Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the closure of broadcasting giant ABS-CBN Corporation “is not an issue of press freedom but an issue regarding legislative franchise.”
“Democracy, and the free press and free speech that come with it, is very much alive in the country and effectively protected,” said Andanar.
ABS-CBN Corporation ceased to operate after the National Telecommunications Communication (NTC) served its cease and desist order against the network who was currently trying to get a new franchise for its continued operations. Some 11,000 workers have been affected by the closure of the media giant.
The 25-year legislative franchise of ABS-CBN expired on Wednesday, May 4, 2020. It is now up to the Congress to grant another franchise to the network subject to the review of the Senate and approval of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Some local and international media had been associating the shutdown of ABS-CBN Corporation with Duterte who already accepted the apology of the network’s officials.
“Such claims are bereft of truth and just a rehash of an old malicious imputation to bedevil the President and his administration,” said Andanar. “One should understand, first and foremost, the Philippines’ legislative processes and rule of law before connecting any precedents as being porchestrated by the President.”
“No one is above the law,” according to Andanar.
“It is, therefore, totally unfair and objectionable for some parties and some international media to insist that what happened to the network is due to ‘having incurred the ire’ of the President. This assertion is remarkably erroneous, lacks objectivity and scant in factual basis. Simply a false narrative,” said Andanar.
“Decision regarding the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN falls within the purview and wisdom of Congress and ABS-CBN has the right to pursue any and exhaust all legal remedies it deems necessary to resolve the matter.”