Cheers to long-kept traditions

Grand Hyatt Manila GM and AVP Gottfried Bogensperger and Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corp. president Hans Hauri.

Grand Hyatt Manila, the destination of choice for fun holidays and exciting events, recently celebrated the Lunar New Year with a series of thrilling activities. The hotel is under the notable leadership of Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corp. president Hans Hauri and Grand Hyatt Manila general manager and area vice president Gottfried Bogensperger.

The festivities included long-kept traditions like eye-dotting ceremony and lion dance, as well as some spectacular fireworks to bring in luck for the new year. Guests also enjoyed sweet dumplings in syrup and the exquisite cuisine Grand Hyatt Manila is known for.

Congratulations to Grand Hyatt Manila for a successful Lunar New Year celebration!

(Seated) Linda Lagdameo, Raquel Sta. Ines and Letty Lopez; (standing, from left) Gina Suarez, Maurita Arce, Rosa Francisco, Violet Luym and Baby Araneta.

A delightful reunion

An unforgettable and delightful reunion between life-long friends from Assumption College was held at Peking Garden in Makati City.

Organized by Linda Lagdameo, Marieliese Evaristo and Baby Araneta, the reunion was also an opportunity to celebrate the lives of their batch’s birthday celebrants.

With cheer spread throughout the room, each one whispered a prayer of thanks for the gifts of time and friendship.

A wonderful way to celebrate friendship, indeed!

TV TODAY

PTV-4

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• 06:00am Mat Yoyo S3 - EP 3
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• 06:00AM The Joy of Al
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https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/allure/2020/02/09/1991470/cheers-long-kept-traditions

Solons demand House action on ABS-CBN franchise

By Ellson Quismorio

Congressmen criticized on Sunday the supposed plan of the House leadership to let the effectivity of broadcast giant ABS-CBN’s current operating franchise expire before acting on pending bills to renew the franchise for another 25 years.

“We cannot just wash our hands of the bill. That would be tantamount to Congress renouncing its exclusive power to grant legislative franchises,” Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza said in a statement.

According to him, all 302 members of the House of Representatives should be given a chance to vote on the franchise renewal bills concerning the Lopez-owned network.

“The entire House should openly debate on the bill, and then vote on it. This will allow every member to be heard, and to freely decide on the franchise,” Atienza, a former three-term mayor of Manila, said.

While ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire on March 30 this year, the Committee really only has until March 11 to act on the pending measures since Congress will go on summer recess after that. The network has 11,000 employees.

All eyes are on the Committee on Legislative Franchises chaired Palawan 1st district Rep. Franz Alvarez, since the dozen or so bills seeking the franchise renewal have been referred to the panel. So far, it hasn’t calendared a hearing for the particular bills, despite the dwindling clock.

Atienza also rejected as a “pipedream” the claim of some of his colleagues that even without a renewed franchise, ABS-CBN could still operate until March 2022 by obtaining a two-year provisional authority from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

“That is a fantasy. The NTC will simply say we cannot possibly give you a provisional authority because the chief lawyer of the Republic wants to shut you down,” Atienza said, referring to Solicitor General Jose Calida’s quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court (SC) to forfeit the media network’s existing franchise.

Magdalo Party-List Rep. Manuel Cabochan III said that the time to act on the pending ABS-CBN measures is now.

“Why let the franchise effectivity lapse bago bigyan ng pansin? Trabaho din naman ng Kongreso to look into franchise renewals. Nakita na ang pangangailangan na aksiyonan ito, so sana trabahuhin na lang, wag ipagpaliban (Why let the franchise effectivity lapse before acting on it? It’s also the job of Congress to look into franchise renewals. We’ve seen the need to respond to this, so let’s just work on it instead of delay it),” Cabochan said.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said over the weekend that the chamber could begin tackling the franchise renewal bills in May after the summer recess, or in July, after President Duterte delivers his annual State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Outside the House of Representatives, more groups continued to assail Calida’s quo warranto petition against the giant network, saying it threatened the livelihood of thousands of families.

The Bantay Konsyumer, Kuryente, Kalsada (BK3); CitizenWatch Philippines (CWP); and the Democracy Watch Philippines (DWP) said the Office of the Solicitor General’s (OSG) court action against ABS-CBN “sends a negative message to investors, usurps the mandate of Congress, abuses power to silence the President’s critics, and disregards of the rule of law.”

BK3 said investors might hesitate to conduct business in the Philippines because regulations can change depending on the whim of sitting officials.

While Calida has denied Malacañang’s hand in his move, President Duterte has, on several occasions, publicly attacked ABS-CBN, supposedly for not airing his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential campaign, and threatened to cause the revocation of the network’s franchise.

In 2017, Duterte went on record that he was “willing to shake hands with” so long as the network devoted some air time to the promotion of federalism, which he was pushing at that time.”

According to CWP, the ABS-CBN franchise issue sets a dangerous precedent and is a disturbing trend following the Manila Water and Maynilad consortium agreement controversy.

The group said the issue will “cause a crisis of confidence in our regulatory environment being reckless and unstable.”

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/16/solons-demand-house-action-on-abs-cbn-franchise/

ABS-CBN to have ‘time and day’ in House for franchise renewal –solon

House Committee on Legislative Franchises Vice-Chair Tonypet Albano on Sunday assured ABS-CBN Corporation that it would have its "time and day" at the chamber for deliberations on the measures seeking its franchise's renewal.

In a statement, Albano echoed Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano's claim that timing was essential in dealing with the renewal of the broadcast giant's franchise due to its "complexities."

He maintained that although ABS-CBN's franchise was expiring on March 30, Congress had enough time to discuss it within the whole term of the 18th Congress, up to June 30, 2022, due to the pending bills.

"Therefore, it is imperative that the timing and scheduling for the committee hearing has to be perfect, right, and conducive... lest we sacrifice the station due to all these animosities and negative emotions that are hounding it today," Albano said.

"Worse, we suddenly might end up rejecting the network’s franchise to the detriment of the 11,000 employees and families that rely on the network for their very livelihood if we rush this," he added.

Albano also reiterated that the 18th Congress was not a rubber stamp of President Rodrigo Duterte, despite Duterte being their coalition leader.

The lawmaker added that they would merely listen to the President's statements, which they could either adopt or disregard.

"If we were really a rubber stamp of the President as our critics claim, then we should have just calendared the hearing of the ABS-CBN franchise and outright reject it due to the large number of complaints that the network is facing from politicians, businessmen, businesses, actors, producers, and many more," he said.

"Additionally, if indeed we are not independent-minded, why should we in the very strong house majority 'kowtow' when we have the numbers and can muster enough votes to vote out the franchise?" he added.

Albano said that scheduling the hearing for the ABS-CBN franchise bills for Monday did not guarantee its renewal. At the same time, each lawmaker also had their own pet national and local bills that were more pressing and took a lot of their time.

"Now, do we immediately calendar the ABS-CBN franchise bill when we have two more years to finish it, ahead of the above more important work affecting millions of our countrymen this very day and hour? Or should we prioritize our work in Congress to accommodate more pressing bills with important life-threatening situations?" he asked.

"There will be a proper time and timing for ABS-CBN to be heard in the Franchise committee with the intentions of having a thorough, fair and honest-to-good hearing. We intend to give ABS CBN its intended 'time and day' to answer all the critics, and to debate throughly on the merits of the case at hand, in order to make sure that the committee report is not only fair, but good for all stakeholders," he added.

Last Monday, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition seeking to revoke its franchise due to alleged foreign ownership and bypassing of authority of the NTC.

The ABS-CBN has maintained that it has not violated any law. — Erwin Colcol/DVM, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/726186/abs-cbn-to-have-time-and-day-in-congress-for-franchise-renewal-solon/story/

Beauty & Beyond

DMark Beauty Corp. made waves beyond Metro Manila as it brought its well-received “Beauty and Beyond, Anti-Aging and Aesthetics Workshop” to the culinary capital of the Philippines — Pampanga.

The workshop, held at the Choi Garden Restaurant of Royce Hotel in Clark, Pampanga, was led by hardworking “beautypreneur,” DMark Beauty Corp. and DermAsia Corp. CEO Nikki Tang and managing director Charles Mandy.

It was a wonderful day of discussing the latest trends and updates in anti-aging and aesthetics from the country’s top dermatologists.

Congratulations for another successful workshop, dear Nikki!

