The right time for everything

Last Sunday, May 3 was World Press Freedom Day. The United Nations set this date to honor and strengthen press freedom all over the world. But for Solicitor General Jose Calida, it was just another day. He warned the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) not to give ABS-CBN a provisional authority (PA) with regards to its franchise that expired Monday, May 4. He says only Congress has the power to provide a PA. He threatened the NTC will face corruption charges if ABS-CBN is granted a PA.

But there are letters from the Senate and Congress allowing the NTC to give a provisional authority to the network to operate while Congress has yet to tackle the network's franchise. The DOJ also concurred. We all know what the government's priority is right now. But for Calida, the demise of the network is still more important to him. Amidst the crisis caused by COVID-19 where all branches of government are working together to fight it, Calida still finds time for something like this.

ABS-CBN has been able to get millions of pesos in donations for the COVID-19 response. The network provides vital information round the clock and has provided relief goods to the needy. The media are now considered frontliners. They go to the barangays, hospitals, checkpoints, and many more instead of simply staying safe in their homes. The network has close to 11,000 employees who are in dangers of losing their jobs if Calida has his way at a time when the government is already struggling to help displaced employees.

I'm sure when things return to normal, or the new normal as they call it, Congress will discuss in detail the ABS-CBN franchise. For now, the invaluable contribution the network has made in responding to the COVID-19 situation cannot be overlooked. Calida has already been called out by many regarding his warning to the NTC. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon is asking what power the solicitor general has to contradict Congress on ABS-CBN's provisional authority. Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, who is the chairman of the House legislative franchises committee, says Congress has the power to grant or deny ABS-CBN's franchise and so far there is no reason to stop their operation. Other groups and lawmakers have also chided Calida for his actions. House Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Zarate said Calida shows his "aversion" to press freedom in the issue of the network's franchise. The NTC would do well to heed the request of Congress and the legal opinion of the DOJ on the matter. As with all things, there is a right time for everything.