ABS-CBN franchise renewal bill temporarily frozen by House of Representatives

In case the radio-television network is unable to renew the legislative franchise in time, their heads have announced strengthening an online presence. (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

Broadcasting corporation ABS-CBN will be suffering from the recent freezing of their franchise renewal bill by the House of Representatives, causing a major threat of the Lopez-owned company having to close as a whole.

House Bill 4349 had been pending at The Committee on Legislative Franchises since November 2016, resulting in an inability to submit a report before the third and last regular session of the 17th Congress on Tuesday, June 11. Therefore, it must be refiled for the 18th Congress on July 22.

An insider explained that the bill will only be passed if the network negotiates with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who’s previously expressed numerous complaints since his 2016 Presidential election run. The anonymous source, who is a lawmaker, explained, “They have to thresh out and resolve their issues with the President. That’s the key to get the bill moving.”

Originally, House Bill 4349 was filed by Micaela Violago, a Nueva Ecija representative. She attempted to convince the legislature to approve the bill “in acknowledgment of ABS-CBN’s accomplishments…and to ensure the uninterrupted and improved delivery of its services to the Filipino people.”

In case the radio-television network is unable to renew the legislative franchise in time, their heads have announced strengthening an online presence.

Currently, ABS-CBN is in broadcast in over 50 various countries all over the world.

As the current Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Group of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), singer Jimmy Bondoc explained what he believes is the reasoning of the Lower House of Congress for disapproving the bill, sharing on his social media, “What power these networks hold. Yet, they are left in the hands of almost totally unregulated companies. Of course, this will lead to abuse. OF COURSE. What do you expect? So, It is the State’s job to mitigate this. To be clear, we should NEVER curtail Freedom of Speech. But it should ALWAYS be regulated for the good of all.”