The Lower House rejected on Friday ABS-CBN Network’s bid for franchise renewal.
Seventy solons who make up the Committee on Legislative Franchises, including ex-officio members chose to uphold the Technical Working Group (TWG) resolution denying the franchise application of ABS-CBN Corporation, while 11 voted in the negative, seeking to grant the network a franchise.
A lawmaker chose to abstain while two others inhibited.
The TWG recommendation claimed the network has violated some provisions under its franchise such us the PDR issues, citizenship of Chairman Emeritus Gabby Lopez III, labor violation, questionable tax avoidance schemes, and others.
Vice Chairperson Jonathan Sy-Alvarado said ABS-CBN can apply for a motion for reconsideration with the committee, but Rep. Carlos Zarate said it is unlikely to happen since it can only come from the 70 congressmen.
“Parang walang katuturan na rin iyon. Makikita mo naman ang intensity ng pagtutol talaga ng ibang kasamahan dito sa House (It may be pointless. You can see the intensity of rejection by some members of the House),” Zarate explained.
Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta stated the allegations were serious which resulted in the decision. If the network chooses to appeal, it would be unlikely to work.
“Talagang maski kami malungkot kami. Sino ba namang hindi malulungkot mawalan ng trabaho ‘yung ating mga manggagawa? Pero sa puso nila makikita rin nila siguro kung bakit ganoon ang naging pasya namin (We,too, are sad. Who won’t be sad over the loss of the workers’ jobs? But they might find in their hearts the reason behind our decision),” Marcoleta claimed.
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano also appealed to the public to read the explanations in the decision.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak thanked those who supported ABS-CBN in its fight.
“Your messages have given us the strength as we go through this difficult process. We are hopeful that the hearings will soon come to a close, and we would like to lean on you again for your support and prayers.” – Report from Daniel Manalastas
