MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives is set to close the panel hearings on Monday, July 6, on ABS-CBN's alleged violations, a determining factor for embattled network's franchise renewal.
The decision whether to grant or deny the 25-year franchise to ABS-CBN Corporation lies in the hands of 46 congressmen, under the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
UPDATES
With the aid of Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, the House hearing led by Palawan Rep. Franz “Chicoy” Alvarez, aims for fair, impartial, comprehensive, and thorough investigation.
On Monday, the last day of the hearing, the following congressmen will weigh on the importance of ABS-CBN as the network having farthest and widest reach across the archipelago, pioneer and with huge investment on digital television, jobs of 11,000 worker to include those from its subsidiaries, and impact to the economy if Kapamilya Network entirely shuts down.
READ: POLL RESULTS: 92-percent believe ABS-CBN deserves fresh franchise
They are expected to set aside political bias on their decision for the common good amid the coronavirus pandemic.
UPDATE: Aside from the 46 members of the Committee on Legislative Franchise, House leaders or ex-officio members will also vote for the first reading at the committee level.
The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability is headed by Bulacan First District Representative Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado with its vice chairpersons Cavite Seventh District Representative Jose Crispin Remulla and ANAKALUSUGAN Partylist Representative Michael Defensor.
Before the much-awaited verdict, the Lower House will tackle the allegations on media bias of ABS-CBN at 1:00 pm on Monday.
In the previous hearings, the House investigated the media conglomerate's ownership concerns, citizenship of ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Gabby Lopez, legalities of ABS-CBN's issuance of PDRs or Philippine Depositary Receipts, network closure during Marcos regime and return to the Lopez family and the constitutional 50-year limit on congressional franchise.
Also tackled in the previous hearings were the blocktime agreement with AMCARA Broadcasting Network and the alleged labor and tax issues.
Same with the result of Senate hearing in February this year, government agencies such as Department of Justice, Bureau of Immigration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Labor and Employment and Bureau of Internal Revenue said that ABS-CBN did not have violations.
At least 11 bills already sought for the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise, but those remain pending before the House committee on legislative franchises. In December 2019, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said they will no longer tackle the franchise renewal bills for the remainder of the year, saying there will be “more than enough time” for deliberations in 2020.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on May 5 issued cease and desist order following the expiration of ABS-CBN Corp. franchise. The network immediately complied to the rule and signed off the air at 7:52 pm following the news program TV Patrol.
The CDO covers 42 television stations operated by ABS-CBN across the country, including the main ABS-CBN Network, ABS-CBN Sports and Action, ten digital broadcast channels, 18 FM stations, and five AM stations.
On June 13, cable-and-satellite channel named Kapamilya Channel was launched resuming the productions of ABS-CBN's dramas and live entertainment shows and airing its entertainment, educational and current affairs programming, along with temporary movie blocks.
On June 30, the NTC and Solicitor General Jose Calida issued an alias CDO to stop operations of ABS-CBN TV Plus for its digital free-to-air channels on UHF Channel 43 in Metro Manila and some provinces. The agency also issued CDO against Direct Broadcast Satellite Service of ABS-CBN's affiliate Sky Cable Corporation.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will tackle on July 13 ABS-CBN's request for temporary restraining order (TRO) to void the cease and desist order of the NTC so it can be back on air as soon as possible.
ABS-CBN Corp. President and CEO Carlo Katigbak released statement to express his gratitude to those who believe that ABS-CBN is deserving to continue providing public service to the Filipinos.
— The Summit Express
The decision whether to grant or deny the 25-year franchise to ABS-CBN Corporation lies in the hands of 46 congressmen, under the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
UPDATES
- ABS-CBN franchise renewal: who will vote, process, results
- House panel rejects ABS-CBN's 25-year franchise renewal bid
With the aid of Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, the House hearing led by Palawan Rep. Franz “Chicoy” Alvarez, aims for fair, impartial, comprehensive, and thorough investigation.
