Senate President Vicente Sotto III denounced the intention of some Congress members to take over ABS-CBN’s property. Representatives Mike Defensor, Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Rodante Marcoleta plotted to seize ABS-CBN’s assets and property via a Zoom meeting.
On Twitter, he claimed that the company’s property is “constitutionally protected” and the owner’s possession of such assets is substantial thus, acquisition of it should be properly taken to the courts.
“Takeover ABS-CBN property? Private property is constitutionally protected. Possession is given weight. There is a venue, the courts; and there is due process,” he said.
Takeover ABS CBN property? Private property is constitutionally protected. Possession is given weight. There is a venue, the courts; and there is due process. Bawal judgemental!
— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) July 23, 2020
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate as well stated that plotting a takeover of ABS-CBN’s assets is illegal and unconstitutional.
“That’s against the rules, against the law. Unconstitutional ‘yan dahil sinasabi sa Constitution na bigyan ng due process. If you’re in fact deprived of life, liberty, and property, dapat dadaan ‘yun sa proseso na ayon sa ating batas,” he said.
He added that the copy of the title that ABS-CBN presented to the legislative was “incontrovertible proof of ownership” unless proven otherwise.
“Marcoleta can question the matter before the court but would need to prove that he is a ‘party in interest,'” he added.
Following the House committee on legislative franchises rejected ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, members House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta, Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor, and Deputy Majority Leader Jesus Crispin Remulla, raised their doubts on the Lopezes’ legal rights to the ABS-CBN headquarters and the former Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) Compound.
In an online forum, Marcoleta questioned the validity of ABS-CBN’s title to the properties saying, “Yung titulo nila (Lopezes) hindi naman totoo, pwede natin sila i-eject doon.”
He also said that during the franchise hearings the network’s officials were not able to provide enough documents to evidence their ownership.
“Kahit isang salita, natameme sa titulo. Banat na lng ng banat, hanap ng butas, pero titulo nila ayaw magsalaita kahit isang letra.”
During the hearings, ABS-CBN already explained its non-presentment of the original title due to the reconstitution. However, Marcoleta repeatedly accused ABS-CBN of forgery.
