residents have more time to consider the move, groups say.
For the indigenous Palaw’an tribe, their decision rests on easy access to public goods and services, infrastructure and industry development, and a steady stream of cash income, among other benefits touted by pro-division groups. But what’s missing, they say, are the trade-offs.
“We want quick access to government services, but we fear that the division plan could negatively affect the way of life of marginalized locals, especially like us natives,” said tribe leader Calman, who is also the president of the Organization of Indigenous People for Action in Palawan. “If aggressive development creeps into this biodiverse mountain range where we live, that could result in the demise of our cultural traditions deeply rooted in the forest.”
The pandemic is also a good time to assess the efficiency of local governments in deploying services to villages in a time of crisis, One Palawan’s Del Rosario says. It also highlights the importance of having unified governance in the deployment of services at such a time, she says.
The pandemic has pushed public officials, from the provincial down to the barangay level, rushing to the aid of their constituents, including indigenous peoples. “Geography isn’t the challenge but political will,” Del Rosario said, adding that political will is what ensures goods and financial assistance can reach even the remotest sites in the province.
“The crisis also shows the people that the quality of leaders they put in office actually matters,” Del Rosario said. “Some local officials have excelled in delivering assistance to their communities while some were just a big disappointment. It also shows that the [current] system in delivering basic services is already in place, underscoring the barangays for being pivotal in the fight against COVID-19.”
Calman and other Palaw’an natives say they are wary that the division plan may open up their home — the “mother province” — to the rest of the world, an unwelcome development they regard as a threat to their culture and survival.
“Now that there’s this contagion, we impose our own lockdown to ensure all of us would survive,” Calman said. “When this is over, the plan might push through. And if it really happens, we expect to see more people, especially from foreign countries who may bring in diseases our body system cannot fight off. This may not be the last pandemic we would experience. What would our future be if there’d be another?” – Rappler.com
https://www.rappler.com/nation/260590-pandemic-lockdown-gives-philippine-province-time-rethink-planned-split-up
Senate reporters urge House to act immediately on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal
By Richa Noriega
Journalists covering the Senate urged the House of Representatives on Monday to act immediately on the renewal of ABS-CBN Corporation’s franchise following its shutdown last week.
“Our congressmen led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, and head of the committee of legislative franchises Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, should immediately schedule this for a hearing,” the reporters said in a solidarity statement.
“To say that the House members in the past should be blamed for failing to act on the franchise only means that, all the more, sitting congressmen should immediately act on the application,” they added.
The Senate reporters said that “protecting press freedom, public access to timely and accurate information, and the right to a decent livelihood” must prevail over whatever agenda or interests of the congressman may have.
They appealed to the justices of the Supreme Court to “act expeditiously” on the petition filed by the media network.
The reporters also expressed dismay to the officials of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for violating the right of the network to due process.
The reporters underscored that the shutdown of network not only adversely affected its employees, but also those in allied industries amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“So, what are you waiting for? Set the date for the hearing. The public is waiting,” they added.
Last May 5, the NTC issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN after its legislative franchise expired on May 4.
The NTC directed ABS-CBN to stop operating its television and radio broadcasting stations nationwide, citing absence of a valid congressional franchise required for the network to continue operating.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/11/senate-reporters-urge-house-to-act-immediately-on-abs-cbns-franchise-renewal/
Journalists covering the Senate urged the House of Representatives on Monday to act immediately on the renewal of ABS-CBN Corporation’s franchise following its shutdown last week.
“Our congressmen led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, and head of the committee of legislative franchises Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, should immediately schedule this for a hearing,” the reporters said in a solidarity statement.
“To say that the House members in the past should be blamed for failing to act on the franchise only means that, all the more, sitting congressmen should immediately act on the application,” they added.
The Senate reporters said that “protecting press freedom, public access to timely and accurate information, and the right to a decent livelihood” must prevail over whatever agenda or interests of the congressman may have.
They appealed to the justices of the Supreme Court to “act expeditiously” on the petition filed by the media network.
The reporters also expressed dismay to the officials of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for violating the right of the network to due process.
The reporters underscored that the shutdown of network not only adversely affected its employees, but also those in allied industries amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“So, what are you waiting for? Set the date for the hearing. The public is waiting,” they added.
Last May 5, the NTC issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN after its legislative franchise expired on May 4.
The NTC directed ABS-CBN to stop operating its television and radio broadcasting stations nationwide, citing absence of a valid congressional franchise required for the network to continue operating.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/11/senate-reporters-urge-house-to-act-immediately-on-abs-cbns-franchise-renewal/
Monday, May 11, 2020
PNP backs bill seeking 15K population limit for barangays
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday expressed support to the measure that seeks to limit the population of all barangays in the country to 20,000.
“By limiting the population of each barangay to 20,000, we are enabling the smallest unit of local government with uniform standard of governance to enforce local ordinances,” PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement sent to reporters.
He said the proposal will help in the enforcement of modern policing systems aided by technology that factors geographical information and demographics with crime data as a basis for the deployment of forces.
"We firmly believe in the wisdom of local government autonomy and devolution of power as provided under the Local Government Code. Yet we also look with great optimism at better prospects for public safety and law enforcement under this proposed legislation,” he said.
He added that the bill supports the government's program to decongest the urban centers by introducing development and equal opportunities to the provinces.
House Bill 6686, authored by Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, seeks an amendment to the Local Government Code to limit the population of every barangay to 20,000, to enable faster and more efficient delivery of essential services.
The bill is still pending with the House committee on local government.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102450
“By limiting the population of each barangay to 20,000, we are enabling the smallest unit of local government with uniform standard of governance to enforce local ordinances,” PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement sent to reporters.
He said the proposal will help in the enforcement of modern policing systems aided by technology that factors geographical information and demographics with crime data as a basis for the deployment of forces.
"We firmly believe in the wisdom of local government autonomy and devolution of power as provided under the Local Government Code. Yet we also look with great optimism at better prospects for public safety and law enforcement under this proposed legislation,” he said.
He added that the bill supports the government's program to decongest the urban centers by introducing development and equal opportunities to the provinces.
House Bill 6686, authored by Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, seeks an amendment to the Local Government Code to limit the population of every barangay to 20,000, to enable faster and more efficient delivery of essential services.
The bill is still pending with the House committee on local government.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102450
PNP backs proposal to limit barangay population to 15,000
By Aaron Recuenco
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is supporting proposal to limit the population of all barangays, especially in urban areas, to a maximum of 15,000.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the proposal under House Bill 6686 being pushed by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers is big boost in terms of manageability of peace and order agenda of the police.
