House of Representatives Freezes Bill Seeking Renewal of ABS-CBN Franchise
The House of Representatives suspends the bill seeking to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN that will expire in nine (9) months.
The House Bill 4349 seeking to renew the legislative franchise of giant radio-television network ABS-CBN Corp. had been pending since November 2016.
The Committee on Legislative Franchise did not submit a report regarding the House Bill before the third and last regular session of the 17th Congress.
The franchise renewal would have to be re-filed on July 22, 2019 in the 18th Congress.
A legislative franchises committee member revealed that no actions have been made to renew ABS-CBN franchise since President Duterte has complaints against the station.
“They have to thresh out and resolve their issues with the President. That’s the key to get the bill moving,” the anonymous lawmaker said.
President Duterte hits the giant network after allegedly refusing to air his advertisement during the 2016 election campaign.
The Lopez-owned broadcasting company may have to close the network without the franchise renewal.
However, there are some speculations that the ABS-CBN is now strengthening its online service for the possibility of network closure.
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