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/allure/2020/02/16/1993387/beauty-beyond

Drilon urges House to act on ABS-CBN franchise renewal

By Vanne Terrazola

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Saturday called on the House of Representatives to act on the legislative franchise of media and entertainment conglomerate ABS-CBN.

Drilon, in an interview over DWIZ radio, said public interest dictates that congressmen should take up the long-languishing bills seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which will expire on March 30.

“Mayroon tayong tungkulin (We have a duty). Nakabinbin ang franchise application, March 30 ang deadline (The franchise application is pending, and the deadline is on March 30). It is in the public interest that it should be acted upon,” he said.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday dismissed as “not that urgent” the discussions on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, saying the media giant may still operate until 2022.

He echoed Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano who earlier said that ABS-CBN could operate as long as bills extending or renewing its franchise are pending.

But Drilon, who was former Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary, maintained that a legislative franchise is needed for the company to continue doing business beyond March.

He recalled issuing an opinion, as DOJ chief, on June 20, 1991 stating that a certain radio station can continue to operate without a franchise from Congress.

“However, the Supreme Court (SC), in a case involving Associate Communications, said a franchise is needed [to continue operating],” he said in a  mix of English and Filipino.

“Kaya ang sinasabi ko ay dapat aktuhan na ito (That’s why I was saying that this should be acted upon). Kung hindi pwede, eh di hindi pwede (If the franchise renewal was denied, then they can no longer operate). Habang nakabinbin ito (Because as long as it is pending), ABS-CBN’s continued broadcast will always be questioned, lalo na kung (especially if) they will continue to operate on the basis of the provisional authority by the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission), na pwedeng i-withdraw anytime (which can be withdrawn anytime),” Drilon said.

Bills for the extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise have been pending at the House of Representatives since the 16th Congress.

The chamber is dominated by allies of President Duterte, who has repeatedly vowed to block the franchise grant for the network’s failure to air his 2016 campaign ad.

On Monday, Feb. 10, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition before the SC to revoke ABS-CBN’s franchise.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/15/drilon-urges-house-to-act-on-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/

Cayetano: Press freedom and media franchise are two different things

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday said people should not equate press freedom with media franchise, and believe that free speech ends with Congress' failure to renew ABS-CBN network's privilege to broadcast.

Cayetano cleared up the issue amid condemnation by some journalists of the supposed calculated move to shut down broadcast network ABS-CBN on "flimsy" grounds, which they see as curtailment of press freedom.

“If press freedom is automatic, then there should be no more hearings in Congress (on the ABS-CBN franchise). We will just have to grant it automatically. But no, Congress has to legislate it," Cayetano said in a statement.

Cayetano also urged the public to not equate press freedom with the franchise.

While Cayetano claimed he understood the concerns of those fighting for the freedom of the press, he maintained that this was "not an open-close case of press freedom."

"It’s also accountability to our present laws, especially election laws. Personally, that’s what I want to hear when the hearings are held, what reforms ABS-CBN will undertake to address their perceived bias and alleged violations of their franchise,” he said.

On the other hand, the Speaker urged critics and supporters of ABS-CBN to send their comments to the House of Representatives on the renewal of the network's franchise.

"All those opposed to renewing the franchise, submit your comments to the House committee on legislative franchises, which will forward these to ABS-CBN so they can already respond,” Cayetano said.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has given ABS-CBN 10 days to submit their answer to the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida.

“On one hand, I would rather [that] the SolGen did not file it. But on the other hand, at least, people are now talking about the issues," said Cayetano.

"As for me, I am open-minded. I have read the reply of ABS-CBN to the SolGen and I am waiting for their official comment [...] I think this is the way to find a solution. Welcome the issues against ABS-CBN, but also welcome their reply, so that we can finally get somewhere with all of these," he added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LBG, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/726130/cayetano-press-freedom-and-media-franchise-are-two-different-things/story/

ABS-CBN franchise bills not urgent? House used to multitasking, solon says

Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman on Saturday said lawmakers are used to multi-tasking as he cited House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano's "foot-dragging" on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN Corp., which is set to expire in March.

The House of Representatives, he said, "could legislate on several measures within a short timeframe or almost simultaneously," as he countered Cayetano's statements Friday that the network's franchise renewal is "not that urgent."

"Moreover, the committee on legislative franchises is not overwhelmed with the pendency of major bills, which are more greatly important than the 11 proposals to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise," Lagman said in a statement.

Cayetano earlier questioned the urgency of holding congressional hearings on the network's franchise bid, saying ABS-CBN could still operate until the 18th Congress ends in 2022.

"Hindi [ito] ganoon ka-urgent. Bakit? Kasi hanggang December 31, 2022, pwedeng mag-operate," he said.

(This is not that urgent. Why? Because ABS-CBN can operate until December 31, 2022.)

In his statement, Lagman said the media giant is being given an "illusory remedy" of a provisional authority from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to continue broadcast operations past the expiration of its franchise.

"ABS-CBN is being given an illusory alternative remedy instead of being granted a justified renewal of its franchise," he said.

"The renewal of a franchise is the legal, proper and traditional course of action under the sole jurisdiction of the Congress," he added.

The NTC, Lagman said, could be influenced by President Rodrigo Duterte who is determined to block the network's franchise renewal.

"If the House of Representatives, which is an independent branch of government, kowtows to the repeated pronouncements of the President that he is against the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, with more reason that the NTC, an agency under the Executive Department headed by the President himself, would go against the wishes of President Duterte by issuing a provisional authority," he said.

Some 11 bills seeking an extension of ABS-CBN's franchise were filed before the lower chamber.

'IMPARTIAL JOB'

Meanwhile, Cayetano, in a statement issued on Saturday, reiterated the House would do an "impartial job" in taking up measures seeking to renew the network's franchise.

"So, what I request is we join the issues. All those opposed to renewing the franchise, submit your comments to the House committee on legislative franchises, which will forward these to ABS-CBN so they can already respond. That’s the way our democracy works," he said.

On the move of the Office of the Solicitor General to shut down ABS-CBN through a quo warranto petition, Cayetano said he'd "rather the SolGen did not file."

"But on the other hand, at least, people are now talking about the issues. As for me, I am open-minded. I have read the reply of ABS-CBN to the SolGen and I am waiting for their official comment,” he said.

The franchise woes that ABS-CBN is facing, Cayetano added, should not be equated with press freedom.

"This is not an open-close case of press freedom. It’s also accountability to our present laws, especially election laws. Personally, that’s what I want to hear when the hearings are held, what reforms ABS-CBN will undertake to address their perceived bias and alleged violations of their franchise," he said.

For several days, ABS-CBN had received an outpouring of support from different sectors, saying the government's move is an assault to press freedom and threatens the livelihood of thousands of employees.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/15/20/abs-cbn-franchise-bills-not-urgent-house-used-to-multitasking-solon-says

Lagman to Cayetano: Stop foot-dragging on ABS-CBN franchise renewal

Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman says Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano's timetable for the House to take up the ABS-CBN franchise renewal 'reveals a patent prolongation'

Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman on Saturday, February 15, urged the House of Representatives to act on the franchise renewal of network giant ABS-CBN now, instead of offering the "illusory remedy" of a provisional authority from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to allow its operations past March 30.

“ABS-CBN is being given an illusory alternative remedy instead of being granted a justified renewal of its franchise,” Lagman said in a statement.

"The renewal of a franchise is the legal, proper, and traditional course of action under the sole jurisdiction of the Congress," he added.

ABS-CBN's franchise will expire on March 30. Several bills have been filed in Congress to renew it, but are mostly left untouched by legislators.

Lagman issued the statement a day after Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano downplayed the urgency of tackling the ABS-CBN franchise renewal amid criticism over the slow pace of the process. Cayetano had said that the network can secure a provisional authority to operate from the NTC while the 18th Congress has not adjourned sine die.

"The reasons proffered by Speaker Alan Cayetano for foot-dragging on the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN are not so overriding as to sacrifice the freedoms of the press and expression for expediency,” he said.

"If the House of Representatives, which is an independent branch of government, kowtows to the repeated pronouncements of the President that he is against the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, with more reason that the NTC, an agency under the Executive Department headed by the President himself, would go against the wishes of President Duterte by issuing a provisional authority," Lagman added.

On Cayetano's argument that the House had other more pressing measures to attend to, Lagman said that Congress "is used to multi-tasking so much so that it could legislate on several measures within a short timeframe or almost simultaneously."

