The statement of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go for the Members of the House of Representatives to consider soonest the issue of the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise and vote according to their conscience appears to have the blessing of President Rodrigo Duterte since Go is very close confidante of the President.
- Press Statements
The House of Representatives is in the process of approving on second as well as on third and final reading House Bill No. 78 or the “New Public Service Act” which is fatally violative of the Constitution as it allows traditional public utilities like transportation and telecommunication companies to be owned by aliens or corporations which are wholly owned by foreigners.
This is contrary to Section 11 of Article XII of the Constitution which reserves the ownership, operation, control and management of public utilities to Filipino citizens or to corporations or associations at least 60 per centum of whose capital is owned by Filipinos.
- Press Statements
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano appears to be mistaken when he implied that since ABS-CBN “took sides in the 2010 and 2016 elections”, the renewal of its franchise is imperiled.
Granting that the network took sides, taking sides is not a franchise violation per se.
The freedom of the press affords media outlets, like television and radio stations, sufficient latitude to telecast and broadcast their sentiments supporting or opposing certain advocacies, issues, and personalities.
- Press Statements
If Solicitor General Jose Calida did not gag himself from advocating and filing a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN Corporation, why should he ask the Supreme Court to gag supporters and oppositors from expressing their views on the merits or demerits of his petition?
After violating the freedom of the press by filing an unwarranted and misplaced quo warranto petition against the media giant, Calida is now transgressing the freedom of expression, both of which are constitutionally guaranteed rights.
- Press Statements
If Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has personal grievances against ABS-CBN or objections against the renewal of the network's franchise, he can vote against the renewal but must allow members of the House to cast their respective conscience votes on the renewal.
Cayetano must perforce direct the committee on legislative franchises to immediately deliberate on the eleven (11) pending bills proposing the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise and report out its recommendation for plenary discussion.
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