PRESIDENT Duterte should stop threatening press freedom by constantly harassing the Lopez-led ABS-CBN, a lawmaker said on Tuesday.
Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite said if the President really has a grievance against the network, then he should file a case against ABS-CBN.
“[He should file a case], rather than trample on press freedom and the jobs of at least 7,000 employees,” he said.
Gaite took issue with Duterte’s statement on Monday that the Lopez family should just sell the network instead of seeking to have its franchise renewed, as it expires on March 20. This remark, said Gaite, only spawns speculation “that another close friend of the President is interested in the company as what is happening with the water concessionaires.”
He was referring to speculation that Duterte may be coming down hard on private water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. in order to void their concession agreements with government and allow the entry of his business friends. Among those earlier tagged in reports as possibly interested to take over are the politically connected Villars, who have described the insinuations as unfair.
Challenge
Meanwhile, Gaite challenged the House of Representatives to at least hold one hearing on the franchise of ABS-CBN this January and give the TV network a fair shake.
“If not, then the separation of powers of the Executive and the Legislative would be further exposed as a sham. Congress would, again, be branded as a rubber stamp of Malacañang,” said the solon.
“Journalists, both in and out, of the country, and all those who stand for the truth must band together and stop this attack on press freedom; if not, tyranny and ‘fake news’ would prevail,” he added.
Several bills pending before the House Committee on Legislative Franchise are seeking the renewal of the local media giant’s congressional franchise.
Earlier, Duterte said he will make sure that ABS-CBN will be out of business next year.
However, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano gave assurances that the House will be fair in tackling the bill seeking the franchise renewal bills.
According to Cayetano, there would be enough time in January or February to hold hearings.
Cayetano said the renewal of the ABS-CBN will depend on the outcome of the hearings.