Solon suggests probing PDRs of other major broadcasting networks

MANILA, Philippines — A House lawmaker suggested on Monday investigating the Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) of other major broadcasting networks “the way” the lower chamber is investigating that of media giant ABS-CBN.

During the joint hearing of the House committee on legislative franchises and the committee on good government and public accountability on ABS-CBN’s bid for a 25-year franchise, Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Micaela Violago noted the observation of Bulacan 1st District Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado that the PDRs submitted by GMA-7 is “similar” to that of ABS-CBN.

“Kanina sinabi ni Chairman Alvarado, all the PDRs of all major broadcasting companies are almost the same like sa GMA and ABS-CBN. The only difference is the price,” Violago said.

(Earlier, Chairman Alvarado said that all the PDRs of all major broadcasting companies are almost the same as GMA and ABS-CBN. The only difference is the price.)

“In aid of legislation, in the near future sana (hopefully), maybe we can also investigate yung sa PDRs ng ibang (the PDRs of other) broadcasting companies the way we investigate the PDRs of ABS-CBN,” she added.

Cavite 7th District Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla said that a member of the House has to file a resolution seeking the probe before an investigation, in aid of legislation, can commence.

“That is for a member of the House to file the corresponding resolution on that matter. In the meantime, we will abide by the investigation that we are conducting right now,” Remulla said.

Earlier in the hearing, Sy-Alvarado, who chairs the committee on good government and public accountability, said that only GMA-7 has so far submitted copies of its PDRs.

“Binasa ko ‘yung mga PDRs, mukhang ang pagkakaiba lamang ay yung presyo doon sa PDRs ng ABS-CBN,” Sy-Alvarado said.

On June 11, Sy-Alvarado sought the copies of PDRs issued by major mass media and broadcasting companies in the country amid its inquiry on ABS-CBN’s alleged violation of its franchise.

Sy-Alvarado said that these could be used to see if mass media and broadcasting companies have the same PDRs.