Philippine Lawmaker Seeks to Revive TV Firm Shut Under Duterte

In a move that could reshape the media landscape in the Philippines, a lawmaker has proposed a bill to revive ABS-CBN, the country's largest television network, which was shut down under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. The proposed revival comes amidst growing concerns about press freedom and political dynamics in the country.

The bill, filed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, seeks to renew ABS-CBN's franchise for another 25 years. This move is supported by several senators, including Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, who has expressed support for the measure. However, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has stated that only Congress can act on the proposal, and the House of Representatives committee rejected ABS-CBN's franchise bid in July 2020.

The proposed revival of ABS-CBN under the new lawmaker's bill aligns with the current administration's stance on the media company, as it seeks to renew the franchise for another 25 years. However, the potential implications for press freedom and political dynamics in the Philippines are significant. The shutdown of ABS-CBN raised concerns about government control over media outlets and the potential for increased censorship. The revival of ABS-CBN under the new bill could help restore balance and diversity in the media landscape, promoting a more robust democracy.

The proposed bill, Senate Bill 1967, aims to address previous concerns raised by the administration regarding ABS-CBN's operations. One specific provision is the requirement for the network to secure a "provisional authority" from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to continue operating while its franchise renewal is being processed. This addresses the concern that ABS-CBN was operating without a valid franchise. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that ABS-CBN must pay a "franchise tax" of 5% of its gross revenues, which is intended to ensure that the network contributes to the government's coffers. These changes could impact ABS-CBN's future prospects by providing a clear pathway for the network to continue operating while its franchise renewal is being considered, and by ensuring that the network is held accountable for its financial obligations to the government.

The proposed revival of ABS-CBN under the new lawmaker's bill is similar to previous attempts in seeking a 25-year franchise renewal. However, it differs in the support expressed by several senators, including Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto. This bipartisan support increases the likelihood of success compared to previous attempts. Additionally, the bill cites a Social Weather Stations survey showing TV as the top news source, with ABS-CBN as the preferred choice, indicating public support for the network's return. However, the bill's success depends on the Palace's support, as stated by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, and the absence of political bias or favoritism, which has been a contentious issue in the past.

Public opinion and support for ABS-CBN have significantly influenced lawmakers' decision to propose the revival bill. A Social Weather Stations survey released in September 2020 showed that TV remains the top source of news in the Philippines, with ABS-CBN being the top choice of viewers (Sotto, 2020). This widespread support for ABS-CBN has encouraged lawmakers like Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto to file bills seeking to renew the network's franchise. Additionally, the #NoToABSCBNShutdown campaign on Twitter, which trended after President Duterte's threat to shut down the network, demonstrates the public's strong support for ABS-CBN. However, the bill's chances of passage in Congress may still be influenced by political dynamics and the president's stance on the issue.

The proposed revival of ABS-CBN under the new lawmaker's bill fits into the broader context of media regulation and freedom of expression in the Philippines, as it seeks to address the government's shutdown of the network in 2020. The shutdown raised concerns about press freedom and the government's influence over media outlets. The bill aims to renew ABS-CBN's franchise, ensuring its continued operation and protecting its independence. This is significant because ABS-CBN is one of the largest media companies in the Philippines, with a wide reach and influence on public opinion. Its shutdown had a significant impact on the dissemination of information and the public's access to diverse viewpoints. The revival of ABS-CBN under the new bill could help restore balance and diversity in the media landscape, promoting a more robust democracy. However, the long-term implications depend on the government's commitment to upholding press freedom and preventing future interference with media outlets.

In conclusion, the proposed revival of ABS-CBN under the new lawmaker's bill is a significant development in the Philippines' media landscape. The bill seeks to address previous concerns raised by the administration regarding ABS-CBN's operations and provides a clear pathway for the network to continue operating while its franchise renewal is being considered. The success of the bill depends on bipartisan support, public opinion, and the absence of political bias or favoritism. The revival of ABS-CBN could help restore balance and diversity in the media landscape, promoting a more robust democracy. However, the long-term implications depend on the government's commitment to upholding press freedom and preventing future interference with media outlets.