Senate probe into ABS-CBN's alleged violations sought
MANILA, Philippines — As ABS-CBN bats for the renewal of their franchise at the Congress a month before its expiry, Sen. Grace Poe sought a legislative inquiry into supposed violations of the broadcasting company.
Poe filed Senate resolution No. 322 directing the Senate Committee on Public Services, which she
Poe cited Solicitor General Jose Calida’s
“A month before its expiration, on 10 February 2020, a
Calida, in his plea, said ABS-CBN operates its KBO Channel without
He also said that the company issued Philippine Deposit Receipts—tools that allows foreign investors a passive economic interest in a Philippine company—that violates foreign ownership restriction on mass media.
The solicitor general also said Convergence, ABS-CBN’s subsidiary, uses Multi-Media Telephony’s franchise without approval from Congress.
Poe noted that the broadcast giant denied the accusations of Calida and said that they are not violating any laws.
EXPLAINER: Calida cites 'transcendental importance' in case vs ABS-CBN: What is it?
However, the senator noted that RA 7966 provides that the franchise “shall be subject to amendment, alteration or repeal by the Congress of the Philippines when the public interest so requires.”
“[
Quo warranto plea
The SC, in a full court session Tuesday, ordered ABS-CBN to answer Calida’s allegations.
The tribunal however did not issue a temporary restraining order against KBO—one of Calida’s prayers in the
EXPLAINER: Calida says ABS-CBN's KBO service illegal, but network says it has permits
At the House of Representatives, there are at least eight bills filed seeking the renewal of the broadcast company’s legislative franchise.
ABS-CBN Corp. stopped broadcasting on its TV and radio stations on May 5, 2020 after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order. The network's franchise had lapsed on May 4 without action by the House of Representatives.
ABS-CBN announces that it will cease operations of TeleRadyo, which has been in the red since 2020, by June 30.
In a disclosure, ABS confirms signing of deal that sees the broadcast giant enter into a joint venture with MVP's TV5. — Ramon Royandoyan
JUST IN: In a disclosure, ABS confirmed signing of deal that sees the broadcast giant enter into a joint venture with MVP's TV5. Details to follow. | via @monroyandoyan pic.twitter.com/x5nLTaad4U
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) August 11, 2022
Rep. Mike Defensor (Anakalusugan Party-list) attempts to put the ABS-CBN franchise up for a vote in the plenary, saying it should be taken up as it is in the House's unfinished business.
The House rejects his motion, but he appeals this. House leaders later on commit to begin tackling its unfinished business beginning Monday. — Xave Gregorio
Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto (Batangas) has filed a bill seeking the renewal of the franchise granted to broadcast giant ABS-CBN.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier filed a similar bill at the Senate, saying a majority of Filipinos get their news primarily from TV.
Franchise bills emanate from the House of Representatives.
Malacañang is leaving it up to Congress to decide on the new bill seeking to renew the franchise of television network ABS-CBN, which was forced to lay off thousands of workers after its franchise expired last May.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque disagreed, saying the fate of the bill depends on lawmakers.
"Well, again, I beg to differ; that is a sole constitutional prerogative of Congress which must originate from the House of Representatives," Roque says at a press briefing. — Alexis Romero
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