MANILA, Philippines – ABS-CBN's president and CEO Carlo Katigbak appeared at the House of Representatives for the committee hearing on the network's franchise renewal hearing on Monday, June 1.
Katigbak rebuffed the accusations that the media network failed to comply with the terms and conditions of its franchise and violated existing laws and the Philippine Constitution.
Katigbak addressed the issue earlier raised by Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta who claimed that the network's previous franchise lasted longer than the allowed 50-year period written in the Philippine Constitution. Marcoleta explained that the Congress is only allowed to grant a franchise of up to 50 years and ABS-CBN has been on air for 53 years already.
Katigbak showed a list of companies that have been in existence for more than 50 years and were still given legislative franchises.
He said, "Walang sinasabi na ang buhay ng kumpanya ay may buhay lamang na 50 years. Puwede naman po mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa. Sinasabi lang po sa Saligang Batas na 50 years ang maximum na tagal ng isang prangkisa."
SEE ALSO: SolGen Calida on ABS-CBN: "And now, the end is near"
ABS-CBN's CEO also addressed the issue on the Constitutional violation that requires 100 percent Filipino ownership of management of mass media companies. Marcoleta earlier claimed that the network’s former president, Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, was an American citizen when he led ABS-CBN in 1986. It was only in 2000 that Lopez petitioned for recognition of Filipino residency.
Katigbak said that Lopez has been a Filipino citizen since birth. He went on to say that as per the Philippine Constitution, Lopez is considered a Filipino citizen because he has Filipino parents.
He said, "Totoo na may US passport si Mr. Lopez. Ito ay dahil ipinanganak siya sa Amerika at sa batas doon, kahit 'di Amerikano ang magulang mo, kapag ipinanganak ka sa US automatic na may hawak ka ring American citizenship pero hindi ito nangangahulugan na hindi siya Pilipino."
On the issue of ABS-CBN being allegedly foreign-owened because of its Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDR), Katigbak said PDR holders are not involved on issues concerning the company.
Katigbak said, "PDRs do not amount to ABS-CBN shares; PDR holders cannot vote on any company matters."
Another committee hearing is scheduled on Wednesday for the issue on Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III citizenship.
— Sally, The Summit Express
Katigbak rebuffed the accusations that the media network failed to comply with the terms and conditions of its franchise and violated existing laws and the Philippine Constitution.
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| ABS-CBN's President Carlo Katigbak (left) fact-checks Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta's claims on alleged violation of the network. |
Katigbak addressed the issue earlier raised by Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta who claimed that the network's previous franchise lasted longer than the allowed 50-year period written in the Philippine Constitution. Marcoleta explained that the Congress is only allowed to grant a franchise of up to 50 years and ABS-CBN has been on air for 53 years already.
Katigbak showed a list of companies that have been in existence for more than 50 years and were still given legislative franchises.
He said, "Walang sinasabi na ang buhay ng kumpanya ay may buhay lamang na 50 years. Puwede naman po mabigyan ng panibagong prangkisa. Sinasabi lang po sa Saligang Batas na 50 years ang maximum na tagal ng isang prangkisa."
SEE ALSO: SolGen Calida on ABS-CBN: "And now, the end is near"
ABS-CBN's CEO also addressed the issue on the Constitutional violation that requires 100 percent Filipino ownership of management of mass media companies. Marcoleta earlier claimed that the network’s former president, Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, was an American citizen when he led ABS-CBN in 1986. It was only in 2000 that Lopez petitioned for recognition of Filipino residency.
Katigbak said that Lopez has been a Filipino citizen since birth. He went on to say that as per the Philippine Constitution, Lopez is considered a Filipino citizen because he has Filipino parents.
He said, "Totoo na may US passport si Mr. Lopez. Ito ay dahil ipinanganak siya sa Amerika at sa batas doon, kahit 'di Amerikano ang magulang mo, kapag ipinanganak ka sa US automatic na may hawak ka ring American citizenship pero hindi ito nangangahulugan na hindi siya Pilipino."
On the issue of ABS-CBN being allegedly foreign-owened because of its Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDR), Katigbak said PDR holders are not involved on issues concerning the company.
Katigbak said, "PDRs do not amount to ABS-CBN shares; PDR holders cannot vote on any company matters."
Another committee hearing is scheduled on Wednesday for the issue on Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III citizenship.
— Sally, The Summit Express
so ano ba ang passport na hawak nya? that determines his citizenship. it doesnt matter what race you are, teh point of consideration here is, what passport are you handling? That is your identity.
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