- Two more solons backed ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
- Senator Bong Revilla also stated support for ABS-CBN franchise renewal.
More and more lawmakers are backing the franchise renewal of media giant ABS-CBN.
Aside from the original proponent of the bill renewing ABS-CBN franchise Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Micaela Violago, two more Congresswomen have also filed separate bills aiming for the same.
Pangasinan Representative and House Deputy Speaker Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas and Parañaque Rep. Myra Joy Tambunting were the latest members of the House who filed ABS-CBN’s application for franchise renewal under House Bill 3521 and House Bill 3713 respectively.
Currently for a media network to renew its franchise, both houses of Congress should pass a law that will extend its license to operate for another 25 years. Then it will have to be signed by the President or it can automatically lapse into law if the President fails to sign it and does not veto.
ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bill has been stalled in Congress since 2016. Other media networks have already secured their franchise renewal and it includes GMA Network in 2017, TV5 and CBCP Network in April of 2019 and the latest media companies to have their franchise renewed include Solid North Broadcasting System, Inc., Mareco Broadcasting Network, Inc., and the Radio Audience Developers Integrated Organization, Inc.
Aside from the House of Representatives, the Senate is also backing the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise.
Re-elected Senator Bong Revilla in an interview stated his support for the Kapamilya network’s franchise renewal.
“Well, una magsisimula naman yan sa lower house. Pagkatapos yan sa lower house, sasampa yan sa upper house, sa Senate. So, sa akin, wala naman akong nakikitang problema. I just hope na maging maayos ang lahat ng bagay.”
The Kapamilya network’s franchise renewal has been dragging in congress for years because of President Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged opposition to it.
Duterte in numerous public pronouncements has declared his disagreement with the network’s renewal saying he will do everything to block it.
But lately, two Malacanang officials have denied that the President will block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN..
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the passing of the bill is now under Congress while PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar said the President has no plans of vetoing the franchise renewal bill if it passes Congress.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire on March 30, 2020.