He also noted that the House committee on legislative franchises is "not overwhelmed with the pendency of major bills which are more greatly important than the 11 proposals to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise."

"The timetable announced by Speaker Cayetano for the House to take up the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise within the duration of the 18th Congress or up to the latest in December 2022 reveals a patent prolongation before the renewal can be addressed even as the May 2022 general elections would necessitate the adjournment of the Congress as early as February 2022 and long after the expiration of the said franchise on March 30, 2020," Lagman said.

On February 10, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition asking the Supreme Court to nullify the franchises of ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc "as they are unlawfully exercising their legislative franchises" – an allegation that ABS-CBN denied.

President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly publicly lambasted the network, often complaining that it did not air his political ads during the presidential campaign in 2016. He had also said that the network would not get a franchise renewal under his watch.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/251894-edcel-lagman-house-leaders-act-on-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal

Solon refutes Cayetano: House can multi-task for ABS-CBN franchise

An opposition lawmaker criticized the reasons being given by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for delaying discussions on the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.

Cayetano on Friday said the lower house is still too busy with pressing concerns, and even if it does not start deliberations soon, ABS-CBN can continue operating until December 31, 2022. The media giant's franchise expires March 30, but Cayetano said there have been agreements between the House and the National Telecommunications Commission to allow media and utility firms to remain in business amid pending franchise renewals.

However, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of the principal authors of a resolution supporting the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, said Congress – particularly the House Committee on Legislative Franchises – does not have too much on its table to warrant the "foot-dragging."

"The House is used to multi-tasking so much so that it could legislate on several measures within a short timeframe or almost simultaneously," Lagman said in a statement on Saturday.

He added that assuring ABS-CBN that it can still broadcast news and content until end of the 18th Congress even without a franchise is tantamount to giving it an "illusory alternative remedy."

The "legal, proper, and traditional course of action" is to decide on whether or not to grant ABS-CBN another 25 years to operate, Lagman stressed.

"The reasons proffered by Speaker Alan Cayetano for foot-dragging on the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN are not so overriding as to sacrifice the freedoms of the press and expression for expediency," Lagman said.

ABS-CBN has another battle in the Supreme Court as Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a petition seeking to void the network's existing franchise. The government's top lawyer cited "highly abusive practices," including allowing foreign investors to "take part in the ownership of a Philippine mass media entity" as well as launching media services without prior approval from the NTC.

The quo warranto petition— lodged against ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence Inc.—came weeks before the network’s existing franchise is set to expire on March 30. Several government officials— including the media company itself— denounced the move, saying it has no factual basis. Human Rights Watch Philippines also condemned the legal maneuver, saying it had "all the indications of political harassment."

President Rodrigo Duterte has personally vowed to put the company and its subsidiaries out of business, even telling its executives to just sell the company. He earlier also publicly spoke about his ire against ABS-CBN for not airing his political ads during the May 2016 elections, where he eventually won.

Both the House leadership and Calida stressed that their decisions on the network's francise are not motivated by politics.

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/2/15/lagman-cayetano-ABS-CBN-franchise.html

Lagman hits Cayetano's excuse for foot-dragging on ABS-CBN franchise

Albay representative  Edcel Lagman on Saturday slammed Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano's statement that time is not of the essence in regard to the renewal of the ABS-CBN's franchise, which is due to expire on March 30, 2020.

In statement on Saturday Lagman said, "The reasons proffered by Speaker Alan Cayetano for foot-dragging on the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN are not so overriding as to sacrifice the freedoms of the press and expression for expediency."

Lagman also assailed Cayetano's proposed "illusory" remedy for the television network to continue broadcasting in the event that its franchise is not renewed.

According to Lagman, Cayetano's remark that the TV network can continue operations by securing a provisional authority from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as long as the 18th Congress has not adjourned sine die is illusory.

"If the House of Representatives, which is an independent branch of government, kowtows to the repeated pronouncements of the President Rodrigo Duterte that he is against the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, with more reason that the NTC, an agency under the Executive Department headed by the President himself, would go against the wishes of President Duterte by issuing a provisional authority," Lagman said.

ABS-CBN is being given an illusory alternative remedy instead of being granted a justified renewal of its franchise, he pointed out.

Last Friday, Lagman insisted that the renewal of the the TV network's franchise is under the sole jurisdiction of the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Buhay party-list representative Joselito Atienza lambasted Speaker Cayetano for his purported inability to calendar the hearing for ABS-CBN's network franchise bills.

At a press forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Atienza said he is "very" frustrated with Cayetano for failing to recognize the significance of acting on the issue which is of national interest. —with a report from Flor Taguinod/LBG, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/726102/lagman-hits-cayetano-s-excuse-for-foot-dragging-on-abs-cbn-franchise/story/

House to delay decision on broadcaster's franchise

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said, at the earliest, the House of Representatives could take up the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise in May, which is more than a month after the franchise expires on March 30.

'When the time comes, but definitely before March 2022. Possibly in May, if we have enough time and we have cooler heads and with all the issues. Worst case, after SONA (in July), Cayetano told reporters after a mass wedding ceremony in Paranaque City yesterday.

The SONA is President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address.

ABS-CBN's 25-year franchise expires on March 30.

Eleven bills, regarding its renewal, are pending at the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.

Congress will have a break on March 11 for the Holy Week and will resume in May.

While he considered the issue as important, Cayetano said the House was attending to more urgent matters such as the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.

He said the issue is not urgent since the giant media entity would still be allowed to operate until the end of the 18th Congress.

'Don't get me wrong. The franchise of ABS-CBN is important not just to the 11,000 employees. It is important to the whole country, to our democracy. But, it is not that urgent.

Why? Because it can still operate until 2022, the speaker added.

Cayetano said the point of having franchise hearings was to reassess the network if it merits a renewal.

He, however, assured that Congress would be fair in reviewing the ABS-CBN franchise.

'The only pressure is to do what is right. I am not pressured on what the president wants. I am not pressured with the media or the supporters of ABS-CBN.

I am pressured that history will judge us. It will be a defining moment, not only for the 18th Congress, but also for ABS-CBN, Cayetano said.

The speaker admitted that the network's franchise is an issue of press freedom, but that accountability must also be sought after.

He said the House would look at all allegations against the network, including the points raised by Solicitor General Jose Calida in the quo warranto petition he filed before the Supreme Court.

One of the personalities supporting the franchise's renewal is Quezon City Mayor Josefina Belmonte.

'By tradition, Quezon City is also known as a bastion of freedom, knowledge and diversity, and the presence of multiple media networks in QC embodies these values, she said in a statement.

ABS-CBN is one of the top taxpayers in Quezon City and had supported many of the city's significant programmes and projects, Belmonte said.

The city also entered into several partnerships with the late Gina Lopez, former Environment secretary, in various projects such as the cleaning of esteros.

ABS-CBN's Bantay Kalikasan is also the city's partner in protecting and preserving the La Mesa Ecopark.

Meanwhile, Sen. Christopher Lawrence 'Bong Go assured that ABS-CBN would be treated fairly if measures seeking to renew its franchise would be approved in the House and transmitted to the Senate.

'We will give a fair hearing once it reaches the Senate. Our concern here is the welfare of every Filipino, welfare of the employees, and rest assured that the interest of every Filipino is the priority consideration of whatever decision I will make, he said.

Because the bills have been filed, Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd and Isabela First District Rep. Antonio Albano stated in interviews that the existing franchise is deemed extended until the end of the 18th Congress in March 2022, unless Congress decides earlier to deny it.

'There are several legal issues being tackled now. Let's wait for the legal opinion of the DoJ (Department of Justice) or our NTC (National Telecommunications Commission), Go said.

Calida filed the quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court to revoke the franchise of ABS-CBN allegedly because of, among others, allowing foreign ownership.

Last February 12, Senator Mary Grace Poe filed a Senate resolution directing the Committee on Public Services to investigate the compliance of the network to its franchise.

https://menafn.com/1099706733/House-to-delay-decision-on-broadcasters-franchise

Cayetano: ABS-CBN can continue operating if…

Media giant ABS-CBN may continue broadcasting if the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) grants it a provisional authority to operate after its franchise expires on March 30, according to Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

The prospect that the broadcaster will still be able to continue its operations is the reason the members of the House of Representatives believe it was “not that urgent” to tackle the 10 bills to renew the network’s franchise, he said on Friday.

