‘Possible gag order vs ABS-CBN won’t hamper Senate probe’

MANILA – The move of the Office of Solicitor General to gag the ABS-CBN Corporation will not affect the Senate’s scheduled inquiry on the renewal of the franchise of the broadcasting network, Sen. Franklin Drilon said.

The Ilonngo lawmaker said even if the Supreme Court will grant SolGen Jose Calida’s gag order motion, the Senate will not be prohibited from requiring persons to appear and testify.

“The Supreme Court cannot prohibit persons to appear and testify before congressional inquiries in aid of legislation,” Drilon said. “The petition cannot prevent the Senate from hearing the issues on ABS-CBN. The petition has no effect on the Senate.”

Calida on Tuesday filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to issue a gag order to prohibit ABS-CBN from releasing statements.

The SolGen’s petition was filed immediately after the Senate Committee on Public Services decided to hear the application for the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN and the resolution filed by Drilon extending the validity of the franchise of the broadcasting network until the end of 2022.

“Such gag order, if ordered, cannot serve as a prohibition for ABS-CBN to appear and testify before the Senate panel,” Drilon said.

Drilon emphasized that the Constitution and various jurisprudence have many times upheld the power of the Senate to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation and to exercise its oversight power.

“the fact that there is a pending case before the Supreme Court on the ABC-CBN franchise does not preclude congressional hearings in aid of legislation,” Drilon said.

“The unremitting obligation of every citizen is to respond to subpoenas, to respect the dignity of the Congress and its committees, and to testify fully with respect to matters within the realm of proper investigation,” he added.

Drilon further said that it is the duty of the witnesses and resource persons to cooperate with the Senate in its efforts to obtain the facts needed for intelligent legislative action./PN

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