“By limiting the population of each Barangay to 15,000 we are enabling the smallest unit of local government with uniform standard of governance to enforce local ordinances,” said Banac.
“The proposed measure also syncs well with modern policing systems aided by technology that factors geographical information and demographics with crime data as bases for deployment of forces,” he added.
Barbers made the proposal with the government’s response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) at the backdrop. He cited the delay in the distribution of relief items and cash assistance as one of the major reasons there is a need to restructure the barangays.
Experts, however, attributed the delay to lack of systematic distribution plan that include updated list of the poor, as well as the distrust on barangay officials.
The restructuring of barangay by setting its population limit is expected to result in the creation of more barangays, which means that more barangay officials would be elected.
But for Banac, the proposal is an advantage as far as public safety and law enforcement are concerned.
‘The long term implementation of this law further supports the program of government to decongest the urban centers by introducing development and equal opportunities to the provinces,” said Banac.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/11/pnp-backs-proposal-to-limit-barangay-population-to-15000/
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is supporting proposal to limit the population of all barangays, especially in urban areas, to a maximum of 15,000.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the proposal under House Bill 6686 being pushed by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers is big boost in terms of manageability of peace and order agenda of the police.
“By limiting the population of each Barangay to 15,000 we are enabling the smallest unit of local government with uniform standard of governance to enforce local ordinances,” said Banac.
“The proposed measure also syncs well with modern policing systems aided by technology that factors geographical information and demographics with crime data as bases for deployment of forces,” he added.
Barbers made the proposal with the government’s response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) at the backdrop. He cited the delay in the distribution of relief items and cash assistance as one of the major reasons there is a need to restructure the barangays.
Experts, however, attributed the delay to lack of systematic distribution plan that include updated list of the poor, as well as the distrust on barangay officials.
The restructuring of barangay by setting its population limit is expected to result in the creation of more barangays, which means that more barangay officials would be elected.
But for Banac, the proposal is an advantage as far as public safety and law enforcement are concerned.
‘The long term implementation of this law further supports the program of government to decongest the urban centers by introducing development and equal opportunities to the provinces,” said Banac.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/11/pnp-backs-proposal-to-limit-barangay-population-to-15000/
PNP backs House bill on barangay population limit
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is supporting House Bill 6686 that seeks to limit the population of each barangay to 15,000 in all urban areas in the country, to “sync well” with modern policing systems.
“We firmly believe in the wisdom of local government autonomy and devolution of power as provided under the Local Government Code. Yet we also look with great optimism at better prospects for public safety and law enforcement under this proposed legislation,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement on Monday.
“The proposed measure also syncs well with modern policing systems aided by technology that factors geographical information and demographics with crime data as bases for deployment of forces,” he added.
The bill was filed by Surigao del Norte Second District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, seeking to amend Section 386 of The Local Government Code of 1991 which imposes a minimum requirement of 2,000 inhabitants for a barangay to be created, except in Metro Manila and other highly-urbanized areas where barangays should have at least 5,000 inhabitants.
Banac said that limiting the population of each barangay to 15,000 residents will “enable the smallest unit of local government with a uniform standard of governance to enforce local ordinances.”
He said that the long term implementation of the measure once it becomes a law supports the program of the government to decongest urban areas by introducing development and equal opportunities to the provinces.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1272890/pnp-on-house-bill-seeking-to-limit-population-in-barangays
“We firmly believe in the wisdom of local government autonomy and devolution of power as provided under the Local Government Code. Yet we also look with great optimism at better prospects for public safety and law enforcement under this proposed legislation,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement on Monday.
“The proposed measure also syncs well with modern policing systems aided by technology that factors geographical information and demographics with crime data as bases for deployment of forces,” he added.
The bill was filed by Surigao del Norte Second District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, seeking to amend Section 386 of The Local Government Code of 1991 which imposes a minimum requirement of 2,000 inhabitants for a barangay to be created, except in Metro Manila and other highly-urbanized areas where barangays should have at least 5,000 inhabitants.
Banac said that limiting the population of each barangay to 15,000 residents will “enable the smallest unit of local government with a uniform standard of governance to enforce local ordinances.”
He said that the long term implementation of the measure once it becomes a law supports the program of the government to decongest urban areas by introducing development and equal opportunities to the provinces.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1272890/pnp-on-house-bill-seeking-to-limit-population-in-barangays
No plebiscite on new Palawan provinces soon
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has not yet decided on a new date for the suspended plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan. Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon hinted that there might be no plebiscite until after the COVID-19 crisis subsides.
“The plebiscite in Palawan will push through months from now if the province is not on lockdown,” Guanzon said. President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11259 on April 5 dividing Palawan into the provinces of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur, but the plebiscite was postponed. —TINA G. SANTOS
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1272775/no-plebiscite-on-new-palawan-provinces-soon
“The plebiscite in Palawan will push through months from now if the province is not on lockdown,” Guanzon said. President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11259 on April 5 dividing Palawan into the provinces of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur, but the plebiscite was postponed. —TINA G. SANTOS
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1272775/no-plebiscite-on-new-palawan-provinces-soon
No date set for Palawan plebiscite
The plebiscite for the division of Palawan into three provinces may have to wait a while longer, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said over the weekend.
The poll body has yet to decide on a new date for the holding of the plebiscite after it was postponed last month.
“We, @COMELEC En Banc, has not announced a plebiscite in Palawan in May. Please wait for official announcement,” Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon posted on Twitter.
The Comelec is being swamped with queries as to when it will hold the plebiscite, which was originally set today.
The plebiscite will ratify Republic Act 11259, which provided for the creation of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur.
Guanzon said the Comelec is unlikely to conduct any plebiscite until the community quarantine is over.
“The plebiscite in Palawan will push through months from now if the province is not on lockdown,” she said.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/05/11/2013155/no-date-set-palawan-plebiscite
The poll body has yet to decide on a new date for the holding of the plebiscite after it was postponed last month.
“We, @COMELEC En Banc, has not announced a plebiscite in Palawan in May. Please wait for official announcement,” Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon posted on Twitter.
The Comelec is being swamped with queries as to when it will hold the plebiscite, which was originally set today.
The plebiscite will ratify Republic Act 11259, which provided for the creation of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur.
Guanzon said the Comelec is unlikely to conduct any plebiscite until the community quarantine is over.
“The plebiscite in Palawan will push through months from now if the province is not on lockdown,” she said.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/05/11/2013155/no-date-set-palawan-plebiscite
ABS-CBN ‘thankful’ for support, hopeful of Congress action on franchise application
NETWORK giant ABS-CBN expressed its gratitude for the overwhelming support it has received from its kapamilya (family) and trusts that “Congress will be able to act on our pending [franchise] application at the soonest possible time.”