On Monday, the last day of the hearing, the following congressmen will weigh on the importance of ABS-CBN as the network having farthest and widest reach across the archipelago, pioneer and with huge investment on digital television, jobs of 11,000 worker to include those from its subsidiaries, and impact to the economy if Kapamilya Network entirely shuts down.
READ: POLL RESULTS: 92-percent believe ABS-CBN deserves fresh franchise
They are expected to set aside political bias on their decision for the common good amid the coronavirus pandemic.
UPDATE: Aside from the 46 members of the Committee on Legislative Franchise, House leaders or ex-officio members will also vote for the first reading at the committee level.
| NO. | NAME | DISTRICT | VOTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abante, Bienvenido Jr. M. | Manila, 6th District | NO |
| 2 | Aragones, Sol | Laguna, 3rd District | NO |
| 3 | Bolilia, Lianda B. | Batangas, 4th District | NO |
| 4 | Bordado, Gabriel Jr. H. | Camarines Sur, 3rd District | NO |
| 5 | De Venecia, Christopher V.P. | Pangasinan, 4th District | NO |
| 6 | Hataman, Mujiv S. | Basilan, Lone District | NO |
| 7 | Maceda, Edward Vera Perez | Manila, 4th District | NO |
| 8 | Quimbo, Stella Luz A. | Marikina City, 2nd District | NO |
| 9 | Santos-Recto, Vilma | Batangas, 6th District | NO |
| 10 | Tejada, Jose "Ping-Ping" I. | North Cotabato, 3rd District | NO |
| 11 | Zarate, Carlos Isagani T. | Party List - BAYAN MUNA | NO |
| 12 | Abu, Raneo "Ranie" E. | Batangas, 2nd District | YES |
| 13 | Abueg-Zaldivar, Cyrille "Beng" F. | Palawan, 2nd District | YES |
| 14 | Acosta, Gil "Kabarangay Jr." A. | Palawan, 3rd District | YES |
| 15 | Albano, Antonio "Tonypet" T. | Isabela, 1st District | YES |
| 16 | Alfonso, Samantha Louise Vargas | Cagayan, 2nd District | YES |
| 17 | Arroyo, Juan Miguel Macapagal | Pampanga, 2nd District | YES |
| 18 | Bagatsing, Cristal L. | Manila, 5th District | YES |
| 19 | Baronda, Julienne "Jam" L. | Iloilo City, Lone District | YES |
| 20 | Barzaga, Elpidio Jr. F. | Cavite, 4th District | YES |
| 21 | Bautista, Claudine Diana D. | Party List - DUMPER PTDA | YES |
| 22 | Bondoc, Juan Pablo "Rimpy" P. | Pampanga, 4th District | YES |
| 23 | Castelo, Precious Hipolito | Quezon City, 2nd District | YES |
| 24 | Chipeco, Joaquin Jr. M. | Calamba City, Lone District | YES |
| 25 | Collantes, Ma.Theresa V. | Batangas, 3rd District | YES |
| 26 | Crisologo, Anthony Peter "Onyx" D. | Quezon City, 1st District | YES |
| 27 | Duterte, Paolo Z. | Davao City, 1st District | YES |
| 28 | Dy, Faustino Michael Carlos III T. | Isabela, 5th District | YES |
| 29 | Dy, Faustino V "Inno" A. | Isabela, 6th District | YES |
| 30 | Dy, Ian Paul L. | Isabela, 3rd District | YES |
| 31 | Estrella, Conrado III M. | Party List - ABONO | YES |
| 32 | Fariñas, Ria Christina G. | Ilocos Norte, 1st District | YES |
| 33 | Fernandez, Dan S. | Laguna, 1st District | YES |
| 34 | Fernando, Bayani F. | Marikina City, 1st District | YES |
| 35 | Ferrer, Luis IV "Jon-Jon" A. | Cavite, 6th District | YES |
| 36 | Garcia, Pablo John F. | Cebu, 3rd District | YES |
| 37 | Garin, Janette L. | Iloilo, 1st District | YES |
| 38 | Garin, Sharon S. | Party List - AAMBIS-OWA | YES |
| 39 | Gatchalian, Weslie | Valenzuela City, 1st District | YES |
| 40 | Gonzales, Aurelio Jr. "Dong" D. (Allan Ty) | Pampanga, 3rd District | YES |
