Cayetano downplays Senate hearing on ABS-CBN

February 24, 2020

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday questioned lawmakers who were in the Senate hearing on media giant ABS-CBN's franchise renewal. 

In an interview at the Batasang Pambansa, Cayetano criticized the Senate for its six hour-long hearing on the franchise renewal. He explained that all-franchise renewal bills will come from the House of Representatives instead of the upper chamber. 

"There's no question, other (Senators) care about it.  There's no question there are solid supporters of ABS. But others were OA (overacting). It's as if it is doomsday so they have to be sipsip (obsequious). That's not a process," said Cayetano. 

"Why did the Senate held a hearing? What's the purpose? It's like they had an attendance for ABS-CBN (saying)  'Hello, I'm here, I'm for you.' (Senate) said they cannot have a hearing on the franchise since it is still pending (in the lower chamber). So what's it for?" he added.

Cayetano said the franchise renewal would be discussed among lawmakers in lower chamber in a "sober, objective and fair" way. He said he is confident that the hearing in the House will be "the way to do it."

"We want ABS-CBN to get or not get their franchise based on the merits, and we can only go to the merits if we have a sober discussion through a committee hearing," the House Speaker said. 

Despite the nearing expiration of ABS-CBN's current franchise on March 31, Cayetano said it is important to discuss the issue. However, he added  it is not urgent and that both chambers should first tackle more important measures. 

"I would rather that both Houses focus on very urgent legislation. The ABS-CBN has 11,000 jobs, but the CITIRA (Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act) can produce 1.5 million jobs," he said. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS