THE leadership of the House of Representatives said it is now “carefully reviewing” the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN Corporation, which is set to end on March 30.
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said in line with the President’s legislative agenda, the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN is among the issues affecting the nation that Congress has been considering.
“This is why we continue to work closely with Malacañang regarding the important issues affecting the country, including the passage of the national budget, and several priority bills of the President such as securing sources of revenue to fund free quality education and universal healthcare.”
Cayetano also said the Congress will fulfill its constitutional mandate to review and decide on the the franchise issue, despite the Office of Solicitor General’s pending action before the Supreme Court asking for the forfeiture of the legislative franchise of broadcast network.
“This constitutional duty of Congress does not preclude other branches of government to do as [they see] fit with regard to this matter. But neither should it divest Congress of its powers nor will their actions stop us from doing what we must do,” Cayetano added. He was apparently referring to the quo warranto petition filed with the Supreme Court on Monday by Solicitor General Jose Calida, seeking to cancel ABS-CBN’s franchise even though the House is supposed to hold hearings on it.
Cayetano also reiterated Congress’ commitment to conduct an impartial hearing “where those who are against or in favor of the renewal may make their case.” He noted that this is consistent with the President’s stand on the protection of the freedom of expression.
As to the timetable for the hearings, Cayetano said that “there are certain interests who want to rush this process; we stand by the leadership of the 18th Congress and The Committee in Legislative Fanchises on how to prioritize urgent and important legislation.
“We also commit that the 18th Congress shall study this issue from all aspects in order to protect the interest of the public,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cayetano urged the network to do some “soul-searching” to reflect on “how we have all reached this point.”
Gag order?
Meanwhile, Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said he has being gagged by the chamber following his push for the urgent scheduling of hearings on several bills renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN.
Atienza said he was supposed to continue his privilege speech regarding the renewal of the franchise.
According to Atienza, he could not help but suspect the immediate adjournment was connected with the ABS-CBN franchise issue.
The plenary immediately adjourned after the national anthem or five minutes after opening it.
“What other reason can I think of? You can really tell when people are hiding something. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will again raise it and I hope they will not adjourn again,” he added.
For his part, Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said the session was adjourned “due to lack of quorum.”