SAGIP Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta has stated that ABS-CBN should not be given another franchise even though the hearings weren’t able to prove any of the allegations that he tried to raise against the network.
In an interview with die-hard Duterte supporters Mark Lopez and Darwin Canete on DZRJ program Pugad Bloggers, Marcoleta claimed the Congress has found three major violations of ABS-CBN.
“Nahahati talaga sa tatlo, e.
“Unang-una, nilabag nila yung mahigpit na tuntunin ng Saligang Batas.
“Pangalawa, nilabag nila ang mga batas na may kinalaman sa pagpapatakbo nila ng prangkisa—yung mga labor laws, taxation laws, naging partisan sila, sa nilabag na maraming Comelec [Commission on Election] laws.
“Pagkatapos, ang sarili nilang prangkisa, ay nilabag din nila,” he said.
However, Marcoleta did not cite specific violations of the Kapamilya network.
That’s why he said there is no need for the Kapamilya Network to get another franchise from Congress.
“Kaya sa palagay namin, wala na sigurong puwang para bigyan pa sila ng panibagong prangkisa.
“Ibibigay na lang ito…dun sa mga taong deserving, magsisilbi talaga sa ating mamamayan. At hindi tayo paiikutin kahit kailan.”
ABS-CBN has been shut down since May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order after their franchise expired on May 4.
In the 11 hearings that Congress has conducted on the ABS-CBN franchise, there was no clear cut evidence that the network has violated the constitution or provisions of their franchise.
In fact, different government agencies have stated that ABS-CBN hasn’t violated anything that could cost them their franchise.
On the issue of taxes, BIR attested that ABS-CBN has been paying the right taxes every year even earning tax clearances from the bureau.
PEZA has also cleared ABS-CBN subsidiary Big Dipper from accusations that it is being used as a tax shield.
DOJ has confirmed that former Chairman Gabby Lopez is a 100% Filipino.
SEC meanwhile confirmed that ABS-CBN PDRs are valid and legal.
And although ABS-CBN acknowledges they have pending labor cases, DOLE said ABS-CBN was able to correct some questionable practices thus they were given a compliance certificate.
