SolGen’s Gag Order Plea Against ABS-CBN Also Deprives Pinoy Of Vital Source Of Information
ABS-CBN – ABS-CBN Corporation and ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. said SolGen Jose Calida’s gag order plea will not only violate press freedom, but it will also deprive public of the vital source of information.
On February 10, Solicitor General Jose Calida filed a petition before the Supreme Court to revoke the franchise renewal of the ABS-CBN Network. He had accused the media network of allowing foreign investors to control the network. He said the company went “beyond the scope of its legislative franchise for broadcasting for a fee.”
He also asked the SC to issue a gag order to halt the network from discussing the quo warranto case. Calida said this violates the sub judice rule. The Supreme Court gave the network 5 days to comment on Calida’s gag motion.
Malacañang Palace Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Solgen Jose Calida was right in asking for a gag order. “Parang nagiging emotional ang issue on this particular topic. It’s much ado about nothing, it’s not about press freedom,” he said.
The tv network condemned Jose Calida’s gag order. Based on a report from ABS-CBN News, the media company said the gag order will not only violate press freedom but also deprived the public of a vital source of information. They filed through the law firm of Poblador Bautista and Reyes.
“The sub judice rule should not be applied to impair, through prior restraint, the fundamental freedoms of speech and of the press that serve as bedrocks of a democratic society,” the company said in its “Comment Ad Cautelam.”
In a previous article, ABS-CBN employees, talents and supporters rally in support of its franchise renewal. Jericho Rosales, Shaina Magdayao, and Coco Martin attend the prayer vigil.
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