Will Congress finally reopen the discussion regarding the restoration of ABS-CBN’s franchise?
It was Rep. Lito Atienza who sparked hope for ABS-CBN’s this 2021. He said it after the Congress shifts to the new House leadership with Lord Allan Velasco.
Atienza is confident that the Lopez-owned media company will reclaim its franchise soon as the new House speaker is just waiting for the right timing.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III made abuzz when he filed a senate bill for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN come reopening of Congress this year.
But based on the Constitution, franchise bills should originate from Congress. Thus, Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto backed Sotto by refiling the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bill in the Lower House.
Therefore talks about ABS-CBN franchise renewal re-emerged.
Even President Duterte recently divulged the Congress’ plan of retackling the bill.
However, he also assured that even though Congress will renew their franchise, he will find a way to block their broadcast unless they will settle their alleged unpaid taxes.
“But if you say that they can operate if they already have it, no. I will not allow them. I will not allow the NTC to grant them the permit to operate.
“Unless in a deal, the Lopezes would pay their taxes, I will not — I will ignore your franchise, and I will not give them the license to operate,” Duterte forewarned the Network.
Furthermore, the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises chairman Rep. Franz Alvarez believes that the ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal is ‘best left to the next Congress’.
Based on this, Congress has plans of rediscussing the issue and restoring the Network’s franchise.
