The decision of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises denying the franchise application of ABS-CBN Corporation is a sole prerogative of Congress that we in the Executive recognize.
Voting 70-11, lawmakers deny embattled media giant ABS-CBN’s bid for a fresh 25-year franchise.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on ABS-CBN’s failed franchise renewal bid: “I am deeply saddened by this episode in the history of our nation. It is reminiscent of the dark pages in the history of Philippine press in 1972.” Drilon: “After monitoring the exhaustive proceedings in the House of Representatives, I am more convinced that the only fault of ABS-CBN is it stepped on some powerful political toes, hence the sword has been unleashed on it.”
Thank you to the congressmen and congresswomen who stood up for ABS-CBN:
- Sol Aragones
- Toff De Venecia
- Caloi Zarate
- Gab Bordado
- Vilma Santos
- Lianda Bolilia
- Ping Tejada
- Beny Abante
- Stella Quimbo
- Mujiv Hataman
- Edward Maceda
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, “The Palace has maintained a neutral stance on the issue as it respects the separation of powers between the two co-equal branches government. Much as we want to work with the aforesaid media network, we have to abide by the resolution of the House committee.”
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