MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on legislative franchises chaired by @HouseofRepsPH Rep. Franz Alvarez, rejects ABS-CBN’s bid for a 25-year franchise — denying millions of Filipinos their source of news and entertainment, jeopardizing the employment of more than 11,000 workers.
Photo source: Anjo Bagaoisan
With eighty-five members of the committee — – 46 regular members and 39 ex-officio members – cast the following votes: a total of 70 lawmakers voted to approve the resolution denying ABS-CBN’s franchise application. Only 11 lawmakers voted no to the resolution, 2 inhibited from the vote, and only 1 abstained.
The committee voted to “deny the application of ABS-CBN Corporation for a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain radio and broadcasting stations in the Philippines,” as stated by the
The technical working group–composed of Deputy Speaker Pablo John Garcia, Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, and Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo–presented its report and recommendations on ABS-CBN franchise.
The media giant has 24 hours to appeal the decision of the House committee on legislative franchises, according to House legislative franchises panel chair and Palawan 1st District Representative Franz Alvarez. If a motion for reconsideration will be filed, the committee will have to hold another hearing before ruling on the appeal.