Sotto, Recto: There’s still time for ABS-CBN franchise renewal

MANILA, Philippines— Senate leaders on Thursday shared Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s belief that Congress has enough time to tackle and possibly approve the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.

In fact, Senate  President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III indicated Thursday that proposals to renew the franchise of the giant network for another 25 years may pass the upper chamber once transmitted by the House of Representatives.

ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire in March 2020.

“Yes. There’s enough time,”  Sotto said in a text message. “If we receive it by (February), it can be passed within that month.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, who filed a bill renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise, echoed Sotto’s statement.

“Yes, it can be done. I support its renewal,” Recto said in another text message.

Cayetano earlier confirmed that the House would no longer tackle the bills on ABS CBN’s franchise before Congress adjourns its sessions on December 18.

Congress will resume on January 20, 2020.

“I also understand the concerns of the President. Overall,  ABS-CBN deserves a renewal of its franchise,” Recto went on.

“They have served the Filipino well. They employ people, pay taxes, they do a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)  inform the public and have done public service well, etc. They are part of the Filipino household,” he added.

Besides, Recto believes that ABS-CBN has “learned their mistake.”

President Rodrigo Duterte repeated last Tuesday his threat to block the franchise of ABS-CBN, accusing it of being biased after it allegedly failed to air his advertisements during the 2016 elections.

Edited by EDV