BUSINESS groups on Tuesday called on legislators to look into the franchise renewal of TV giant ABS-CBN, as doing so would sustain press freedom and free enterprise in the Philippines that they find crucial for the flourish of economic activities.
In a joint statement, the Institute of Corporate Directors, Institute of Solidarity in Asia, Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines aired their support for the “balanced, fair and timely” deliberation of measures to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN. They also called on lawmakers to address any issues raised against the TV network.
“We the undersigned business organizations express our strong support for a balanced, fair and timely consideration of the bills filed by several lawmakers on the renewal of ABS-CBN Corp.’s broadcasting franchise,” the statement read.
“We fervently urge Congress to judiciously address any issues raised against the company while taking serious account of the bedrock issues of media freedom and free enterprise, which allow businesses to flourish for the overall welfare of our economy and our people,” it added.
Sen. Grace L. Poe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, on Monday said Congress can extend ABS-CBN’s permit to operate while lawmakers are deliberating on the fate of its franchise.
She is acting on the resolution filed by Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, who wants to extend the TV giant’s franchise up to December 31, 2022, to provide both houses of Congress more time to assess ABS-CBN’s application for renewal.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire on March 31, and there are roughly 12 session days left before Congress adjourns on March 14. Without a franchise, ABS-CBN’s operations can be deemed illegal and, therefore, disrupted, resulting in the job losses of over 11,000 workers—including both regular employees and contractuals.
Under Republic Act 7966, enacted into law on March 30, 1995, the ABS-CBN was granted a franchise “to construct, operate and maintain, for commercial purposes and in the public interest, television and radio broadcasting stations in and throughout the country. The term of the franchise is for 25 years, which is set to expire on March 30, 2020.”
This is the first time business groups aired their concern over the TV firm’s franchise expiry, supporting a view by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia that ABS-CBN’s shutdown could injure investor confidence in the Philippines.
For his part, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez denied the closure of ABS-CBN will lead to a reduction in investor confidence in the country. He said the franchise can be granted to another group, and its shutdown could pave the way for the growth of its rival companies.
“My understanding, the frequency is there and it’s possible that there can be another [player]. Maybe the other players might grow, or [there will be a]changing of owners. There are a lot of possibilities, but that’s pure speculation [right now],” Lopez told reporters on Monday night.
2 comments
I can’t understand, why the PH Govt wants to shut down the ABS CBN Network?
there’s a lot of issues with ABS-CBN network.