Fate of ABS-CBN franchise up to Congress

MANILA, Philippines — The fate of ABS-CBN’s franchise would depend on the decision of Congress, Malacañang spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Sunday as he insisted that President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to block the renewal of the broadcast giant’s congressional license did not mean that he was muzzling press freedom in the country.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer, Panelo said the President would not interfere with the House of Representatives and the Senate once lawmakers start the deliberations on the extension of ABS-CBN’s franchise to operate.

‘Have their own minds’

Under Republic Act No. 3846, all radio and television broadcasters in the Philippines are required to secure a congressional franchise.

“The Congress will not be affected by what the President has been saying. Didn’t you notice that? [Members of] Congress have their own minds,”Panelo said, adding that Duterte had no intention to threaten the media and his critics.

Nothing, however, could be further from the truth as legislators had consistently shown their willingness to abide by the President’s policy statements.