Congress not blind, deaf to public sentiments over ABS-CBN, says Palace

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers are not blind nor deaf to their constituents’ sentiments on ABS-CBN’s still impending franchise renewal, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday.

Roque said this when sought for comment on whether or not congressmen are taking action on the issue amid uproar from several groups and personalities regarding the halt of ABS-CBN’s operations.

“I think that is a matter that is better to be answered by Congress. But having been myself a part of the House of Representatives, ang masasabi ko lang po, at ang Presidente din po natin ay naging kongresista din, hindi naman po bulag, hindi naman bingi ang inyong mga representante sa mga hinaing ng taumbayan,” Roque said during an online press conference.

(I think that is a matter that is better answered by Congress. But having been myself a part of the House of Representatives, and the President was once a congressman too, it is not blind nor deaf to the plea of the people.)

ABS-CBN went off the air Tuesday night in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) order to stop its broadcast operations after its franchise lapsed on May 4.

There are at least 11 bills seeking the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN that remain pending before the House committee on legislative franchises.

Lawmakers earlier urged the NTC to give the network a provisional authority to operate while its franchise renewal is pending in Congress. NTC assured ABS-CBN would be granted a provisional permit.

Several rights groups have urged Congress to stop sitting on the measures and put the network back on air.

EDV