Lawmakers told: Listen to conscience in ABS-CBN vote
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers should vote according to their conscience on the issue of ABS-CBN’s bid to renew its franchise, Malacañang said.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte had left it to lawmakers to decide on ABS-CBN’s franchise and that the chief executive was “neutral” on the matter.
“That’s the decision of Congress. The President has said, the members of Congress can vote according to their conscience because he is neutral,” Roque said at a press briefing.
He noted that Duterte had previously accepted the apology of ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak on the network’s alleged failure to air the President’s paid political advertisements in the 2016 elections.
On allegations that some lawmakers were trying to interfere in ABS-CBN’s reportage, Roque said it would be prudent to “respect the House’s power, since the franchise renewal bill of ABS-CBN should begin with them.”
Lawmakers are expected to conclude its hearings on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bill this week.
—Julie M. Aurelio
