President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday night that he would not allow ABS-CBN to operate even if Congress would grant the Lopez-owned network a new franchise.

Duterte tells NTC: Don’t grant ABS-CBN license to operate unless taxes are paid.

Duterte on ABS-CBN franchise: Yung Congress is planning to restore the franchise… Wala akong problema doon kung irestore ninyo. But if you say if they can operate, no. I will not allow the NTC to grant them the permit to operate.

“Congress is planning to restore the franchise of the Lopez. Wala akong problema doon kung i-restore ninyo (I have no problem if you decided to restore their franchise),” he said.

“Kung ibigay ninyo yung (if you want to give them the) franchise because it is within your power to do it, go ahead,” he added.

“If you say that they can operate kung meron na sila (once they have the franchise), no. I will not allow them. I will not allow the NTC to grant them the permit to operate,” Duterte said.

“Unless and until mabayaran ng mga Lopez ang taxes nila (the Lopezes pay their taxes), I will ignore your franchise and I will not give them the license to operate,” he added.

“Kalokohan ‘yan. Parang binigyan mo sila ng (That’s nonsense. It’s like giving them a) prize for their being– for committing criminal acts,” he continued.