One of President Rodrigo Duterte’s closest allies in the Senate, Ronaldo “Bato” Dela Rosa, said he is open to supporting ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal if ever all the allegations against the media giant are proven wrong.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Bato said if ever it was established that ABS-CBN did not violate anything regarding their franchise then he’ll join those who are pushing for its renewal.
“I promise with all my heart, kapag during the hearing ay na-establish natin na wala talagang viniolate ang ABS-CBN, I tell you, ipu-push ko talaga na ma-renew sila at ako mismo ang kakausap kay Presidente,” he said
“Sabihan ko sir mali ata ‘yung impormasyong nakarating sa iyo. I-renew na natin ‘to sir. Tama pala sila ganoon.” he added.
Some of the issues raised against ABS-CBN in the quo warranto case filed by the OSG are ABS-CBN’s use of pay-per-view channel KBO and their issuance of PDRs.
However, in the legal opinion provided by DOJ to the NTC, it said that broadcasters like ABS-CBN are allowed to provide a pay-per-view channel, only if it will not amount to CATV service which means providing multiple paid channels.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, the principal author of the Senate version of ABS-CBN franchise renewal bill, also said that none of the complaints raised against ABS-CBN are fatally defective of their franchise.
“And I think none of these complaints are fatally defective that it would warrant not to extend the franchise. Insofar as the complaints filed, right? ‘Yung (The) quo warranto (petition),” he added.
Meanwhile, on the issue of unpaid tax which is being widely spread on social media, the BIR has already set the record straight that ABS-CBN has no pending tax liability with the tax bureau.
“Wala… walang pending with us,” said BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa.
“Sister company nila (ABS-CBN) ‘yun… it’s pending with CTA. All the rest wala,” he added.
