Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has urged critics and supporters of ABS-CBN to send to the House of Representatives their position papers and comments on the proposed renewal of the radio-television network’s broadcasting franchise. He made the appeal as he reiterated that the House would do an impartial job in considering bills seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
He said he has been monitoring comments in social media and the mainstream media for and against granting the network the privilege to continue its broadcast services.
“So, what I request is we join the issues. All those opposed to renewing the franchise, submit your comments to the House committee on legislative franchises, which will forward these to ABS-CBN so they can already respond. That’s the way our democracy works,” Cayetano said.
He noted that Solicitor General Jose Calida has ventilated the government’s complaints against the network in the quo warranto petition the latter filed with the Supreme Court.
“On one hand, I would rather the SolGen did not file it. But on the other hand, at least, people are now talking about the issues. As for me, I am open-minded. I have read the reply of ABS-CBN to the SolGen and I am waiting for their official comment,” he said.
The Supreme Court has given the network 10 days to submit an answer.
“I think this is the way to find a solution. Welcome the issues against ABS-CBN, but also welcome their reply, so that we can finally get somewhere with all of these,” Cayetano said.
At the same time, the Speaker urged all stakeholders to not equate press freedom with the ABS-CBN franchise.
He said press freedom would not die if the station’s broadcasting privilege were not renewed.
“If press freedom is automatic, then there should be no more hearings in Congress (on the ABS-CBN franchise). We will just have to grant it automatically. But no, Congress has to legislate it. In America, a radio-TV station can endorse a candidate in an election. They have their own law. In our case, we have the Fair Elections Act, which contains a right of reply provision,” he said.
Cayetano pointed out that he understands the concerns of those fighting for press freedom.
“But this is not an open-close case of press freedom. It’s also accountability to our present laws, especially election laws. Personally, that’s what I want to hear when the hearings are held, what reforms ABS-CBN will undertake to address their perceived bias and alleged violations of their franchise,” he said.