| 41 | Gullas, Eduardo "Eddie" R. | Cebu, 1st District | YES |
| 42 | Hernandez, Ferdinand L. (J. F. Nograles) | South Cotabato, 2nd District | YES |
| 43 | Herrera-Dy, Bernadette "BH" | Party List - BH | YES |
| 44 | Hofer, Ann K. | Zamboanga Sibugay, 2nd District | YES |
| 45 | Lacson-Noel, Josephine Veronique R. (A. Calixto) | Malabon City, Lone District | YES |
| 46 | Madrona, Eleandro Jesus F. | Romblon, Lone District | YES |
| 47 | Malapitan, Dale "Along" R. | Caloocan City, 1st District | YES |
| 48 | Mangudadatu, Esmael G. | Maguindanao, 2nd District | YES |
| 49 | Marcoleta, Rodante D. | Party List - SAGIP | YES |
| 50 | Martinez, Eric M. | Valenzuela City, 2nd District | YES |
| 51 | Mendoza, Raymond Democrito C. | Party List - TUCP | YES |
| 52 | Nieto, John Marvin "Yul Servo" C. | Manila, 3rd District | YES |
| 53 | Nograles, Jericho Jonas B. | Party List - PBA | YES |
| 54 | Oaminal, Henry S. | Misamis Occidental, 2nd District | YES |
| 55 | Paduano, Joseph Stephen "Caraps" S. | Party List - ABANG LINGKOD | YES |
| 56 | Palma, Wilter "Sharky" II Wee | Zamboanga Sibugay, 1st District | YES |
| 57 | Pichay, Prospero Jr. A. (Gonzales, Sandro ) | Surigao del Sur, 1st District | YES |
| 58 | Pimentel, Johnny Ty (F. Matugas) | Surigao del Sur, 2nd District | YES |
| 59 | Pineda, Enrico A. | Party List - 1-PACMAN | YES |
| 60 | Puno, Roberto V. (Mike Defensor) | Antipolo City, 1st District | YES |
| 61 | Remulla, Jesus Crispin C. | Cavite, 7th District | YES |
| 62 | Revilla, Strike B. | Cavite, 2nd District | YES |
| 63 | Romero, Michael L., Ph.D. (F. Datol) | Party List - 1-PACMAN | YES |
| 64 | Romualdez, Ferdinand Martin G. | Leyte, 1st District | YES |
| 65 | Romualdez, Yedda Marie K. | Party List - TINGOG SINIRANGAN | YES |
| 66 | Romualdo, Xavier Jesus D. | Camiguin, Lone District | YES |
| 67 | Savellano, Deogracias Victor "DV" B. | Ilocos Sur, 1st District | YES |
| 68 | Siao, Frederick W. | Iligan City, Lone District | YES |
| 69 | Singson, Jose Jr. "Bonito" C. | Party List - PROBINSYANO AKO | YES |
| 70 | Sy-Alvarado, "Kuya" Jose Antonio R. | Bulacan, 1st District | YES |
| 71 | Tan, Sharee Ann T. | Samar, 2nd District | YES |
| 72 | Teves, Arnolfo Jr. "Arnie" A. | Negros Oriental, 3rd District | YES |
| 73 | Tolentino, Abraham "Bambol" N. | Cavite, 8th District | YES |
| 74 | Unabia, Christian S. | Misamis Oriental, 1st District | YES |
| 75 | Valeriano, Rolando M. | Manila, 2nd District | YES |
| 76 | Villafuerte, Luis Raymund Jr. "LRay" F. | Camarines Sur, 2nd District | YES |
| 77 | Villar, Camille A. | Las Piñas City, Lone District | YES |
| 78 | Yap, Eric Go | Party List - ACT-CIS | YES |
| 79 | Yu, Divina Grace C. | Zamboanga del Sur, 1st District | YES |
| 80 | Mercado, Roger G. | Southern Leyte, Lone District | YES |
| 81 | Tan, Alyssa Sheena P. | Isabela, 4th District | YES |
| 82 | Vargas, Alfred D. | Quezon City, 5th District | INHIBITED |
| 83 | Violago, Micaela S. | Nueva Ecija, 2nd District | INHIBITED |
| 84 | Garbin, Alfredo Jr. A. | Party List - AKO BICOL | ABSTAIN |
The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability is headed by Bulacan First District Representative Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado with its vice chairpersons Cavite Seventh District Representative Jose Crispin Remulla and ANAKALUSUGAN Partylist Representative Michael Defensor.
