Deputy Speaker and Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza said the return of ABS-CBN on air is possible under the leadership of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
Atienza, in an interview, said ABS-CBN may start operating again in 2021 as the debate on the franchise of ABS-CBN could be tackled again by the plenary.
“I am really confident, justice will prevail by next year. They [ABS-CBN] were maltreated, they were maltreated, they were eventually assassinated, so they should be given justice,” he said. “I am just giving the new Speaker time to settle. Hindi naman natin puwedeng biglain, major battle, kauupo lamang niya. But I am not shying away from the responsibility and for the opportunity to come—that I’m working on—para maibalik natin ‘yung floor discussion,” he said.
Abang-Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano said ABS-CBN can file its franchise renewal in 2021 in accordance with the rules of the lower chamber.
In July, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises rejected the franchise application of ABS-CBN Corp.
This after the House Committee on Legislative Franchises adopted a resolution denying the franchise application of ABS-CBN to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain radio and broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
The resolution to deny the ABS-CBN franchise application was adopted with 70 committee members voted in favor of the resolution, 11 against, 1 abstention and 2 inhibitions. ABS-CBN Corp. went off air last May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission has issued a cease and desist order against the network following the expiration of its legislative franchise last May 4.
4 comments
I was surprised when the House Committee rejected the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
Committee members didn’t want to be targeted for assassination by Duterte’s extrajudicial forces. Simple as that. Business as usual in the Philippines.
Being maltreated by its rival network GMA Network, and then being maltreated by Philippines. ABS-CBN being shutdown by Philippines amid GMA’s bullying on ABS-CBN. How stupid is Philippines.
Being maltreated by its rival network GMA Network, and then being maltreated by stupid people in Philippines. ABS-CBN being shutdown by Philippines amid GMA’s bullying on ABS-CBN. How stupid is Philippines. GMA also made mistakes, but being ignored by Philippines.