He suggested that the House franchise panel submit to the NTC a document supporting the provisional license for ABS-CBN.

“NTC listens,” Cayetano said. “So, if the committee has to come up with something official, I think there’s a consensus that while we’re discussing the issues, there’s no reason to shut it down.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” he added. “The franchise of ABS-CBN is extremely important not only because they have 11,000 employees, but also to our country and democracy. But it’s not that urgent. Why? Because they can operate until March 2022 anyway.”

No date has been set on when the franchise committee was to meet to prepare the document expressing support for the network’s provisional license, as suggested by Cayetano.

The House only has until March 11 to conduct business before it goes into a recess.

Du30 ire, Calida move

There was no immediate comment from the NTC and ABS-CBN at press time. President Duterte has repeatedly castigated ABS-CBN over perceived slights, such as running a negative advertisement against him during the 2016 presidential campaign and supposedly refusing to air his own paid ad.
He has said he would block the renewal of the network’s franchise and in late December, he told ABS-CBN’s owners to just sell it.

The controversy over the broadcaster’s future heightened this week after Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition in the Supreme Court to revoke ABS-CBN’s license, accusing the network of violating the terms of its franchise and the constitutional restriction on foreign ownership of a Filipino media entity.

Several House lawmakers assailed Calida’s Feb. 10 petition, saying it encroached on Congress’ exclusive power to grant or withhold a franchise.

Cayetano, who has said he has his own gripes against ABS-CBN, said it would be better to discuss the franchise issue when emotions had calmed down.

“There has to be some way that we can soberly and very reasonably discuss these issues with emotions, but not with rhetoric,” he said.

Cayetano said the House panel might begin discussions on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise not earlier than the middle of the year—well after it shall have lapsed.

“Possibly, in May, if we have enough time and we have cooler heads … Worst case, after Sona (State of the Nation Address)” in July, he told a news conference.

Cayetano said the franchises committee chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez would table the bills for discussion only “when the time comes, but definitely before March 2022.”

Alvarez’ panel had not calendared for discussion any of the bills extending the franchise.

The Palawan representative headed the same panel in the 17th Congress and sidelined the measure as well.

QC mayor backs renewal

While Malacañang has distanced itself from Calida’s petition, journalists and rights groups said Mr. Duterte’s personal vendetta appears to fuel the move.

Former Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Rosales on Friday expressed alarm over the “audacity” of the Duterte administration to deny granting a franchise renewal to ABS-CBN.

“Perhaps, the President—after two and a half years—should think less of himself, and view the network’s mandate from the perspective of its citizens,” she said.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, a former member of the House, on Friday said she supported the renewal of the network’s franchise.

“By tradition, Quezon City is also known as a bastion of freedom, knowledge, and diversity, and the presence of multiple media networks in QC embodies these values,” she said.

Belmonte said ABS-CBN was one of the city’s top taxpayers and employed thousands of city residents “whose families would suffer should its legislative franchise not be renewed.”

She said the media giant also supported many of the city’s programs and projects, including the its advocacy to educate the youth by building the Eugenio Lopez Sr. Senior High School for Media Arts and protecting children through the Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village.

The city also partnered with the late Gina Lopez of ABS-CBN Foundation and Bantay Kalikasan in cleaning of its waterways and protecting La Mesa Ecopark, Belmonte said. —WITH A REPORT FROM MARIEJO S. RAMOS AND JHESSET O. ENANO INQ

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1229069/cayetano-abs-cbn-can-continue-operating-if

Ilocos Sur named its most beautiful

New queens were crowned at the Saniata ti Ylocos Sur 2020 pageant night held on Feb. 2 at the Tamag Grounds. The pageant was a highlight of the annual Kannawidan Ylocos Festival that celebrates Ilocos Sur being a separate province and a treasure chest of traditions and culture.

Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson crowned Donnabelle Erno from the Municipality of Sta. Maria as the Saniata Ti Ylocos and Miss Millennial Ilocos Sur 2020. She brought home a cash prize of P100,000.

During the glitzy beauty competition, Erno also bagged Best in Swimwear and the Darling of the Press/ Media’s Choice award.

Miss San Vicente Glaizel Ragasa received P80,000 as Saniata Ti World 2020. She was also named Best in Talent, Ms. Safari Hotels and Villas, and Face of the Night.

Blezie Mae Garcia from Quirino was awarded Saniata Ti Tourism 2020 and Miss Photogenic and Christine Mary Pacleb from San Esteban  was crowned Saniata Ti Environment 2020.

Other winners were: Laiza May Fernando from Bantay, first runner up and was also named Best Performer; and Elisha Faith Udarbe from Magsingal, Miss Kojie San and second runner up.

Special awards were also given out: Camille Tabaco won Texter’s Choice; Ysabella Cassandra Rafanan named Miss Congeniality, and Jezra Agsalog won Darling of the Crowd.

The pageant was hosted by KC Montero and Isabel Daza. Miko Raval, Maja Salvador, and Enchong Dee were among the performers.

https://www.manilastandard.net/mobile/article/317301

ABS-CBN franchise can wait — Cayetano

WHILE the House leadership is aware of the clamor of many, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said they are not rushing the discussion on the renewal of ABS-CBN Corporation’s franchise.

In an interview after attending a mass wedding in Paranaque, Cayetano said he wanted the hearing done with cooler heads among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Cayetano also said they can let the existing ABS-CBN franchise expire on March 30 before it starts deliberating on the 11 pending bills seeking the franchise’s renewal.

“Hindi ganoon ka-urgent. Bakit? Kasi hanggang March 2022, pwedeng mag-operate. Definitely, before March 2022, possibly in May if we have cooler heads... worst case, after SONA (State of the Nation Address),” Cayetano said.

He noted that while the franchise is an important discussion, there are other pressing matters that Congress should prioritize especially that there are unavoidable circumstances coming like the Taal eruption, and 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19).

Cayetano admitted that discussions on the franchise renewal “will suck all the energy of the 18th Congress” as lawmakers would want their stand on the issue heard.

“Kung tayo mag-hearing ngayon, alam mo, sasabihin ko sa inyo kung ano mangyayari: it will suck all the energy of the 18th Congress. Halos lahat ng miyembro, mag-aattend. At pustahan tayo, lahat ng anti, pipila makapagsalita. Lahat ng pro, pipila para magsalita,” he added.

The House leader also said deliberations on the network’s franchise would be a “delicate balance.”

“How do you hold ABS accountable for some perceived violations of the franchise? On the other hand, how do you protect press freedom? And what is a just ruling vis-à-vis ‘yung mga (on the) allegations? Pero nandun pa lang tayo sa allegation,” Cayetano said.

However, he already instructed chairman of the legislative franchises Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez to schedule the hearing.

Earlier this week, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court seeking to revoke the network’s license ahead of its expiration this March because of several violations.

Calida cited “highly abusive practices” of the network “benefiting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers.”

https://journal.com.ph/news/provincial/abs-cbn-franchise-can-wait-cayetano

On Valentine's Day, hundreds rally for ABS-CBN amid franchise woes

People gather in front of ABS-CBN in Quezon City to show support for the network. The network is facing a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court invalidating its current franchise filed by the Solicitor General. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News

Hundreds of people gathered on Sgt. Esguerra Ave., Quezon City on Valentine's Day to show their support for the franchise renewal bid of ABS-CBN Corp., the country's largest broadcast network.

Clad in red shirts, ABS-CBN employees, supporters, and representatives of several groups held placards saying "No To ABS-CBN Shutdown," "Save ABS-CBN Workers," and "Defend Press Freedom."

ABS-CBN's franchise is expiring on March 30, 2020 and Congress has yet to tackle nearly a dozen bills seeking to grant the company a fresh 25-year broadcast franchise.

Danilo Arao, journalism professor at the University of the Philippines, said the administration's move to shut down the broadcast giant would send a chilling message to other media outfits to play by its rules.

"If we allow this to happen, it's ABS-CBN today, tomorrow will be the other networks," he said.

Solicitor General Jose Calida filed last Monday a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court seeking to invalidate ABS-CBN's franchise that was approved in 1995.

Responding to the allegations, ABS-CBN said it "did not violate" any law and continues to stay true to its mandate of being "in the service of the Filipino."

For National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) deputy secretary-general Raymund Villanueva, a denial of the network's franchise could also jeopardize ABS-CBN's public service programs.

