The ABS-CBN franchise theme ‘is not about silencing the media’



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TOP LEADER OF THE HOUSE. Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano chairs the plenary on September 9, 2019. File photo by Darren Langit / Rappler

TOP LEADER OF THE HOUSE. Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano chairs the plenary on September 9, 2019. File photo by Darren Langit / Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano did not speak against those who criticized him for the closure of ABS-CBN, arguing that the issue surrounding his expired legislative franchise “is not about silencing the media.”

In an hour-long speech on Wednesday, May 13, the speaker said that freedom of the press was not limited because ABS-CBN, even after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered it to close, was still able to broadcast their programs on social networks.

“The fact that ABS-CBN can still stream its content even after its franchise has been peremptorily terminated shows that this problem is not, and has not been, about silencing the media or restricting press freedom,” he said. Cayetano.

“Just look at the social media platforms and you will see that those freedoms are alive, well and undeniably prosperous in the Philippines,” he added.

The main leader of the House sponsored before his colleagues, called as the general committee, a bill that seeks to grant ABS-CBN a provisional franchise valid until October 31, 2020. The measure was approved in second reading the same day .

Cayetano spent much of his speech defending why the House was slow to listen to bills that would have renewed the ABS-CBN franchise, which expired on May 4, arguing that there were other bills to prioritize.

But he also spent time addressing his critics one by one, from journalists calling for the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, to Attorney General José Cálida, who had pressured the NTC not to issue a temporary permit to operate the network. media.

The President first criticized Calida and the NTC for the “sneaky way in which they deliberately and maliciously undermined the authority of Congress.”

He then zeroed in on journalists and accused some of them of being “bad eggs” who were allegedly using the ABS-CBN franchise theme for their own personal agenda.

He even came to call them “propagandists.”

“I even respect being blamed on myself, Alan Peter Cayetano personally. But when they blindly ask for franchise approval without having listened to all sides of the story, they don’t show themselves as advocates of justice and balance presenting facts, as it is taught in all schools that teach journalism, as journalists swear, but they simply become simple and simple propagandists, “Cayetano said.

More Accusations Against ABS-CBN

Cayetano did not stop there. It also accused unidentified ABS-CBN members of using the network to allegedly intrude on past elections.

“Some may say that they are at the service of the Filipino people, but sa gitna ng sakuna, gusto ‘nyo kayo ang unahin namin kaysa sa mga kababayan natin. Eh kayo nga isang dahilan kung bakit can broadcast their network na ito eh. Sa mata ng marami , klarong bias and pakikialam sa elections na bawal sa ating batas ang ginawa ninyo. In ginamit ‘nyo ang network na ito – 2004, 2010, 2016, 2019, “ Cayetano said.

(Some may say that they are at the service of the Filipino people, but in the midst of a calamity, you want us to prioritize the rest of our compatriots. But you are one of the reasons why there are problems with your network. In the eyes of some, there is a clear bias and meddling in the elections, which is illegal (and you used this network in 2004, 2010, 2016 and 2019).

The speaker alluded to the ABS-CBN motto, “At the service of the Filipino”.

“Tapos tatakpan ‘nyo’ yan saying that he is against press freedom. Hindi po natin nilalahat ang mga journalists, ngunit tulad din ng pagpapakita ninyo na ang lahat ng politiko ay corrupted, lahat ng pulis ay abusado – prejudy the buong organization sa maling gawain ng ito ” said the speaker.

(So, he’s going to cover this up by saying he’s against press freedom. We’re not saying all journalists do this, but just like the times he says all politicians are corrupt, all police officers are abusive. : the entire institution is affected by these errors).

He also turned his attention to the ABS-CBN celebrities who have been regretting the closure of his network.

Keep in mind that loyalty to the company that has given you a good life is important, but you cannot cry for injustice and blame public servants when you lose your paycheck or your show, however disregard the fact, yes, the fact that there are serious problems against your network, “Cayetano said.

The President then told ABS-CBN management that they must respond to all charges against the network once the House resumes its hearings.

There is no doubt that you have been part of nation building. But as you said yourself, you are not perfect. I agree. Nobody is. And that is why we need these hearings, “Cayetano said.

But at a February 24 Senate hearing on the ABS-CBN franchise, government officials already cleared the net on issues of taxes, working conditions, pay-per-view service and alleged foreign ownership. Rappler.com



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