The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The House of Representatives has recalled approval of a bill granting ABS-CBN provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020, paving the way for debate or amendments when the bill is reintroduced.
Rep. Sharky Palma raised a motion during the second reading to withhold approval of the ABS-CBN provisional franchise bill in order to allow further deliberations.
“Due to request of our members who wish to make some interpellations and possible amendments on the bill — the House can approve this bill, House Bill No. 6732 on third reading. But because of the insistence of our colleagues to interpellate further on the matter, I move that we reconsider approval on second reading of House Bill No. 6732,” said Palma in his motion.
Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr. said: “The reason we are reverting back is to be relevant, responsible, transparent and open. Due process and fairness is the main reason. All amendments are free to be heard and will be heard at this point in time. Approving them is for the body to decide.”
House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante said, “The National Telecommunications Commission did not do its job. Government needs all the help it can get in reaching the millions of Filipinos. ABS-CBN has a proven track record. We need to do everything in our power to prevent job losses. Extending its franchise ensures employment for 11,000 of our countrymen.”
Cayetano cited the public service time provision requiring ABS-CBN to allot 10% of its paid advertisement airtime to government, calling it an “equalizer provision” that would enable government to reach its target audiences.
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez pointed out that five other broadcast franchises do not have such obligation, making enforcement “unequal”. He said it would be much more practical to pass a general law for broadcasters instead of including it in every franchise.
“It will be questionable. The previous franchises, there were no questions. We see there will really be unequal protection of the law. Other franchises are not required to give the 10-percent public service,” he said.
Rep. Villafuerte said allegations against ABS-CBN will be heard at the proper time. Some of these issues were discussed at a Senate hearing but not at the House of Representatives.
Rep. Eric Yap said that arguments for a full 25-year franchise should be heard along with the alleged violations instead of a five-month provisional franchise advocated by Speaker Cayetano.
Rep. Sol Aragones, former ABS-CBN reporter, said ABS-CBN, with more than 11,000 employees, is a source of information and inspiration for countless Filipinos.