"We are calling on our lawmakers to grant ABS-CBN a fresh franchise because many Filipinos rely on the network for news, entertainment, and public service," he said in Filipino.

The media giant has received support from various sectors, including ordinary citizens, senators, celebrities, press organizations, journalism educators, and international groups which denounced the administration's moves.

The President has repeatedly said he would block the network's franchise renewal after the company allegedly refused to a political advertisement in the 2016 presidential campaign. Last December, he also urged ABS-CBN's owners to "just sell" the network.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/14/20/on-valentines-day-hundreds-rally-for-abs-cbn-amid-franchise-woes

ABS-CBN franchise to expire without Congress hearing

By Ben Rosario

There will be no new legislative franchise for network giant ABS-CBN when its existing congressional license expires next month.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano disclosed Friday that the House committee on legislative franchises will wait for the right timing to hear the pros and cons of the nine pending ABS-CBN broadcast network bills and two other franchise renewals of its sister companies.

“This is not a race against time, but a race towards justice and democracy,” Cayetano said as he aired hopes to schedule the franchise hearings in May, two months after the expiration of the Kapamilya network’s existing broadcast license.

In an ambush interview at the sidelines of the Paranaque City mass wedding ceremonies on Friday, Cayetano said he supports the contention of Senate president Vicente Sotto III that ABS-CBN may continue to operate even without a legislative franchise until the adjournment of Congress session in 2022.

He noted that the franchise renewal applications were previously filed during the 16th Congress when Benigno Aquino III was president. Another batch of bills was submitted in the 17th Congress, but in both instances the Lower House did not act on them.

“Hindi ito race. Hindi ito pabilisan. Kailangan po natin ng lamig ng ulo,” he said. (This is not a race. This is not about hurrying up. This calls for cool heads.)

Chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, the legislative franchise panel has continued to dodge calls made by various schools of journalism and reporters organizations for the scheduling of the hearings.

Also inviting protests from various groups was the move of the Office of the Solicitor General to file a petition for quo warranto before the Supreme Court in a bid to stop ABS-CBN from further operating its broadcast stations.

However, Cayetano said the noise generated by the pro- and anti-ABS-CBN groups do not address the controversy, and added that the Lower House will carry out its function of re-assessing the ABS-CBN bid for another 25 years of broadcast operation.

The House leader agreed that press freedom is one issue that will inevitably be raised over the congressional franchise debates.

“Pero question: ‘pag hindi ba binigay ang prangkisa, patay na press freedom? Hindi. Kaya nga may hearing eh. Bakit may prangkisa pa?” the Taguig-Pateros solon said. (Here’s a question: will press freedom die if the franchise is not granted? No. That’s why there are hearings. Why is there still a franchise?)

Cayetano said ABS-CBN has been accused of violating the Fair Elections Law which requires the media to ensure utmost fairness in its reporting of the campaign and elections.

According to him the complaints were raised during the presidential elections of 2010 and 2016.

In the 2016 polls, then-presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte accused the network of being biased against him. He claimed the network did not air his campaign propaganda despite accepting payment from his campaign headquarterss.

Asked when the House leadership plans to schedule the hearings, Cayetano replied that it “definitely” will be set before March 2022 when Congress adjourns.

“Possibly in May, if we have enough time and we have cooler heads and with all the issues. Worst case, after SONA. But, in the meantime, there should not be any reason to hamper or hassle not only the operations of ABS, but also on their news,” Cayetano explained.

“We will get to it in due time. And when we do, I have already guaranteed that it will be impartial and fair.”

In his interview, he emphasized the need to hold ABS-CBN network accountable for some perceived violations but expressed his concern that the hearing on this controversial issue might “suck all the energy of the 18th Congress.”

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/14/abs-cbn-franchise-to-expire-without-congress-hearing/

QC mayor supports ABS-CBN’s bid for fresh franchise deal

By Chito Chavez 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has strongly supported the pursuit of television network giant ABS-CBN for a fresh 25-year franchise deal to operate.

To recall, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court that sought the revocation of the ABS-CBN franchise presumably due to the violation of existing franchise law.

The franchise deal is set to expire on March 2020.

“Being the home of ABS-CBN, GMA-7 and other media outfits has turned Quezon City into a “City of Stars,” Belmonte said.

Citing her stand, Belmonte said “by tradition, Quezon City is also known as a bastion of freedom, knowledge, and diversity, and the presence of multiple media networks in QC embodies these values’’.

Aside from being one of our city’s top taxpayers, Belmonte noted that ABS-CBN “employs thousands of our city’s constituents, whose families would suffer should its legislative franchise not be renewed’’.

More than this however, Belmonte said ABS-CBN has a long-standing relationship with the city that goes beyond its media identity.

“It has supported many of the city’s most significant programs and projects,’’ she added.

Also Belmonte pointed out that ABS-CBN has shared her “advocacy to educate the youth by building for us the Eugenio Lopez, Jr. Senior High School for Media Arts and has served as the main partner of our city’s street children program through the Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village’’.

“The city has also entered into several partnerships with the late Gina Lopez in various projects, such as the cleaning of our waterways when the latter was head of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan is also our partner in protecting and preserving our La Mesa Ecopark,’’ Belmonte said.

“In my first year as an elected official in 2010, ABS-CBN was a Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal awardee for its outstanding contribution to the city through its many corporate social responsibility programs,’’ she noted.

Aside from Lopez, Belmonte mentioned that many ABS-CBN media personalities like Noli de Castro and Tina Monzon-Palma, were also conferred the said award in various years

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/14/qc-mayor-supports-abs-cbns-bid-for-fresh-franchise-deal/

House committee tackles bills splitting Maguindanao into 2 provinces

By Ali Macabalang

COTABATO CITY – The House Committee on Local Government has started deliberations on bills creating two provinces that will be carved out of Maguindanao, and will likely endorse the measures for plenary discussion “in few weeks from now,” one of proponents said on February 14, Friday.

The committee, chaired by Rep. Noel Villanueva of Tarlac, has even approved the measure on first reading last Tuesday, according to Maguindanao second district Rep. Esmael Mangundadatu.

Mangadudatu is the main author of House Bill 3405, seeking to create Southern Maguindanao. His counterpart in the first district, Rep. Ronie Q. Sinsuat, sponsors House Bill 4840 to establish Northen Maguindanao.

Majority of Maguindanao mayors and board members, led by incumbent Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and Vice Governor Lester Sinsuat, attended Tuesday’s committee hearing.

“The committee is expected to hold its second and third hearings in few weeks from now. It will likely make its report eventually for the plenary deliberation of our bills,” Rep. Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu, a former three-term Maguindanao governor, said he was confident the plenary approval may be realized within this year.

In the Senate, he said, Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Cynthia Villar were the sponsors of counterpart bills.

Magundanao, tagged in national statistics as one of the 10 poorest provinces in the country, has a total land area of 9,729.04 square kilometers with a population of 1,173,933 as of 2015 census, according to Wikipedia. It comprises 36 municipalities, with Buluan as its present capital town.

“Logically, the smaller the area to manage, the more focused and faster growth to happen,” Mangudadatu said.

The proposed Northern Maguindanao will be composed of 11 towns, namely Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Upi, Kabuntalan, Northern Kabuntalan, Matanog, Parang, Buldon and Barira. Datu Odin Sinsuat is being eyed as the capital of the province.

Maguindanao, on the other hand, is being proposed to cover 25 smaller towns, namely Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Anggal Mistimbang, Hoffer Ampatuan, Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Unsay, Salibo, Saudi Ampatuan, Salipada Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Aguak, Saydona Mustapha, South Upi, Sultan-sa-Barongis, and Talayan.

Buluan, the present provincial capital town, will be retained as seat of Maguindanao.

Officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are reportedly supportive of the proposed split of Maguindanao, saying the proposal would not only draw more focused government attention but also abate intense provincial political rivalries. Maguindanao is presently the votes-richest province in the region.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/14/house-committee-tackles-bills-splitting-maguindanao-into-2-provinces/

KBP says ABS-CBN franchise renewal is for ‘best interest of public’

Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas assures its support and help in the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN amid attempts to close it down

Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) threw support behind the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, days after Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a quo warranto petition against the embattled broadcast network.

In a statement on Thursday, February 13, KBP shared it was confident that ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal will be approved despite recent efforts from the government to close down the network.

