ABS-CBN property takeover? Sotto says private property is Charter protected

MANILA, Philippines — Amid an alleged plot to take over the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City, Senate President Vicente Sotto III reminded on Thursday that private property is protected by the Constitution.

He added that there is due process and a proper venue for such moves, which is the courts.

“Takeover ABS CBN property? Private property is constitutionally protected. Possession is given weight,” he said in a Twitter post.

“There is a venue, the courts; and there is due process. Bawal judgmental!” Sotto added.

A Zoom meeting among congressmen reportedly revealed a plan to seize ABS-CBN’s compound and equipment in Quezon City.

The congressmen likewise recommended placing pressure on the Lopez family to sell the network, making it pay P1.97 trillion in fines for alleged violations of its old franchise, stopping  ABS-CBN subsidiary Sky Cable, and transferring control of the network to its workers.

The legislators led by House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta, Deputy Majority Leader Jesus Crispin Remulla and Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor, made the recommendations.

This was after the House legislative panel denied the network its application for another 25-year franchise.

/MUF