MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said ABS-CBN franchise renewal bill will be given fair hearings as he urged the media to do some “soul searching” on how to best serve the Filipinos.
According to Cayetano, the network’s franchise renewal bill was among matters the House “has been carefully studying from day one” of the current Congress session.
“Consistent with the Duterte Administration’s stand on the protection of the freedom of expression, Congress is committed to conduct an impartial hearing where those who are against or in favor of the renewal may make their case,” said Cayetano.
“While certain interests want to speed up the process, the House is working alongside the chamber’s panel on legislative franchises on how to prioritize urgent and important legislation,” he added.
There were at least 11 bills for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal that are pending in the House just about a month before Congress goes on break on March 14. The network’s franchise will expire on March 30.
Cayetano added that the matter “simply boils down to whether or not the government, through Congress, should to continue to grant a private corporation the privilege to do business using government-owned airwaves.”
“This constitutional duty of Congress does not preclude other branches of government to do as it sees 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,” he said.
Cayetano also said that the media must do some “soul-searching” as he cited how Duterte’s leadership has prompted institutions, even Congress, to “take a long hard look at itself” and “reflect” on their respective roles in nation-building and reforms needed.
“Maybe the media, especially ABS-CBN, should also take this critical time for soul-searching on how we have all reached this point, on what reforms are needed and how to best serve God and the Filipino People,” Cayetano said.
On Monday, Solicitor General Jose Calida has filed a quo warranto plea before the Supreme Court seeking to invalidate the ABS-CBN franchise, citing alleged violation of law./PN
Ang bbobo mo Cayatano since day one sino niloko mo. Liar rubber stamp ka ni Dugong. Kung meron man ABS CBN case na nilabag kay Dugong bakit hindi siya nag file ng case sa court bakit puro lang siya daldal. Katulad ng heresy na ni rape sya sino mag rape sa kanya sa mukha palang wala ng papatol. Pudol ka kasi ni Dugong at walang sariling pag iisip kaya natalo ka sa pagka vice president and you will never win loser.