Claiming it did not run his political ads during the 2016 presidential campaign, President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly warned ABS-CBN that its franchise will be revoked, even taunting management to just sell.

Among recent attempts to void the franchise is Calida’s filing of a quo warranto petition against the media company on February 10, as he asked justices to cancel its franchise. The petition comes over a month before the network’s franchise expires on March 30.

NUJP and other groups have called on the public and Congress to defend press freedom and support the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, saying the attacks against the broadcast giant threaten people’s right to know.

KBP assured that it will continue to support and help work for the renewal of the franchises of ABS-CBN and other KBP networks knowing it is “for the best interest of the public.”

The broadcasters’ association explained that 45 applications have been enacted into law, while 9 have been approved by the Congressional Franchise Committee. It added that its history of approved franchise renewal applications might mean the same for its fellow KBP member ABS-CBN.

“The KBP trusts that these pending applications will be favorably acted upon just like all other prior applications for renewal,” it said.

KBP released the statement a day after President Duterte led the oath-taking of their newly-elected officers and board of trustees, and hailed the “vital role” of media, even after Calida moved to void the franchise of ABS-CBN.

https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/251784-kbp-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-best-interest-public

CBCP-ECMI supports renewal of ABS-CBN franchise

By Leslie Ann Aquino

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP ECMI) is for the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN.

In a statement, ECMI vice chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said they support the renewal of the franchise of the television network as it gives joy and hope to overseas Filipino workers via its The Filipino Channel.

“ABS CBN is their hope and joy amidst the pain of separation with their families and hard work from their employers,” he said.

“With TFC, our OFWs can connect themselves with what is happening in our country, and find themselves still united, identified with us here,” added Santos.

With the network, the Balanga prelate said OFWs find themselves still at home, one, and united with their fellow Filipinos even when they are thousand miles away.

Bishop Santos also shared how Filipinos already born in Italy can still speak Tagalog because of TFC.

The franchise of ABS-CBN is set to expire on March 30.

There are at least 10 separate bills calling for the extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise that are pending at the House of Representatives.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/14/cbcp-ecmi-supports-renewal-of-abs-cbn-franchise/

Acknowledgments From ABS-CBN

On behalf of all ABS-CBN employees, we are very grateful to those who provide support for us.

We provide inspections and encouragement with statements of support from government officials, fellow media outlets in the Philippines and abroad, various industry organizations, academics, churches, artists, Families, Hearts, Siblings, friends, fans, and viewers.

Thank you for recognizing our service to millions of Filipinos worldwide. We especially strive to bring news, entertainment, and public service to the people.

Thanks also to your trust that ABS-CBN is serving faithfully, with integrity and does not violate the law.

We pray that everyone will have a better understanding of this issue.

It is a great honor for ABS-CBN to serve and be a part of every Filipino's life.

Again, thank you very much.

TIMELINE: ABS-CBN franchise

TV network ABS-CBN faces an uncertain future beyond March 30.

The Lopez-owned network’s franchise is yet to be renewed by Congress, while its current authority to broadcast has been put in peril after Solicitor General Jose Calida asked the Supreme Court to void it.

Apart from its flagship ABS-CBN channel, the media conglomerate also operates other brands such as ABS-CBN Sports and Action, cable channels DZMM Teleradyo, ABS-CBN News Channel or ANC, Cinema One, Jeepney TV, Knowledge Channel, Metro Channel, Myx, ABS-CBNNews.com, and global channel TFC.

The network also started offering digital TV boxes which carries KBO, a channel airing Filipino movies. This was one of the two issues raised by Calida in asking the high court to revoke ABS-CBN’s franchise.

This is the first time for the oldest TV station in the country to go through problems with franchise renewal. Here’s what went before:

June 14, 1950: Republic Act No. 511 is passed giving a temporary permit for Bolinao Electronics Corporation to operate a television station in the Philippines. The firm is renamed Alto Broadcasting System in 1953, patterned after the first names of its new owners Aleli and Tony Quirino, the brother of former President Elpidio Quirino.

February 24, 1957: Lawyer and businessman Eugenio Lopez Sr. buys the company from the Quirinos. This leads to the merger of ABS and Chronicle Broadcasting Network or CBN..

June 21, 1969: RA 5730 becomes law, which converts Bolinao Electronics Corporation’s franchise into ABS-CBN.

September 21, 1972: ABS-CBN, along with other networks and affiliate stations, are told to go off the air while media assets are seized as then-President Ferdinand Marcos puts the entire nation under martial law. Media content is controlled by the state.

September 16, 1986: ABS-CBN resumes daily broadcasts nearly seven months after a "people power" revolt toppled the Marcos regime.

March 30, 1995: President Fidel Ramos signs RA 7966 granting a 25-year franchise to ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. The renewal comes five years ahead of the expiry of its franchise.

September 11, 2014: Isabela Representative Giorgidi Aggabao files House Bill 4997 under the 16th Congress, in the first attempt to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise ahead of its March 2020 expiration. This does not get past the committee level.

May 6, 2016: Former Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, President Rodrigo Duterte’s running mate for the presidential elections, gets a Taguig court to issue a temporary restraining order stopping ABS-CBN from airing TV commercials against Duterte. The said ads are supposedly paid for by members of the opposition.

November 10, 2016: Rep. Micaela Violago of the second district of Nueva Ecija files House Bill 4349 seeking to renew the network’s franchise, followed by a similar bill drafted by brothers Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles and PBA Party-List Rep. Jericho Nograles. Both remain at the committee level.

November 8, 2018: Duterte unleashes one of his public rants against ABS-CBN for failing to air his campaign advertisements for the May 2016 elections. He curses the network’s chairman emeritus Gabby Lopez and called him a thief, saying he will reject the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

Duterte previously slammed the media conglomerate for its supposedly unfair labor practices, and earlier challenged the network to accompany him to the central bank to open his bank accounts, amid reports that he had undeclared wealth.

July 1, 2019: Violago refiles her bill for the franchise renewal on the second day of the 18th Congress, with 20 other House members signing up as co-authors of the measure. Ten other bills are filed to give ABS-CBN a fresh legal mandate.

July 28, 2019: Senator Ralph Recto files a similar bill to extend ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years. Sen. Leila De Lima later asked to be co-author of the measure.

December 3, 2019: Duterte says he will personally “see to it” that ABS-CBN will be out of business by 2020. He later tells the Lopezes to just sell the network to a new owner.

December 4, 2019: Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, says they would not tackle the bills on ABS-CBN until the end of that year. House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano says the measures can be taken up early 2020.

February 10, 2020: Calida heads to the high court with a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN, saying it committed two grave violations of its existing franchise. He claims the network allowed foreign owners to control the company by selling Philippine Depositary Receipts to them, and offering KBO as an entirely new TV channel.

The network refutes Calida’s claim, saying it did not violate the law. The court asks ABS-CBN to respond to the points raised in 10 days.

Media groups denounce the petition as a direct attack on freedom of speech and of the press.

February 12, 2020: Committee Vice Chairman Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano Jr. apologizes to the estimated 11,000 workers of ABS-CBN for delays in discussing the franchise renewal. He says the pending measures are already being discussed among solons behind closed doors.

Cayetano vows that the House will be “impartial” in tackling ABS-CBN’s franchise.

The House committee tackling the measure still has no scheduled hearings on the bills as of Thursday, February 13.

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/2/13/ABS-CBN-franchise-timeline.html

Support swells for ABS-CBN

“…to reject this crude request and we call on members of parliament to immediately renew the ABS-CBN franchise in a spirit of respect for the separation of powers and freedom of the press, as required by the Philippines’ 1987 constitution.”

By ALYSSA MAE CLARIN
Bulatlat.com

MANILA– Local and international organizations have thrown out their support to the ABS-CBN’s struggle to continue operations.

On Feb. 10, the Office of the Solicitor General filed a quo warranto petition against broadcasting giant, ABS-CBN as well as its subsidiary ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc.

In the 63-page quo warranto petition filed before the Supreme Court, the OSG accuses the network of ‘unlawfully exercising their legislative franchise’ and urges the High Court to revoke ABS-CBN’s networking franchise.

In response, ABS-CBN said in its official statement that they “did not violate the law,” adding that the filing of the petition is Solicitor General Jose Calida’s effort to shutdown the network,as well as the thousands of Filipinos working in the company.

