“Do some soul-searching” Cayetano tells ABS-CBN

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano have a heartfelt advice to the tv network - “Do some soul-searching.”

Cayetano has been put on the spot since the number of session days that would be used for tackling the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN is limited, and the termination of the original franchise is nearing - March 20.

The issue of the franchise renewal has been complicated by the filing of the Office of the Solicitor General of a quo warranto petition asking the Supreme Court revocation of ABS-CBN’s franchise for alleged abuses with respect to the use of the said franchise.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano
(photo credit to owner)

“Under the leadership and guidance of President Duterte, many of our nation’s institutions – including Congress – has had to take a long hard look at itself,” Cayetano said in a statement.

“To reflect on what our role is in nation-building and what reforms are needed and how best we can serve God and the Filipino people. Maybe the media, especially ABS-CBN, should also take this critical time (to do the same),” he added.

As of press time there 11 bills that are pending all of which calls for the renewal of the tv networks renewal, but has not been calendared despite the fact its termination is on March 20.

On the issue of the scheduling of hearing for ABS-CBN’s franchise, Cayetano said that while “there are certain interests who want to rush this process, we stand by the leadership of the 18th Congress and the Committee in Legislative Franchises on how to prioritize urgent and important legislation.”

“We also commit that the 18th Congress shall study this issue from all aspects in order to protect the interest of the public,” Cayetano said.

Republic Act No. 3846 requires television and radio broadcasting companies to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. As per the Philippine Constitution, it is Congress that will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.

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Report from PDI

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