Batangas 6th District Representative Vilma Santos-Recto will refresh the Bill that proposes the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, citing the Network’s role in delivering news during typhoons and other calamities.
In July 2020, ABS-CBN failed to secure its franchise after the House rejected the bill filed by Santos-Recto and other lawmakers.
Since then, no one refiled the bill. But recently, Santos-Recto confirmed that she will refile the franchise renewal bill, echoing Senate’s move.
Aside from the purpose of rebuilding the economy by creating jobs and healthy competition among other networks, Santos-Recto cited ABS-CBN’s wide reach, which is significant for news and information dissemination.
The shutdown of ABS-CBN included its regional network groups across the country. These network groups used to deliver localized news and information, expanding the Network’s scope.
To recall, the ‘information gap’ brought upon by ABS-CBN’s absence left many people, especially those residing in far-flung areas, uninformed and unaware of the incoming Typhoon Rolly.
As Congress leadership shifted, Duterte’s allies are now powerless, like Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano who was removed from the House Speakership. Will this change of leadership also change ABS-CBN’s fate?
According to Buhay Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza, he is confident that ABS-CBN will regain its rights to broadcast this 2021. He also said that they are just waiting for Speaker Allan Velasco to settle things before rediscussing this ‘major battle’.
Atienza and Santos-Recto both voted in favor of granting ABS-CBN, a fresh 25-year franchise during the hearing last year.
Since the shutdown, the news and entertainment industry has been missing its biggest part. However, with this action inside the Congress and Senate, hopes are up.