Before the much-awaited verdict, the Lower House will tackle the allegations on media bias of ABS-CBN at 1:00 pm on Monday.
In the previous hearings, the House investigated the media conglomerate's ownership concerns, citizenship of ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Gabby Lopez, legalities of ABS-CBN's issuance of PDRs or Philippine Depositary Receipts, network closure during Marcos regime and return to the Lopez family and the constitutional 50-year limit on congressional franchise.
Also tackled in the previous hearings were the blocktime agreement with AMCARA Broadcasting Network and the alleged labor and tax issues.
Same with the result of Senate hearing in February this year, government agencies such as Department of Justice, Bureau of Immigration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Labor and Employment and Bureau of Internal Revenue said that ABS-CBN did not have violations.
At least 11 bills already sought for the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise, but those remain pending before the House committee on legislative franchises. In December 2019, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said they will no longer tackle the franchise renewal bills for the remainder of the year, saying there will be “more than enough time” for deliberations in 2020.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on May 5 issued cease and desist order following the expiration of ABS-CBN Corp. franchise. The network immediately complied to the rule and signed off the air at 7:52 pm following the news program TV Patrol.
The CDO covers 42 television stations operated by ABS-CBN across the country, including the main ABS-CBN Network, ABS-CBN Sports and Action, ten digital broadcast channels, 18 FM stations, and five AM stations.
On June 13, cable-and-satellite channel named Kapamilya Channel was launched resuming the productions of ABS-CBN's dramas and live entertainment shows and airing its entertainment, educational and current affairs programming, along with temporary movie blocks.
On June 30, the NTC and Solicitor General Jose Calida issued an alias CDO to stop operations of ABS-CBN TV Plus for its digital free-to-air channels on UHF Channel 43 in Metro Manila and some provinces. The agency also issued CDO against Direct Broadcast Satellite Service of ABS-CBN's affiliate Sky Cable Corporation.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will tackle on July 13 ABS-CBN's request for temporary restraining order (TRO) to void the cease and desist order of the NTC so it can be back on air as soon as possible.
ABS-CBN Corp. President and CEO Carlo Katigbak released statement to express his gratitude to those who believe that ABS-CBN is deserving to continue providing public service to the Filipinos.
I would like to thank everyone who has encouraged us, prayed for us, and given us hope over these past few weeks. Your messages have given us strength as we go through this difficult process. We are hopeful that the hearings will soon come to a close, and we would like to lean on you again for your support and prayers. We have always considered ABS-CBN first and foremost a public service. You are our reason for being. If you believe our service to be important and valuable to you, and if you believe that ABS-CBN is deserving to continue providing that service, please let your thoughts and feelings be heard. Thank you always to you, our dearest Kapamilya.
— The Summit Express