In a statement on Sunday, the network was also thankful for the efforts of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, in ensuring its continuous operations, amid the corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“This is a challenging time for the network,” ABS-CBN’s statement wrote. “But we have found strength and inspiration in the many acts of kindness and support shown to us by the public. Thank you for letting us know we matter to you. In return, we reiterate our commitment to continue to be in your service,” the network said.
ABS-CBN’s free television and radio services were cut on Tuesday, after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order amid a quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General, citing the network’s violation of the 1987 Constitution on foreign ownership.
TeleRadyo on DZMM is currently airing via the internet and cable while some channels affiliated with the TV station were leased to other broadcast networks across the country.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/10/news/latest-stories/abs-cbn-thankful-for-support-hopeful-of-congress-action-on-franchise-application/723952/
In a statement on Sunday, the network was also thankful for the efforts of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, in ensuring its continuous operations, amid the corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“This is a challenging time for the network,” ABS-CBN’s statement wrote. “But we have found strength and inspiration in the many acts of kindness and support shown to us by the public. Thank you for letting us know we matter to you. In return, we reiterate our commitment to continue to be in your service,” the network said.
ABS-CBN’s free television and radio services were cut on Tuesday, after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order amid a quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General, citing the network’s violation of the 1987 Constitution on foreign ownership.
TeleRadyo on DZMM is currently airing via the internet and cable while some channels affiliated with the TV station were leased to other broadcast networks across the country.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/10/news/latest-stories/abs-cbn-thankful-for-support-hopeful-of-congress-action-on-franchise-application/723952/
ABS-CBN optimistic on franchise renewal
ABS-CBN Corp. expressed optimism that Congress would immediately act on its franchise renewal after it was told to shut down last week.
“We trust that Congress will be able to act on our pending application for a franchise renewal at the soonest possible time,” the broadcast giant said in a statement yesterday.
“We are thankful for the efforts of both the House and the Senate leaderships to ensure that the network will continue to operate while the bills are being deliberated upon,” it said.
ABS-CBN said it is unfortunate that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) still issued a cease and desist order prohibiting the company from continuing its broadcast operations despite Senate Resolution No. 40, the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises’ letter, and the favorable legal opinion of the Department of Justice.
The media giant, however, said it is grateful for the overwhelming support it has received from the public.
“This is a challenging time for the network. But we have found strength and inspiration in the many acts of kindness and support shown to us by the public,” it said.
With its services needed the most during this pandemic, ABS-CBN reiterated its commitment to continue to be at the service of the public.
ABS-CBN went off the air last Tuesday night in compliance with a cease and desist order issued by the NTC following the expiration of the network’s franchise on Monday.
The order covered five AM radio stations, 18 FM stations, and 42 television stations of ABS-CBN nationwide.
On Thursday, the company filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Supreme Court to nullify and set aside the May 5 cease and desist order.
ABS-CBN said the NTC violated the company’s right to due process by issuing a cease and desist order without notice and hearing, and by ignoring the serious and irreparable damage that the order will inflict on the company and thousands of its employees.
The NTC, however, said last Friday that it considered the issue of freedom of speech and expression as well as the number of employees that would be adversely affected by its decision ordering the closure of ABS-CBN. – Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/05/11/2013194/abs-cbn-optimistic-franchise-renewal
“We trust that Congress will be able to act on our pending application for a franchise renewal at the soonest possible time,” the broadcast giant said in a statement yesterday.
“We are thankful for the efforts of both the House and the Senate leaderships to ensure that the network will continue to operate while the bills are being deliberated upon,” it said.
ABS-CBN said it is unfortunate that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) still issued a cease and desist order prohibiting the company from continuing its broadcast operations despite Senate Resolution No. 40, the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises’ letter, and the favorable legal opinion of the Department of Justice.
The media giant, however, said it is grateful for the overwhelming support it has received from the public.
“This is a challenging time for the network. But we have found strength and inspiration in the many acts of kindness and support shown to us by the public,” it said.
With its services needed the most during this pandemic, ABS-CBN reiterated its commitment to continue to be at the service of the public.
ABS-CBN went off the air last Tuesday night in compliance with a cease and desist order issued by the NTC following the expiration of the network’s franchise on Monday.
The order covered five AM radio stations, 18 FM stations, and 42 television stations of ABS-CBN nationwide.
On Thursday, the company filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Supreme Court to nullify and set aside the May 5 cease and desist order.
ABS-CBN said the NTC violated the company’s right to due process by issuing a cease and desist order without notice and hearing, and by ignoring the serious and irreparable damage that the order will inflict on the company and thousands of its employees.
The NTC, however, said last Friday that it considered the issue of freedom of speech and expression as well as the number of employees that would be adversely affected by its decision ordering the closure of ABS-CBN. – Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/05/11/2013194/abs-cbn-optimistic-franchise-renewal
Sunday, May 10, 2020
ABS-CBN grateful for public support as network bats for franchise renewal
Since regulators handed a cease and desist order on ABS-CBN's broadcast operations last May 5, supporters of the network have flooded social media with messages of solidarity. The network on Sunday released a statement thanking the public. Here is ABS-CBN's statement in full:
STATEMENT OF ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN is grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our Kapamilya.
We trust that Congress will be able to act on our pending application for a franchise renewal at the soonest possible time. We are thankful for the efforts of both the House and the Senate leaderships to ensure that the network will continue to operate while the bills are being deliberated upon. During this pandemic, our services are needed most.
It is unfortunate that despite Senate Resolution No. 40, the House of Representatives' committee on legislative franchises' letter, and the favorable legal opinion of the Department of Justice, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) still issued their cease and desist order prohibiting ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately.
This is a challenging time for the network. But we have found strength and inspiration in the many acts of kindness and support shown to us by the public. Thank you for letting us know that we matter to you. In return, we reiterate our commitment to continue to be in your service. Maraming salamat po, mga Kapamilya!
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/10/20/abs-cbn-grateful-for-public-support-as-network-bats-for-franchise-renewal
STATEMENT OF ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN is grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our Kapamilya.
We trust that Congress will be able to act on our pending application for a franchise renewal at the soonest possible time. We are thankful for the efforts of both the House and the Senate leaderships to ensure that the network will continue to operate while the bills are being deliberated upon. During this pandemic, our services are needed most.
It is unfortunate that despite Senate Resolution No. 40, the House of Representatives' committee on legislative franchises' letter, and the favorable legal opinion of the Department of Justice, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) still issued their cease and desist order prohibiting ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately.
