ABS-CBN Corporation and ABS-CBN Convergence, Incorporated, have five days to comment on the “Very Urgent Motion for Issuance of Gag Order” pleading filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) before the Supreme Court (SC) Tuesday.
Once granted, both parties in the case will no longer be allowed to release any information discussing the merits and minuses of the quo warranto case.
”The motion was basically asking Supreme Court for the issuance of an order to prohibit both parties in engaging media and releasing statements relative to the merits of the case,” SC Spokesperson Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said.
According to Solicitor General Jose Calida, aside from the release of official statement by ABS-CBN, the media network also released alleged propaganda to gain public sympathy.
“However, not content with issuing its official statement on the petition, ABS-CBN thereafter engaged in propaganda in a clear attempt to elicit public sympathy, sway public opinion, and, ultimately, to influence the resolution of the case,” he said.
One of the rules before any court proceeding is the sub judice rule, which restricts both parties to comment and release information while the case is pending. Once violated, any party may be held liable for indirect contempt.
The OSG said some of the violations of ABS-CBN on the rule include some of the network’s news, commentary, and statements of their celebrity artists, showbiz and news personalities.
The SC said these characters or personalities of the network will be among those who to be restricted to comment on the issue.
“They are asking both respondents on all persons acting on, or for their behalf. Both parties, not just ABS-CBN, not just SolGen, to prohibit them from making any comments,” Hosaka said.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson agreed to the measure taken by the Solicitor General. He said the move is appropriate so that the case discussion will not be affected.
”Tama naman siya doon, kasi parang nagiging emotional ang issue on this particular topic. It’s much ado about nothing, it’s not about press freedom. the President has nothing to do with the petition. Again, we will repeat, Solicitor General Jose Calida is just doing his job,” Panelo said.
A Senate hearing is set for next week on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. The SC said it won’t affect them.
”I don’t think that will matter. First of all, the senators are not parties of the case. What is on the table now is the motion filed by the Solicitor General,” Hosaka said. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
