Looks like ABS-CBN and its loyal viewers can’t sleep soundly just yet, as legalities of the media giant’s blocktime arrangement with Bro. Eddie Villanueva-owned Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc., are now under the scrutiny of some of the old prominent figures—and some new ones, too— who opposed ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
Following ABS-CBN’s shutdown on free television, the network entered into a block time deal with Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc., leading to the birth of A2Z Channel 11, which is now available to free analog and free digital tv users in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces. A2Z’s launch marked the return of some of the beloved Kapamilya programs, as well as new programs that ABS-CBN has produced under existing strict production protocols due to the pandemic.
Among those who are raising issues on the agreement’s legalities is Duterte’s staunch supporter, Presidential Legal Counsel, Sal Panelo. Panelo raised questions on whether ABS-CBN’s deal with Bro. Eddie is an act of law circumvention, noting “…pag meron kang franchise, hindi mo puwedeng i-lease, ipagamit, ipagbili, or ipagamit na walang permiso ang NTC,” referring to the amount of time sold by ZBNI to ABS-CBN.
However, Panelo failed to note that it isn’t just ABS-CBN’s programs that are airing on A2Z 11, as ZBNI’s other blocktime partners also use a chunk of A2Z’s entire airtime. Also, A2Z airs from 6:00 am to 11pm, or just 17 hours a day, which falls under the 18-hr maximum Panelo is accusing ABS-CBN of bypassing.
Malacañan previously stated that it has nothing to comment about on the said blocktime agreement as ABS-CBN is now just a content provider, and Zoe will be the one accountable should proper authorities find legal loopholes on the deal.
It is also interesting to underscore that ABS-CBN’s former rival, GMA Network, also entered into a similar blocktime agreement with ZBNI in 2005, allowing the birth of lifestyle channel, QTV, which soon rebranded to GMA News TV. The deal lasted for 14 years and was terminated by GMA Network just last year.
Earlier this month, newly-elected House minority leader, Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, teased about possible actions the Congress may take once the National Telecommunications Commission finds irregularities with the deal, noting other previous allegations thrown against ABS-CBN.
“There are legal issues about it. Tingnan na lang natin kung ano mangyayari diyan. Let the NTC do the study or investigation…” Paduano stated.
Meanwhile, previous House hearings tackling ABS-CBN’s tax evasion case have been completely proven false by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, itself. Issues on labor malpractices and foreign ownership have already been cleared by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), respectively, during Congress’ deliberations on ABS-CBN’s franchise application.
While those who have been vocal of their support for ABS-CBN have now secured key posts in Congress—ones anti-ABS-CBN solons previously occupied—new names look poised to still go after ABS-CBN and its current and future dealings. Buhay Partylist Representative Lito Atienza, who was among the loudest voices supporting ABS-CBN in Congress during the network’s grueling franchise application process, has taken over Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez’s Deputy speakership post. Capiz Representative Fredenil Castro, and Batangas Representative Raneo Abu, have been likewise removed as deputy speakers, with Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez and Rep. Camille Villar, taking over their posts. These changes in house deputy speakerships come in the wake of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco’s ascent to the House Speakership post, prompting his leadership to expel some of the ‘disloyal’ members—who openly campaigned for his ousted House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s retention—from key positions in the house.
It is important to note, however, that while most of those appointed by Velasco are either known Duterte supporters or neutrals, their previous pro-ABS-CBN positions speak volumes of the decision they may make should a new franchise application be applied again on the Lower Chamber during Velasco’s tenure as House Speaker.