This is a challenging time for the network. But we have found strength and inspiration in the many acts of kindness and support shown to us by the public. Thank you for letting us know that we matter to you. In return, we reiterate our commitment to continue to be in your service. Maraming salamat po, mga Kapamilya!
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/10/20/abs-cbn-grateful-for-public-support-as-network-bats-for-franchise-renewal
No date yet for Palawan plebiscite — Comelec
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the poll body has no decision yet as to when the plebiscite in Palawan will be held.
“No date has been decided yet by the @COMELEC as to when will be the plebiscite in Palawan,” she said in her Twitter account @rowena_guanzon.
Guanzon said the plebiscite in Palawan will push through months from now if the province is not on lockdown.
She added that the plebiscite will be held when it is already safe to conduct it.
“We have to wait until it is safe. To ensure that people can cast their votes without fear of contamination,” Guanzon said.
It was last month when the Comelec suspended the May 11, 2020 plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon.
The en banc agreed with the recommendation of its Law Department that holding of a free and honest plebiscite on May 11, 2020 is impossible at the height of the spread of the COVID-19.
“In a health crisis as the COVID-19, the Commission is more importantly mandated to protect not only its personnel but the registered voters of the 23 municipalities of the province of Palawan,” the Law Department said in its recommendation.
The Law Department also said that it is logistically impossible to deploy personnel and election paraphernalia necessary for the conduct of the plebiscite.
According to the poll body, pursuant to Section 5 of the Omnibus Election Code, the plebiscite shall be postponed to a date which should be reasonably close to May 11, 2020 but not later than 30 days after the cessation of the cause for such postponement or until the ECQ is lifted.
The poll body set the conduct of the plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur on May 11 last November.
This is in accordance to Republic Act No. 11259 which provides that the plebiscite should be held on the second Monday of May 2020.
RA 11259 was signed into law by President Duterte in April last year.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/10/no-date-yet-for-palawan-plebiscite-comelec/
“No date has been decided yet by the @COMELEC as to when will be the plebiscite in Palawan,” she said in her Twitter account @rowena_guanzon.
Guanzon said the plebiscite in Palawan will push through months from now if the province is not on lockdown.
She added that the plebiscite will be held when it is already safe to conduct it.
“We have to wait until it is safe. To ensure that people can cast their votes without fear of contamination,” Guanzon said.
It was last month when the Comelec suspended the May 11, 2020 plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon.
The en banc agreed with the recommendation of its Law Department that holding of a free and honest plebiscite on May 11, 2020 is impossible at the height of the spread of the COVID-19.
“In a health crisis as the COVID-19, the Commission is more importantly mandated to protect not only its personnel but the registered voters of the 23 municipalities of the province of Palawan,” the Law Department said in its recommendation.
The Law Department also said that it is logistically impossible to deploy personnel and election paraphernalia necessary for the conduct of the plebiscite.
According to the poll body, pursuant to Section 5 of the Omnibus Election Code, the plebiscite shall be postponed to a date which should be reasonably close to May 11, 2020 but not later than 30 days after the cessation of the cause for such postponement or until the ECQ is lifted.
The poll body set the conduct of the plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur on May 11 last November.
This is in accordance to Republic Act No. 11259 which provides that the plebiscite should be held on the second Monday of May 2020.
RA 11259 was signed into law by President Duterte in April last year.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/10/no-date-yet-for-palawan-plebiscite-comelec/
CBCP calls for resumption of ABS-CBN operations
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) weighed in on the ABS-CBN Corp. issue, saying it should be allowed to resume regular operations for the sake of its employees and the public.
Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, CBCP president, said the suspension of the network’s operations affected more than 11,000 employees and their families, and it might lead to the workers’ permanent job displacement.
He added that the government should consider the welfare of common people, saying also that his thoughts were with the employees displaced amid these “extremely difficult and trying times.”
Valles also said he hoped “that the media giant may be allowed to resume its broadcast the soonest to the benefit of our people.”
“I sincerely hope and pray that our government, especially our Congress, will work together to resolve the issue.”
During this health crisis, people need information more than ever, Valles said.
The network went off-air after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order on May 4 when ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise expired.
Despite the NTC’s order, ABS-CBN has been using the frequency of another broadcaster that allows it to air four of its digital-television channels.
Meanwhile, the franchise renewal remains pending in the House of Representatives.
The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (ESCS) also urged the legislators “to act expeditiously and judiciously” on the renewal.
“And we hope that the lawmakers do the same on all the other franchise applications of other media networks already on their desk for passing and renewal,” said ECSC Chairman Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit of Boac.
“We value and uphold press freedom, and thus believe that the delay of renewal and the closure of any recognized media channel jeopardize this same freedom and deprive our people of their right to access news and information,” he said.
The Association of Major Religious in the Philippines said, “These are dangerous times for democracy which call for courage and vigilance. We wait for the resurrection of the ABS-CBN.”
ABS-CBN on digital TV
In a statement issued on Saturday, ABS-CBN said it had leased airtime from unnamed broadcasters in Metro Manila, Laguna, Iloilo, Bacolod and some parts of Baguio through a block-time arrangement.
The lease allows the network to air its movie channel Cinemo, kids’ channel Yey, news channel DZMM “Teleradyo,” and pay-per-view movie service Kapamilya Box Office (KBO).
“The TVplus box, which is a digital receiver, allows viewers to watch other free to air channels as long as they broadcast on digital signal,” the announcement said.
Its cable news channel, ANC, continues to air despite the shutdown, as it is not covered by the order that only regulates public airwaves.
Its national news program, “TV Patrol,” resumed airing on Thursday on ANC, as well as on its social media pages, reaching a total of 8.3 million views on Facebook and 870,737 views on YouTube, the statement said.
The network also announced that “TV Patrol” would also air on Teleradyo and Cinemo channels on TVplus, in addition to the platforms mentioned earlier.
The network has appealed to the public for understanding as it continues to resolve its issues in order for them to resume operations while urging congress to resolve its franchise renewal.
Up to Congress to abolish NTC
Also on Saturday, Malacañang reiterated that it was neutral in the franchise issue, addressing calls to abolish the NTC saying that only Congress had the power to do that.
In a virtual press briefing, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the Constitution was clear in saying that only Congress could give a franchise, and that no other government body has that power.
ABS-CBN has filed for a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court, and Roque said the public should wait for its reply.
The spokesman was reacting to the statement by House Minority Leader and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who had filed a bill to abolish the NTC.