The ABS-CBN maintained that the claims Calida made were without merit, and all their broadcast offerings have received the necessary government and regulatory approval and are not prohibited by their franchise.

The network also answered Calida’s accusation of foreign funding through ABS-CBN’s Philippine Deposit Receipts, and said that the PDRs have been used by other broadcast companies to improve their services.

“We reiterate that everything we do is in accordance with the law. We did not violate the law. This case appears to be an attempt to deprive Filipinos of the services of ABS-CBN.”

The network also said that they have no issue with tax payment.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue even recognized the broadcasting station as one of the top 200 non-individual taxpayers in the country, having paid over P70.5 billion worth of taxes in the past 17 years.

Support swells

Following the protest action led by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines last Friday, various groups issued statements condemning Solicitor General Jose Calida’s move as “an attack on press freedom.”

The Freedom for Media Freedom for All, a consortium of Philippine media organizations, said “the attempt to close down ABS-CBN is a direct attack against the shared freedom of all citizens, for silencing the network is similar to depriving the Filipino citizens of their source of news and information.”

The coalition also called for a ‘collective front’ from the Filipino people who believe that the press should remain autonomous in a democratic country like the Philippines.

In a statement, Reporters Without Borders has called on Supreme Court justices “to reject this crude request and we call on members of parliament to immediately renew the ABS-CBN franchise in a spirit of respect for the separation of powers and freedom of the press, as required by the Philippines’ 1987 constitution.”

Daniel Bastard, head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk, also questioned Calida’s motive in filing the petition. “It’s either Jose Calida had told the truth; and also casually admitting his incompetence by failing to call out these ‘abusive practices’ when he assumed position in 2016, or the SolGen had told a lie purely for political fabrication and as a way to pressure the network,” he said.

In the same vein, Carlos Conde of the Human Rights Watch said that the OSG’s action ‘has all the indication of political harassment.’ “President Duterte has not made secret his displeasure toward ABS-CBN and has expressed his intention to shut it down,” he said.

He also said that the petition filing had placed undue pressure on the legislators.

Eleven bills in support of the ABS-CBN’s franchise are pending with the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.

Conde noted that some legislators have stated that this could jeopardize the franchise renewal, which ends March 30.

Meanwhile, Isabela 1st District Rep. Antonio Albano, who is also the vice-chair of the Committee on Legislative Franchises, said that the network can still operate even if its renewal is not granted after its expiration.

Albano said that the network’s services will not be terminated until the end of the 18th Congress.

Echoing Albano’s reassurance, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that as long as there are bills filed, the franchis is deemed extended as long. “As there’s no hearing, it could extend until the end of the 18th Congress,” Sotto said.

Sotto added that the quo warranto filed by the SolGen would not affect the current bills filed seeking for the network’s franchise renewal, and even added that ABS-CBN can ask the permission of the National Telecommunications Commission for an extension.

NUJP announced that it would continue to urge the Congress for action until the bills for the network’s franchise renewal are heard.

The organization, along with ABS-CBN employees and other advocates, would be holding its fifth Friday protest this Valentine’s Day in front of Esguerra gate. (https://www.bulatlat.com)

https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/02/13/support-swells-for-abs-cbn/

Duterte not meddling in Congress decision on ABS-CBN franchise

By Ben Rosario

Despite harboring a grudge against ABS-CBN network, President Duterte has not done anything to pressure Congress into denying the broadcast giant’s bid for a 25-year renewal of its legislative franchise.

Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano, vice chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, said the chief executive has apparently maintained a hands-off policy on the issue and observed respect for a co-equal branch of the government.

Albano made this observation in denying reports that he claimed Duterte had “directly pressured” congressmen against granting the franchise extension.

“The President has never interfered and does not intend to interfere in the business of Congress. He values separation of powers and has [too] much respect for us to do so,” explained Albano.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Albano admitted that members of the legislative franchise panel are feeling pressure from both sides in connection with the consideration of 11 legislative measures proposing a fresh legislative franchise for the embattled network and its sister companies.

A member of the administration-backed majority bloc in the Lower House, Albano said the House panel will give those who are for or against the bill a chance to present their positions.

“I also know very well that President Duterte values the right to have freedom of speech. And like him, I also believe that freedom of speech is not absolute!” he stressed.

Duterte has been critical of ABS-CBN, which he accused of political partisanship during the 2016 presidential elections that he won.

The chief executive claimed the network did not air his campaign commercials despite accepting payment.

Meanwhile, Magdalo party-list Rep. Manuel Cabochan accused the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) of encroaching on the function of Congress to act on the broadcast franchise sought by ABS-CBN.

Cabochan said the OSG’s filing of a quo warranto petition asking the Supreme Court to stop ABS-CBN’s operations is an “overreach and encroachment” on the Congress bid to review and renew the congressional franchise.

“This just shows the rabid desire of the administration to shut down one of the institutions in the Philippine media industry,” said Cabochan in a statement. “We in the Magdalo party-list oppose this orchestrated attack of the Duterte administration on press freedom which is an important principle of democracy.”

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/13/duterte-not-meddling-in-congress-decision-on-abs-cbn-franchise/

Can House franchise panel be discharged from tackling ABS-CBN issue?

As the public awaits action from the House committee on legislative franchises on the issue of ABS-CBN, can the committee be discharged from handling the case and instead head straight to plenary discussions?

The short answer to this question is yes, according to Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence Fortun who used as a reference the rules of the House of Representatives.

The process of doing so, however, is not as simple as a yes or no.

Section 50, Article X of the Rules of the House of Representatives states that “any member can present to the Secretary General a motion in writing to discharge a committee from the consideration of a bill or resolution referred to it if such committee fails to act thereon after more than thirty session days from its referral.”

Once a member of the House has filed a written motion to discharge before the Office of the Secretary General, the Secretary General shall arrange a place where members can affix their signature in support of the motion.

“A signature may be withdrawn by a member in writing at any time before the motion is entered in the Journal,” the House rule states.

Once 20 percent of the members of the House has signed the written motion, it shall be included in the Calendar of Business and reported in the next session of the House.

Currently, there are 302 members of the House. This means that 61 members need to sign the written motion.

What happens next?

Section 51, Article X of the House Rules states that after the Privilege Hour on any Monday, any member who signed the motion to discharge may demand for the motion to be tackled by the plenary.

This, however, cannot be done during the last 15 days of a regular session.

“The House shall proceed to vote on the motion after debate thereon for a period not exceeding thirty minutes,” the Rules of the House states.

If the motion to discharge is adopted, another motion shall be in order—this time, a motion to proceed.

If the motion to proceed prevails, the bills or resolution shall be tackled in the plenary “immediately”.

What happens if motion to discharge is not adopted?

According to the rules, if a motion to discharge is lost, “it shall not be in order to entertain any other motion to discharge the same committee or any other committee from the consideration of the same bill or any other bill with substantially the same subject matter during the same session year.”

“After the House acts on the motion to discharge, all other motions to discharge relating to bills or resolutions with similar subject matter which are pending in the Calendar of Business shall be stricken off the Calendar and shall not be acted upon for the remainder of the same session year,” it added.

In the case of ABS-CBN, Fortun said that the bills seeking to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN has been referred to the House committee on legislative franchises as early as August 2019, thus making them qualified under the rules.

Republic Act No. 3846 requires television and radio broadcasting companies to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress that will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.

At least 11 bills have been filed in the House seeking to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, which is one of the biggest media outlets in the country. Its franchise is set to expire on March 30.

But despite the number of bills filed in support of the renewal of the media giant’s franchise, the House committee on legislative franchises has yet to tackle the issue.

In a press briefing, Isabela Rep. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, however, assured that the committee has been “working hard to facilitate all the franchise renewals and applications that has been lodged in our committee.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1228531/can-house-franchise-panel-be-discharged-from-tackling-abs-cbn-issue

Philippines' broadcasters assoc. shows support for ABS-CBN amid franchise woes

The Philippines' major association of broadcasters on Thursday threw its weight behind the new franchise bid of ABS-CBN Corp, the country's largest media network.

In a statement, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (Association of Philippine Broadcasters), of which ABS-CBN is a member, said it "will continue to support and help work for the renewal of the franchises of ABS-CBN and other KBP member networks, knowing fully well that it is for the best interest of the public."

The KBP said it hopes Congress acts favorably on all pending broadcast franchise renewal applications, including that of ABS-CBN's.

