ABS-CBN’s only remedy: TRO from SC–Drilon

Sen. Franklin Drilon. File photo / Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court is the only remedy left for ABS-CBN, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said on Wednesday.

ABS-SBN shut down its operations Tuesday night upon the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The network’s franchise lapsed on Monday, May 4.

But Drilon slammed the NTC’s order, saying it was a grave abuse of discretion and violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution.

He noted that the NTC has allowed other franchisees to operate even after the expiration of their licenses as long as they have pending application in Congress.

“Hindi rin naman nag-issue ng CDO [cease and desist order] ang NTC. Kaya hindi ko maintindihan ang aksyon ng NTC dito. Ito ang tinatawag sa batas na grave abuse of discretion,” Drilon said over DZRH.

(The NTC did not also issue a CDO. That’s why I don’t understand the action of NTC here. This is what we call in law as grave  abuse  of discretion.)

“Sana po ay mag-issue kaagad ng TRO ang SC lalo na sa panahon ngayon na nakikinig tayong lahat sa mga himpilan para malaman ang status ng COVID-19. If there is no sufficient communication, mapeperwisyo ang taumbayan,”  he said.

(I hope the SC would immediately issue a TRO in time when we all listen to the station to know the status of COVID-19. If there is no sufficient communication, this will affect the public.)

Asked if the filing  of TRO art SC is the remedy, Drilon said, “iyan na lang ang remedy [That’s the only remedy].”

Drilon strongly condemned  the NTC’s directive against ABS-CBN, despite  Congress’ order to allow  the network to operate while its franchise application remains pending.

“Ito ay condemnable act [This is a condemnable act],” the Minority Leader said.

JPV

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