Abante cited the NTC’s “failure all these years to involve sanctions against the companies poorly serving the people’s telecommunications needs.”
“Our National Telecommunications Commission, supposedly in charge of regulating and promoting the telecommunications industry has turned out to be one of the most inept and useless agencies whose only relevance lies in being another model for sheer wastage of taxpayer money,” congressman wrote in his explanatory note.
“But the latest act of the NTC in issuing a cease and desist order against broadcast company ABS-CBN is a slap in the face of Congress and an outright act of defiance,” he added.
With reports from RED MENDOZA AND CATHERINE S. VALENTE
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/10/news/top-stories/cbcp-calls-for-resumption-of-abs-cbn-operations/723846/
Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, CBCP president, said the suspension of the network’s operations affected more than 11,000 employees and their families, and it might lead to the workers’ permanent job displacement.
He added that the government should consider the welfare of common people, saying also that his thoughts were with the employees displaced amid these “extremely difficult and trying times.”
Valles also said he hoped “that the media giant may be allowed to resume its broadcast the soonest to the benefit of our people.”
“I sincerely hope and pray that our government, especially our Congress, will work together to resolve the issue.”
During this health crisis, people need information more than ever, Valles said.
The network went off-air after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order on May 4 when ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise expired.
Despite the NTC’s order, ABS-CBN has been using the frequency of another broadcaster that allows it to air four of its digital-television channels.
Meanwhile, the franchise renewal remains pending in the House of Representatives.
The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (ESCS) also urged the legislators “to act expeditiously and judiciously” on the renewal.
“And we hope that the lawmakers do the same on all the other franchise applications of other media networks already on their desk for passing and renewal,” said ECSC Chairman Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit of Boac.
“We value and uphold press freedom, and thus believe that the delay of renewal and the closure of any recognized media channel jeopardize this same freedom and deprive our people of their right to access news and information,” he said.
The Association of Major Religious in the Philippines said, “These are dangerous times for democracy which call for courage and vigilance. We wait for the resurrection of the ABS-CBN.”
ABS-CBN on digital TV
In a statement issued on Saturday, ABS-CBN said it had leased airtime from unnamed broadcasters in Metro Manila, Laguna, Iloilo, Bacolod and some parts of Baguio through a block-time arrangement.
The lease allows the network to air its movie channel Cinemo, kids’ channel Yey, news channel DZMM “Teleradyo,” and pay-per-view movie service Kapamilya Box Office (KBO).
“The TVplus box, which is a digital receiver, allows viewers to watch other free to air channels as long as they broadcast on digital signal,” the announcement said.
Its cable news channel, ANC, continues to air despite the shutdown, as it is not covered by the order that only regulates public airwaves.
Its national news program, “TV Patrol,” resumed airing on Thursday on ANC, as well as on its social media pages, reaching a total of 8.3 million views on Facebook and 870,737 views on YouTube, the statement said.
The network also announced that “TV Patrol” would also air on Teleradyo and Cinemo channels on TVplus, in addition to the platforms mentioned earlier.
The network has appealed to the public for understanding as it continues to resolve its issues in order for them to resume operations while urging congress to resolve its franchise renewal.
Up to Congress to abolish NTC
Also on Saturday, Malacañang reiterated that it was neutral in the franchise issue, addressing calls to abolish the NTC saying that only Congress had the power to do that.
In a virtual press briefing, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the Constitution was clear in saying that only Congress could give a franchise, and that no other government body has that power.
ABS-CBN has filed for a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court, and Roque said the public should wait for its reply.
The spokesman was reacting to the statement by House Minority Leader and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who had filed a bill to abolish the NTC.
Abante cited the NTC’s “failure all these years to involve sanctions against the companies poorly serving the people’s telecommunications needs.”
“Our National Telecommunications Commission, supposedly in charge of regulating and promoting the telecommunications industry has turned out to be one of the most inept and useless agencies whose only relevance lies in being another model for sheer wastage of taxpayer money,” congressman wrote in his explanatory note.
“But the latest act of the NTC in issuing a cease and desist order against broadcast company ABS-CBN is a slap in the face of Congress and an outright act of defiance,” he added.
With reports from RED MENDOZA AND CATHERINE S. VALENTE
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/05/10/news/top-stories/cbcp-calls-for-resumption-of-abs-cbn-operations/723846/
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Dismayado sa NTC, Aragones umaasang matatalakay na sa Kamara ang ABS-CBN franchise
Malaki ang paniwala ni Laguna 3rd District Rep. Sol Aragones na matatalakay pa ang usapin hinggil sa franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN sa mga nalalabing araw ng sesyon sa Kamara.
“Mayroon pa kaming halos isang buwan na session so I think enough 'yung session na 'yun para magkaroon ng hearing at madinig ito at finally maibigay na 'yung franchise ng ABS,” pahayag ni Aragones, isang dating mamamahayag sa network.
Bagamat ang pagdinig dito ay hindi pa naika-kalendaryo, umaasa si Aragones na mabibigyang puwang ang pagtalakay dito sa susunod na linggo.
“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong naririnig na schedule ng hearing pero nagpa-followup tayo at umaasa tayo na sana by next week, lumarga na ito at matapos na at maibigay na ang franchise ng ABS-CBN,” pahayag ni Aragones sa panayam sa DZMM Teleradyo Sabado ng umaga.
Inamin ni Aragones na maging siya ay nagulat at nadismaya sa naging desisyon ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) nang mag-isyu ng cease and desist order para patigilin ang broadcast operation ng radio at television stations ng Kapamilya network.
Ito'y matapos mapaso ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN noong Mayo 4 dahil nakabinbin ang franchise renewal nito sa House of Representatives mula pa noong 2014.
“Naging emosyonal, kasi matinding gulat at disappointment sa nangyaring iyon kasi nandoon din ako nung hearing ng Committee on Franchise nung nandoon ang NTC at talagang rinig na rinig ko at kitang-kita ko kung paano nila sinabi na bibigyan ng provisional authority para magpatuloy sa ere itong ABS-CBN,” sabi niya.
Inaasahan din aniya nilang tutugon ang NTC sa ipinangako nito noong pagdinig sa Kongreso noong Marso 10.
“Ini-expect ko nung araw na 'yun ay lalabas 'yung provisional authority, nagulat ako baligtad pala, ang lumabas 'yung cease and desist order. Nakakadismaya dahil ‘di sila tumupad sa hearing gayong on record 'yun at nasa minutes ng meeting kaya talagang medyo masakit yun,” sabi niya.
Giit din niya na sana man lamang ay nagbigay ng abiso ang NTC hinggil sa ‘di pagtalima sa nauna na nilang ipinangako.
