Push Admin

ABS-CBN can operate on solons' authority pending new franchise: DOJ

Article (news)

Christian V. Esguerra, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Congress may come up with a concurrent resolution to ensure that ABS-CBN Corp will remain in operation pending approval of its application for a fresh 25-year franchise, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told senators on Monday.Senators looking into the ABS-CBN&#x27;s supposed franchise violations sought clarification from the justice department with the fate of network hanging in the balance once its current franchise expires on March 30.“Congress, by a concurrent resolution, may authorize the National Telecommunications Commission to issue a provisional authority subject to such terms and conditions as the NTC may deem fit,” said Guevarra, who clarified that the ABS-CBN franchise would in fact lapse on May 4, 2020.But Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and other senators pressed NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba over concerns that the regulatory body could also withdraw such a provisional franchise while the renewal bills were still being heard.“Considering there is no more franchise, since it has already lapsed, then we can withdraw the provisional authority at any time, subject to the conditions,” Cordona replied.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/24/20/abs-cbn-to-senate-we-did-not-violate-any-of-the-franchise-provisions">ABS-CBN to Senate: We did not violate any of the franchise provisions</a></li>	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/24/20/we-need-to-know-the-truth-poe-opens-senate-hearing-on-abs-cbn">Senators debate separation of powers as ABS-CBN franchise hearing starts</a></li></ul>Cordoba said the terms and conditions could be placed in the joint congressional resolution.Drilon earlier filed a proposed resolution extending ABS-CBN’s franchise until the end of 2022, while Congress continued to deliberate on its proposed franchise renewal.“The (provisional) authority must not be in an administrative nature that can be withdrawn at any time because of its implications to press freedom,” Drilon said in the hearing.Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto sought to clarify if the NTC had any pending issues against ABS-CBN, to which Cordoba said there was none.“So you are the regulator and you are not complaining of any penalty, so far (and) were we are talking about the possibility of closing ABS-CBN,” Recto said.“In effect, parang capital punishment (it&#x27;s like capital punishment)… death penalty.”Solicitor General Jose Calida earlier filed a quo warranto petition seeking to shut down ABS-CBN for its alleged franchise violations.“Bakit natin isasara kung wala naman palang penalty sa inyo? Assuming may penalty, pag multahin na lang. Bakit kailangang isara?&quot; Recto said.(Why will you close it down if it doesn&#x27;t owe you penalties? Assuming there are penalties, just fine them. Why shut it down?)

Senators looking into the ABS-CBN's supposed franchise violations sought clarification from the justice department with the fate of network hanging in the balance once its current franchise expires on March 30.

Senators looking into the ABS-CBN's supposed franchise violations sought clarification from the justice department with the fate of network hanging in the balance once its current franchise expires on March 30.

ABS-CBN can operate on solons' authority pending new franchise: DOJ

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Business

ABS-CBN can operate on solons' authority pending new franchise: DOJ

Christian V. Esguerra,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 24, 2020 11:48 AM PHT

Read More:

ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN franchise

franchise

National Telecommunications Commission

NTC

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.