It said ABS-CBN has been working with the association "in promoting broadcast responsibilities and initiating reforms in the broadcast industry."

ABS-CBN's franchise is expiring March 30, 2020 and yet Congress, which is set to adjourn in mid-March, has yet to tackle legislative measures seeking to grant the company a fresh 25-year broadcast franchise. The delay is seen by some sectors as the chamber's kowtowing to Duterte, who has vowed to block ABS-CBN's franchise renewal. In December, Duterte even urged the owners of ABS-CBN to just sell the company, saying he would "see to it that you're out."

In a separate move on Monday, the Duterte government's top counsel asked the Supreme Court to invalidate the current franchise of ABS-CBN, citing supposed violations. The company refuted the allegations.

Several press corps, journalism educators and journalist groups have previously expressed support for the media network.

Reporters covering the presidential office, defense, police, the Senate and business beats expressed their stand for press freedom amid what they see as efforts of the current government to shut down ABS-CBN.

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) and the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines have also expressed support for ABS-CBN, which the former described as a "cornerstone of Philippine democracy and the free press."

A democracy watchdog said an ABS-CBN shutdown may lead to another "crony capitalist era," recounting the company's closure during the Martial Law period under the Marcos presidency.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/13/20/philippines-broadcasters-assoc-shows-support-for-abs-cbn-amid-franchise-woes

KBP vows support to ABS-CBN amid franchise renewal issues

The Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) on Thursday expressed its support anew to ABS-CBN as the media network giant faces challenges over the renewal of its legislative franchise.

According to KBP, the country’s largest broadcasting company has been a long-time member of the association and has helped initiate reforms in the Philippine broadcast industry.

ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise will expire by March 30. At least 10 bills endorsing the renewal of its license to operate have been filed at the House of Representatives but the lower chamber has yet to tackle the matter. Also, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) filed before the Supreme Court on February 10 a quo warranto petition seeking to stop the operations of the media firm.

Apart from these, ABS-CBN has constantly been at the receiving end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s rants against the media. He repeatedly threatened to block the franchise renewal bid of the network.

“The Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) reiterates its continued support for the renewal of the Congressional franchise of ABS-CBN,” KBP said in a statement posted on their website.

“As KBP member, ABS-CBN works hand in hand with other members of the industry belonging to our association in promoting broadcast responsibilities and initiating reforms in the broadcast industry,” it added.

Various media organizations and personalities have similarly expressed their support to ABS-CBN’s bid to renew its franchise. They have denounced OSG’s move, considering it as a determined action by the Duterte administration to snip a perceived critic.

KBP hopes that Congress would soon resolve “favorably” on all applications for the renewal of legislative franchises, including that of ABS-CBN’s.

“Both the 17th and 18th Congresses, to their credit, have acted favorably on the franchise applications of our members […] To date, there are still pending applications in Congress, including that of ABS-CBN’s,” KBP explained.

“The KBP trusts that these pending applications will be favorably acted upon just like other applications for renewal,” it added.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1228530/kbp-vows-support-to-abs-cbn-amid-franchise-renewal-issues

ABS-CBN can apply for new franchise: Palace

Embattled broadcasting firm ABS-CBN Corp. can apply for a new license to operate in the event that its 25-year legislative franchise is nullified, Malacañang said on Thursday.

“Kaya nga meron silang (That’s why they have) application for (new franchise). That’s the whole point,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in an interview with Palace reporters.

His statement came after Solicitor General Jose Calida, the government’s top counsel, filed before the Supreme Court a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN due to its supposed “highly abusive practices” at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers.

In his petition filed Monday, Calida alleged that ABS-CBN violated the 1987 Constitution after it allowed foreign entities to invest in its broadcast firm by issuing Philippine Deposit Receipts through ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Under Section 11(1), Article 16 of the Constitution, ownership and management of mass media is limited to “citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives, or associations, wholly-owned and managed by such citizens.”

Panelo said Calida’s move was “sensible and logical.”

“That’s his job. What if someone, other than Calida, found that ABS-CBN made a violation? Calida would face a complaint for the dereliction of duty. So he will be on the defensive side. He’s just doing his duty,” he said.

ABS-CBN only has until March 30 to operate, unless it is granted another franchise renewal by Congress and President Rodrigo Duterte.

However, lawmakers have yet to deliberate whether they will extend or not the franchise of ABS-CBN to another 25 years.

On Wednesday, Panelo told Congress to set aside Duterte’s “displeasure” against the local media giant.

Panelo made his comment after House legislative franchises vice chairperson and Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano admitted the tiff between Duterte and ABS-CBN gives pressure to congressmen.

In a speech delivered Wednesday night, Duterte assured the Philippine media that under his watch, he will not allow any possible abuse of privileges vested in them.

Duterte made the vow despite his grievances against ABS-CBN for its supposed bias and failure to run his campaign advertisements during the 2016 presidential derby.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093788

ABS-CBN can apply for new franchise if SolGen wins SC case —Palace

ABS-CBN has the option to apply for a new franchise should the Supreme Court grant the Office of the Solicitor General’s petition to forfeit the current license of the broadcast network, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said there is no prohibition for ABS-CBN to seek a new franchise. Bills seeking to extend ABS-CBN’s franchise are still pending in Congress.

“Kaya nga may application sila for renewal. That’s the whole point,” he told reporters.

On Monday, the OSG asked the SC through a quo warranto petition to forfeit ABS-CBN’s franchise over alleged violations, an action denounced by the network, several media groups and journalism schools.

In its petition, the OSG claimed that the network had been operating a pay-per-view channel without the necessary permit from the government and that it issued Philippine Depositary Receipts to foreigners.

ABS-CBN, whose franchise expires on March 30, said it did not violate the law.

However, Panelo said the OSG was only doing its job to file an action in court if it believes that there is a violation of any law.

“If he does not, then he opens himself to criminal prosecution – of dereliction of duty. He cannot close his eyes,” he said in a separate interview on ANC.

“He cannot close his eyes to any violation regardless of the time because it is only now that he discovered that there has been a violation by the ABS-CBN. And let the court decide whether or not he’s correct on that.” —LDF, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/725904/abs-cbn-can-apply-for-new-franchise-if-solgen-wins-sc-case-palace/story/

Senate’s ABS-CBN franchise probe won’t clash with House action – solons

Two members of the House of Representatives recognized the prerogative of the Senate to conduct its own investigation on the compliance of ABS-CBN with its franchise.

Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano, vice chairperson of the House committee on legislative franchises, said the probe in the Senate “does not in any way conflict with our committee power to hear the same violations in our franchise committee.”

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Albano said the merits of the Senate investigation will be treated as “additional information” when the House conducts public hearings on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

This was seconded by Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Gabin Jr., also a member of the House committee tasked to tackle the franchise renewal of the country’s largest media network.

“That’s also their (Senate) prerogative to conduct a hearing regarding the issues involving the franchise of ABS-CBN. Prerogative nila ‘yun (That’s their prerogative) as a matter of legislative courtesy, I would say prerogative nila ‘yun (that’s their prerogative),” Garbin told House reporters.

Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate public services committee, filed a resolution on Wednesday seeking to look into “the operations of ABS-CBN Corporation to determine compliance with the terms and conditions of its franchise under Republic Act No. 7966.”

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he will call for a caucus next week to discuss the said resolution.

At the House, 11 bills have been filed endorsing the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, which license to operate is set to lapse on March 30.

Despite this and growing calls for immediate House action, the committee on legislative franchises has yet to schedule a hearing on the matter.

Maintaining objectivity

In the Senate resolution, Poe cited the quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) which claimed that the media network giant violated terms in its legislative franchise.

Albano said he cannot “further comment on the ‘merits of the abuse’ that is allegedly being heard by Sen. Grace Poe because this will prejudice my judgment as a vice chairman of the [House] committee [on legislative franchises].”

“It’s only but fair to inhibit myself in reading any of the findings and statements made during such an investigation of the Senate, so I can maintain my objectivity regarding the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise,” Albano said.

“I even urge my colleagues in the House to try to refrain commenting on the ‘merits of the case’ of ABS-CBN, so that when we hear this ABS-CBN bill in the plenary to vote upon whether to renew or not to renew the ABS-CBN franchise, then we as a whole in Congress will not be accused of biases in our collective decisions,” the lawmaker added.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1228381/senates-abs-cbn-franchise-probe-wont-clash-with-house-action-solons