“Ang haba ng panahon… March 10 'yun…tapos ‘di man lang kayo nag-abiso kung anong nangyayari tapos bulagaan ito na ito na pala ang mangyayari,” dagdag niya.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/09/20/dismayado-sa-ntc-aragones-umaasang-matatalakay-na-sa-kamara-ang-abs-cbn-franchise
“Mayroon pa kaming halos isang buwan na session so I think enough 'yung session na 'yun para magkaroon ng hearing at madinig ito at finally maibigay na 'yung franchise ng ABS,” pahayag ni Aragones, isang dating mamamahayag sa network.
Bagamat ang pagdinig dito ay hindi pa naika-kalendaryo, umaasa si Aragones na mabibigyang puwang ang pagtalakay dito sa susunod na linggo.
“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong naririnig na schedule ng hearing pero nagpa-followup tayo at umaasa tayo na sana by next week, lumarga na ito at matapos na at maibigay na ang franchise ng ABS-CBN,” pahayag ni Aragones sa panayam sa DZMM Teleradyo Sabado ng umaga.
Inamin ni Aragones na maging siya ay nagulat at nadismaya sa naging desisyon ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) nang mag-isyu ng cease and desist order para patigilin ang broadcast operation ng radio at television stations ng Kapamilya network.
Ito'y matapos mapaso ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN noong Mayo 4 dahil nakabinbin ang franchise renewal nito sa House of Representatives mula pa noong 2014.
“Naging emosyonal, kasi matinding gulat at disappointment sa nangyaring iyon kasi nandoon din ako nung hearing ng Committee on Franchise nung nandoon ang NTC at talagang rinig na rinig ko at kitang-kita ko kung paano nila sinabi na bibigyan ng provisional authority para magpatuloy sa ere itong ABS-CBN,” sabi niya.
Inaasahan din aniya nilang tutugon ang NTC sa ipinangako nito noong pagdinig sa Kongreso noong Marso 10.
“Ini-expect ko nung araw na 'yun ay lalabas 'yung provisional authority, nagulat ako baligtad pala, ang lumabas 'yung cease and desist order. Nakakadismaya dahil ‘di sila tumupad sa hearing gayong on record 'yun at nasa minutes ng meeting kaya talagang medyo masakit yun,” sabi niya.
Giit din niya na sana man lamang ay nagbigay ng abiso ang NTC hinggil sa ‘di pagtalima sa nauna na nilang ipinangako.
“Ang haba ng panahon… March 10 'yun…tapos ‘di man lang kayo nag-abiso kung anong nangyayari tapos bulagaan ito na ito na pala ang mangyayari,” dagdag niya.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/09/20/dismayado-sa-ntc-aragones-umaasang-matatalakay-na-sa-kamara-ang-abs-cbn-franchise
Friday, May 8, 2020
Possible contempt hounds NTC as Senate vows swift action on ABS-CBN franchise
While one senator says Senate will “not waste a moment” in acting on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, another is looking at the possibility of citing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in contempt for backtracking on its earlier pronouncements.
Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, said that the Senate will “not waste a moment” in tackling ABS-CBN’s bid to have its franchise renewed once it reaches the upper chamber.
“The Filipino people want to see the network back on air. To see is to believe,” Poe said in a statement.
“As Senate President Sotto vowed, the Senate will not waste a moment once the bill reaches the chamber, as this matter is imbued with public interest,” the senator added.
Poe made the remark after House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said that Congress “has no choice but to once again rise to the occasion and fix the mess others make.”
Sotto earlier said the Senate will approve ABS-CBN’s bid for franchise renewal.
“ABS Franchise, bring it to the Senate, we will approve it!” Sotto said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said that the NTC’s move to backtrack on its earlier pronouncement to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate could serve as a ground to have it cited for contempt.
“That’s why we are quite surprised and it can be a justification for contempt because at that point in time, he gave us a statement that we held and we used to guide us in our decision-making,” Gatchalian said in an interview.
Gatchalian recalled that NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba made a verbal commitment after getting the legal opinion of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra allowing ABS-CBN to operate while its franchise renewal bid is pending in Congress.
“Hindi ko makalimutan because that was the point of contention at that time. He (Cordoba) was relieved ang sabi niya, oh andito na pala ang DOJ, meron nang justification, therefore, we can issue a provisional authority,” Gatchalian said.
“That statement is a very important statement because that guided us the senators and also Congress in terms of how to approach this franchise and what process will we have to take in order to approve that franchise,” he added.
In the same light, Palawan 1st District Rep. Franz Alvarez, who chairs the House committee on legislative franchises, earlier said the NTC may be held for contempt for backtracking on its commitment to issue ABS-CBN a provisional authority.
“Posible po. On record sila, under oath sila nung sinabi na sila ay magi-issue ng provisional authority kaya gusto nating malaman, anong nangyari at bakim sila biglang nagbacktrack?” Alvarez said in a radio interview when asked if NTC’s order for ABS-CBN to stop its broadcast operations could serve as a basis for contempt.
Meanwhile, Senator Leila de Lima slammed presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s remark that President Rodrigo Duterte is “neutral” on the issue of ABS-CBN.
“‘Neutral’ lang daw si Duterte? This bully President not lifting a finger this time? Not even counter-manding either [Solicitor General Jose] Calida or NTC, which is perfectly within his powers to do? Duterte’s hypocritical stance of neutrality is so much of an insult to our intelligence,” De Lima said.
“Many times, we have been lied to and manipulated by, this President. And, each time, we let him get away with it. That is our national tragedy,” she added.
/MUF
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1271882/possible-contempt-hounds-ntc-as-senate-vows-swift-action-on-abs-cbn-franchise
Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, said that the Senate will “not waste a moment” in tackling ABS-CBN’s bid to have its franchise renewed once it reaches the upper chamber.
“The Filipino people want to see the network back on air. To see is to believe,” Poe said in a statement.
“As Senate President Sotto vowed, the Senate will not waste a moment once the bill reaches the chamber, as this matter is imbued with public interest,” the senator added.
Poe made the remark after House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said that Congress “has no choice but to once again rise to the occasion and fix the mess others make.”
Sotto earlier said the Senate will approve ABS-CBN’s bid for franchise renewal.
“ABS Franchise, bring it to the Senate, we will approve it!” Sotto said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said that the NTC’s move to backtrack on its earlier pronouncement to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate could serve as a ground to have it cited for contempt.
“That’s why we are quite surprised and it can be a justification for contempt because at that point in time, he gave us a statement that we held and we used to guide us in our decision-making,” Gatchalian said in an interview.
