Duterte insists broadcasting a privilege granted by gov't amid quo warranto vs ABS-CBN
MANILA, Philippines — Days after the Office of the Solicitor General asked the Supreme Court to revoke the franchise of ABS-CBN, President Rodrigo Duterte maintained that broadcasting is a government-granted "privilege" that should not be abused.
“While our Constitution upholds freedom of the press, the function of broadcast is a privilege granted by government," Duterte said during the oath-taking of the officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Wednesday in Malacañan.
"It is imbued with the best interest of the nation and our people. And we will not tolerate any abuse of that privilege,” he added.
Media groups have slammed the quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN, calling it an attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence dissent. Officials, however, have insisted that the petition was intended to make the network accountable for its alleged violations against the law.
At the same event, Duterte called on broadcasters to pursue the "truth" even if it would destroy him.
"You owe it to the republic to inform them, What I am asking for is simply the truth. I the truth will destroy me, so be it," he said.
"That's the price of being in public service but I assure you it can be something else except money."
Duterte also cited the Philippine media's role in promoting awareness of social issues, promoting accountability in government, and mobilizing the public in times of disasters.
"Be assured that this administration will uphold equal protection of rights and your safety in the performance of your duties," the president said.
ABS-CBN Corp. stopped broadcasting on its TV and radio stations on May 5, 2020 after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order. The network's franchise had lapsed on May 4 without action by the House of Representatives.
ABS-CBN announces that it will cease operations of TeleRadyo, which has been in the red since 2020, by June 30.
In a disclosure, ABS confirms signing of deal that sees the broadcast giant enter into a joint venture with MVP's TV5. — Ramon Royandoyan
JUST IN: In a disclosure, ABS confirmed signing of deal that sees the broadcast giant enter into a joint venture with MVP's TV5. Details to follow. | via @monroyandoyan pic.twitter.com/x5nLTaad4U
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) August 11, 2022
Rep. Mike Defensor (Anakalusugan Party-list) attempts to put the ABS-CBN franchise up for a vote in the plenary, saying it should be taken up as it is in the House's unfinished business.
The House rejects his motion, but he appeals this. House leaders later on commit to begin tackling its unfinished business beginning Monday. — Xave Gregorio
Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto (Batangas) has filed a bill seeking the renewal of the franchise granted to broadcast giant ABS-CBN.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier filed a similar bill at the Senate, saying a majority of Filipinos get their news primarily from TV.
Franchise bills emanate from the House of Representatives.
Malacañang is leaving it up to Congress to decide on the new bill seeking to renew the franchise of television network ABS-CBN, which was forced to lay off thousands of workers after its franchise expired last May.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque disagreed, saying the fate of the bill depends on lawmakers.
"Well, again, I beg to differ; that is a sole constitutional prerogative of Congress which must originate from the House of Representatives," Roque says at a press briefing. — Alexis Romero
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