Sotto: SC petition has no effect on bills extending ABS-CBN franchise

MANILA, Philippines — Congress’ deliberations on the proposed extension of the franchise of ABS-CBN will push through despite the reported plan by government lawyers to file a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court.

ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire in March 2020, although several bills extending it for another 25 years have already been filed at the House of Representatives (HOR) and the Senate.

A recent news report claimed the Office of Solicitor General would ask the high tribunal to revoke the franchise.

READ: ABS-CBN franchise has ‘natural deadline,’ no need for quo warranto–Gatchalian

Initially, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III refused to make any comment on the issue, saying the franchise would still go through Congress.

But when asked if Congress would proceed with its deliberations even if the issue is brought to court, the senator said: “Walang kinalaman ‘yun sa bill if it reaches us.”

He said Congress may continue to hear the franchise extension probably until the SC rules on the petition.

“Pero malayo sa amin ang issue until the HOR passes it,” Sotto pointed out.

All franchise bills must emanate from the House before being transmitted to the Senate.

Until now, however, the House has yet to start its deliberations on the franchise extension of ABS-CBN.