Gatchalian recalled that NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba made a verbal commitment after getting the legal opinion of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra allowing ABS-CBN to operate while its franchise renewal bid is pending in Congress.
“Hindi ko makalimutan because that was the point of contention at that time. He (Cordoba) was relieved ang sabi niya, oh andito na pala ang DOJ, meron nang justification, therefore, we can issue a provisional authority,” Gatchalian said.
“That statement is a very important statement because that guided us the senators and also Congress in terms of how to approach this franchise and what process will we have to take in order to approve that franchise,” he added.
In the same light, Palawan 1st District Rep. Franz Alvarez, who chairs the House committee on legislative franchises, earlier said the NTC may be held for contempt for backtracking on its commitment to issue ABS-CBN a provisional authority.
“Posible po. On record sila, under oath sila nung sinabi na sila ay magi-issue ng provisional authority kaya gusto nating malaman, anong nangyari at bakim sila biglang nagbacktrack?” Alvarez said in a radio interview when asked if NTC’s order for ABS-CBN to stop its broadcast operations could serve as a basis for contempt.
Meanwhile, Senator Leila de Lima slammed presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s remark that President Rodrigo Duterte is “neutral” on the issue of ABS-CBN.
“‘Neutral’ lang daw si Duterte? This bully President not lifting a finger this time? Not even counter-manding either [Solicitor General Jose] Calida or NTC, which is perfectly within his powers to do? Duterte’s hypocritical stance of neutrality is so much of an insult to our intelligence,” De Lima said.
“Many times, we have been lied to and manipulated by, this President. And, each time, we let him get away with it. That is our national tragedy,” she added.
/MUF
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1271882/possible-contempt-hounds-ntc-as-senate-vows-swift-action-on-abs-cbn-franchise
ABS-CBN losing P35 million per day as it goes off-air
ABS-CBN tells the Supreme Court it may also not be able to service its debts as it halts operations
ABS-CBN is losing around P30 million to P35 million every day that it is off the air.
In its petition for certiorari filed before the Supreme Court on Thursday, May 7, the media giant said its immediate losses, equivalent to over P1 billion a month, would be due to lack of advertising revenues. (READ: ABS-CBN to Supreme Court: NTC shutdown violates press freedom)
ABS-CBN added that it would incur a lot more and may not be able to service its debts.
“Because of the CDO (cease and desist order), ABS-CBN will not be able to service its debts, and this would constrain its creditors to require collateral for its loans,” ABS-CBN said.
“ABS-CBN has, in fact, already received a notice from a bank demanding such collateral. Its credit lines and letters of credit had already been adversely affected, thereby seriously hampering activities which require such financing,” it added.
ABS-CBN's financial problems come at a time when most Philippine businesses are bleeding cash amid the coronavirus crisis.
Due to the National Telecommunication Commission's order, ABS-CBN was forced to move some of its programs to its other platforms like Facebook and The Filipino Channel, as airing there do not require a congressional franchise.
The network added that the “injury” inflicted by the NTC's order may be “irreparable” and the network may not be able to recover from the losses.
ABS-CBN’s chief financial officer Ricardo Tan Jr earlier told the Inquirer that it will honor its debts.
“We have been in touch with our creditors and also assured them that we will be servicing all our debts according to the existing payment schedules,” Tan said in the article.
From January to September 2019, ABS-CBN’s net income stood at P2.36 billion, 45% higher year-on-year on the back of higher revenues of P32 billion.
Over half of the revenues came from advertising, which amounted to P17.11 billion.
As of the 3rd quarter of 2019, ABS-CBN’s long term debts to banks amounted to P21.2 billion, P259 million of which is due in 2020.
Despite the massive blow to its finances, ABS-CBN chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak committed to pay all of its 11,000 workers for the next 3 months and assured employees no one will be let go. This was confirmed by several news personalities and employees in various social media posts, as well as confirmation to Rappler.
Tthe Philippine Stock Exchange suspended trading of ABS-CBN shares following the NTC order.
The NTC ordered ABS-CBN to cease operations on Tuesday, May 5, as its franchise expired the day before. The NTC had promised in March that it would grant the network provisional authority to operate while Congress deliberated on bills seeking an ABS-CBN franchise renewal.
There were at least 9 bills pending in Congress for the media network's franchise renewal.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who has been blamed for the ABS-CBN shutdown because he had shelved the bills, on Friday pointed to Solicitor General Jose Calida and the NTC instead.
Two days before the NTC order, Calida warned it against granting ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate while the renewal of its franchise is pending in Congress. Calida had filed a quo warranto petition in February, seeking to stop ABS-CBN's operations.
The shutdown on May 5 has been met with criticism, with rights groups, media workers, labor groups, and lawmakers denouncing the move as abuse of power and a threat to press freedom.
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly slammed the network over alleged swindling and unfair election coverage, and had said that he would see to it that ABS-CBN would not get a franchise renewal.
https://www.rappler.com/business/260298-abs-cbn-losing-millions-per-day-off-air
ABS-CBN is losing around P30 million to P35 million every day that it is off the air.
In its petition for certiorari filed before the Supreme Court on Thursday, May 7, the media giant said its immediate losses, equivalent to over P1 billion a month, would be due to lack of advertising revenues. (READ: ABS-CBN to Supreme Court: NTC shutdown violates press freedom)
ABS-CBN added that it would incur a lot more and may not be able to service its debts.
“Because of the CDO (cease and desist order), ABS-CBN will not be able to service its debts, and this would constrain its creditors to require collateral for its loans,” ABS-CBN said.
“ABS-CBN has, in fact, already received a notice from a bank demanding such collateral. Its credit lines and letters of credit had already been adversely affected, thereby seriously hampering activities which require such financing,” it added.
ABS-CBN's financial problems come at a time when most Philippine businesses are bleeding cash amid the coronavirus crisis.
Due to the National Telecommunication Commission's order, ABS-CBN was forced to move some of its programs to its other platforms like Facebook and The Filipino Channel, as airing there do not require a congressional franchise.
The network added that the “injury” inflicted by the NTC's order may be “irreparable” and the network may not be able to recover from the losses.
ABS-CBN’s chief financial officer Ricardo Tan Jr earlier told the Inquirer that it will honor its debts.
“We have been in touch with our creditors and also assured them that we will be servicing all our debts according to the existing payment schedules,” Tan said in the article.
From January to September 2019, ABS-CBN’s net income stood at P2.36 billion, 45% higher year-on-year on the back of higher revenues of P32 billion.
Over half of the revenues came from advertising, which amounted to P17.11 billion.
