House probes ABS-CBN franchise renewal today

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is set to conduct a hearing today on the franchise renewal of broadcast giant ABS-CBN.

At least 301 lawmakers are expected to participate in the hearing, which will start at around 1 p.m. through social media platform Zoom.

Solicitor General Jose Calida is also expected to attend the probe on proposals seeking to grant a fresh 25-year franchise to ABS-CBN, Bulacan Rep. Jonathan Sy Alvarado, vice chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, said yesterday.

“We expect him to be present during the hearing, without prejudice to the quo warranto case he has filed against the network before the Supreme Court,” Alvarado said. “Just like us, I am sure the people would like to hear – and they deserve to hear – what the SolGen has to say.”

Alvarado said Congress is committed to upholding due process by conducting an impartial hearing before approving or denying ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal application.

This will be the second hearing by the legislative franchises panel chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez.

ABS-CBN went off air on May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order against the media company.