Malacanang has become unusually silent with regards to ABS-CBN free TV comeback via the newly rebranded A2Z Channel 11.
In a statement, Wednesday, October 7, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that the Palace preferred not to react to the latest development with ABS-CBN because it doesn’t concern the network’s franchise anymore.
According to Roque, ABS-CBN has effectively become a content provider for Zoe Broadcasting Network which does not require any franchise from the government. He also mentioned that with the development fans of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano are sure to be looking forward to its comeback on free TV via A2Z Channel 11.
“We neither welcome it nor—we have no reaction to it because they’re a content provider. For all intents and purposes, it is Zoe that will be subject to regulation because Zoe is the franchise holder.
“What has happened is ABS-CBN has become a content provider so that’s a distinct line of business that does not require a franchise. I guess the fans of ‘Probinsyano’ and the other soap operas can look forward to them on Zoe TV,” said Roque.
ABS-CBN has been shut down since May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order against the network following the expiration of its franchise.
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises meanwhile voted to reject the ABS-CBN franchise application on July 10.
Prior to its final rejection in Congress, ABS-CBN’s franchise had passed many challenges highlighted by President Rodrigo Duterte’s constant tirade against the network.
Since 2016, the franchise application was stalled in Congress primarily due to President Duterte’s consistent attacks against the network. Duterte in his several speeches has made sure that ABS-CBN won’t get its franchise renewed after he accused the network of biased reporting and for not showing his political ads during the 2016 campaign period despite already paying for it.
While the ABS-CBN executives have already clarified the issue of why the ad was not shown Duterte remained on the offensive accusing the network’s owner of being oligarchs that he needs to dismantle.
And that’s what he actually boasted in a speech in Mindanao after the rejection of the ABS-CBN franchise.
In his speech, Duterte proudly said that he was able to destroy oligarchs without declaring martial law.
“’Yun namang ABS-CBN binaboy ako. Pero sinabi ko kapag ako nanalo, bubuwagin ko ang oligarchy ng Pilipinas. Ginawa ko. Without declaring martial law, sinira ko yung mga tao na humahawak sa ekonomiya at umiipit sa tao at hindi nagbabayad. They take advantage, sa kanila political power,” he said during a speech in Sulu.