As of the 3rd quarter of 2019, ABS-CBN’s long term debts to banks amounted to P21.2 billion, P259 million of which is due in 2020.
Despite the massive blow to its finances, ABS-CBN chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak committed to pay all of its 11,000 workers for the next 3 months and assured employees no one will be let go. This was confirmed by several news personalities and employees in various social media posts, as well as confirmation to Rappler.
Tthe Philippine Stock Exchange suspended trading of ABS-CBN shares following the NTC order.
The NTC ordered ABS-CBN to cease operations on Tuesday, May 5, as its franchise expired the day before. The NTC had promised in March that it would grant the network provisional authority to operate while Congress deliberated on bills seeking an ABS-CBN franchise renewal.
There were at least 9 bills pending in Congress for the media network's franchise renewal.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who has been blamed for the ABS-CBN shutdown because he had shelved the bills, on Friday pointed to Solicitor General Jose Calida and the NTC instead.
Two days before the NTC order, Calida warned it against granting ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate while the renewal of its franchise is pending in Congress. Calida had filed a quo warranto petition in February, seeking to stop ABS-CBN's operations.
The shutdown on May 5 has been met with criticism, with rights groups, media workers, labor groups, and lawmakers denouncing the move as abuse of power and a threat to press freedom.
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly slammed the network over alleged swindling and unfair election coverage, and had said that he would see to it that ABS-CBN would not get a franchise renewal.
https://www.rappler.com/business/260298-abs-cbn-losing-millions-per-day-off-air
Cayetano not blameless on ABS-CBN shutdown — Lagman
There’s no way that Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano could clear himself of the blame on the shutdown of ABS-CBN amid the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) cease and desist order, an opposition solon said Friday.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman made the remark after Cayetano broke his silence and slammed the “sudden flip-flopping” of the NTC and the “unconstitutional meddling” by Solicitor General Jose Calida on the regulatory body’s grant of provisional authority to operate to ABS-CBN, pending the approval of its franchise by congress.
In his first statement since the shutdown, Cayetano said that Congress “has no choice but to once again rise to the occasion and fix the mess others make.”
But Lagman was quick to call out the House leader, saying it was his inaction on the pending franchise renewal bills that had created the mess.
“It is utterly pretentious for Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to say that the passage of the franchise renewal will now be prioritized in order to ‘fix the mess’ which others made… Cayetano must not wash his hands and absolve himself of blame at the expense of others,” said Lagman in a statement.
“Cayetano himself made the mess by blindly kowtowing to President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated personal opposition to the renewal which unduly stalled the approval of the extension,” he added.
Lagman has been vocal with his stand that House should take the blame for ABS-CBN’s shutdown.
At one point, Lagman even said the NTC should not be used as a “scapegoat” for the failure of the House leadership to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“Moreover, Cayetano cited his own personal grievances against ABS-CBN to justify his temporizing on the consideration of the 12 pending bills (including for ABS-CBN Convergence Inc.) for renewal,” Lagman said.
“Cayetano must not wash his hands and absolve himself of blame at the expense of others. Admitting one’s fault is an earmark of true leadership,” the lawmaker added.
Despite this, Lagman said that the leadership of the lower chamber can still redeem itself by fast-tracking the approval of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“The leadership of the House of Representatives can redeem itself of its culpability in the ABS-CBN franchise fiasco by immediately fast-tracking the renewal of the giant network’s franchise,” Lagman said.
ABS-CBN has asked the Supreme Court to temporarily stop the implementation of the cease and desist order issued by the NTC which directed the network to stop its broadcast operations.
But if Congress will immediately approve ABS-CBN’s bid for a franchise renewal, this petition will just be moot, said Lagman.
“A swift congressional action extending ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years will render moot and academic the network’s petition before the Supreme Court to revoke the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the National Telecommunications Commission on May 5, 2020, which ABS-CBN complied with on the same day,” Lagman said.
“The renewal of the franchise will also foreclose the need for the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NTC’s CDO so that the network can resume operations even as such franchise renewal will quash the controversial CDO,” he added.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1271798/fwd-lagman-cayetano-must-not-wash-his-hands-and-absolve-himself-of-blame-at-others-expense
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman made the remark after Cayetano broke his silence and slammed the “sudden flip-flopping” of the NTC and the “unconstitutional meddling” by Solicitor General Jose Calida on the regulatory body’s grant of provisional authority to operate to ABS-CBN, pending the approval of its franchise by congress.
In his first statement since the shutdown, Cayetano said that Congress “has no choice but to once again rise to the occasion and fix the mess others make.”
But Lagman was quick to call out the House leader, saying it was his inaction on the pending franchise renewal bills that had created the mess.
“It is utterly pretentious for Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to say that the passage of the franchise renewal will now be prioritized in order to ‘fix the mess’ which others made… Cayetano must not wash his hands and absolve himself of blame at the expense of others,” said Lagman in a statement.
“Cayetano himself made the mess by blindly kowtowing to President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated personal opposition to the renewal which unduly stalled the approval of the extension,” he added.
Lagman has been vocal with his stand that House should take the blame for ABS-CBN’s shutdown.
At one point, Lagman even said the NTC should not be used as a “scapegoat” for the failure of the House leadership to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“Moreover, Cayetano cited his own personal grievances against ABS-CBN to justify his temporizing on the consideration of the 12 pending bills (including for ABS-CBN Convergence Inc.) for renewal,” Lagman said.
“Cayetano must not wash his hands and absolve himself of blame at the expense of others. Admitting one’s fault is an earmark of true leadership,” the lawmaker added.
Despite this, Lagman said that the leadership of the lower chamber can still redeem itself by fast-tracking the approval of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
“The leadership of the House of Representatives can redeem itself of its culpability in the ABS-CBN franchise fiasco by immediately fast-tracking the renewal of the giant network’s franchise,” Lagman said.
ABS-CBN has asked the Supreme Court to temporarily stop the implementation of the cease and desist order issued by the NTC which directed the network to stop its broadcast operations.
But if Congress will immediately approve ABS-CBN’s bid for a franchise renewal, this petition will just be moot, said Lagman.
“A swift congressional action extending ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years will render moot and academic the network’s petition before the Supreme Court to revoke the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the National Telecommunications Commission on May 5, 2020, which ABS-CBN complied with on the same day,” Lagman said.
“The renewal of the franchise will also foreclose the need for the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NTC’s CDO so that the network can resume operations even as such franchise renewal will quash the controversial CDO,” he added.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1271798/fwd-lagman-cayetano-must-not-wash-his-hands-and-absolve-himself-of-blame-at-others-expense
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