Saddened by the news, Malacañang clarified that President Rodrigo Duterte has no mandate on the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)’s cease and desist order issued to the broadcasting network, ABS-CBN.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the President thanks the network for its service but the law shall prevail.
“Kung meron po na kahit sino sa media, na magpapakita ng legal provision kung saan sinasabing pwedeng mag-issue ang Presidente mismo ng provisional authority, ipakita niyo lang po agad. I guarantee you, within 5 minutes, mag-i-issue ang Presidente. Pero wala pong ganyang provision of law, kaya hindi po makagalaw ang Presidente. (If anyone from the media can show a legal provision where the President may issue provisional authority, show it immediately. I guarantee you, within 5 minutes, the President will issue one. But there is none so the President cannot do anything).“
Secretary Roque explained that only Congress has the power in terms of franchises. The President is urging lawmakers to act on the situation of the network. However, the Palace understands the decision of the NTC.
Sec. Roque also stated that the Chief Executive is “neutral” on the situation and he respects the opinions of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General.
