Speaker Cayetano: Time to hear ABS-CBN franchise bills, but no automatic renewal

MANILA - It is "absolutely necessary" for Congress to take up long-pending bills for the renewal of ABS-CBN's broadcast franchise, but starting hearings won't mean an automatic license renewal as there are other concerns to be addressed, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Tuesday.

Cayetano's statement came a week after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered the network to stop its free TV and radio broadcast, citing the expiration of its broadcast franchise on May 4.

Starting his statement with a Bible verse on impartiality, Cayetano said amid other legislative priorities, the House of Representatives remains "cognizant of our responsibility in addressing the pending issue of the ABS-CBN franchise."

"To those calling for an immediate hearing on this matter, including my colleagues in Congress, let me just be very clear - a hearing does not mean automatic renewal," Cayetano said.

He said there were still other issues to be resolved surrounding ABS-CBN's franchise, which he did not detail in his statement.

ABS-CBN had faced the Senate in February, asserting that it had not violated the law and addressing other allegations against it, including tax liabilities, which internal revenue officials themselves denied.

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The Senate earlier adopted a resolution saying ABS-CBN may continue operations beyond the lapse of its franchise, and on Monday several senators filed a bill granting the network provisional franchise until June 2022.

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The House had also received the NTC’s assurance that it would grant ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate beyond its franchise expiry, which the commission contradicted in ordering ABS-CBN to stop broadcasting on May 5.

It was later found out that Solicitor General Jose Calida, who had earlier asked the Supreme Court to invalidate ABS-CBN's franchise, sent the NTC a letter on April 30 urging it to issue a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN and warning of graft charges if it issued provisional authority.

"While the deception of the NTC and the meddling of the Solicitor General adds exigency to the matter, there are still other concerns that need to be resolved," said Cayetano.

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"As to the hearing, the only thing it guarantees is that the network will be able to present its case, in the same manner as those who oppose it. The serious concerns that have been raised can no longer be swept under the rug, and it is absolutely necessary for Congress to give this matter all the time and attention it requires," he said.

He cited the need for a series of "proper" hearings to "put an end to the uncertainties and doubt."

"Ultimately, it is only through a fair, impartial, comprehensive, and thorough presentation and appreciation of the evidence that we can clear the air. Your House of The People will put interest of the Filipino people FIRST, and in these extraordinary times prioritization, fairness and timing is of utmost importance," he said.

ABS-CBN's halt in broadcast last week was the first time it went off the air since the Marcos dictatorship. The shutdown imperils an estimated 11,000 jobs.

It has asked the Supreme Court to stop the NTC shutdown order.

News.abs-cbn.com is the general news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

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