IBP chief: Congress decision on ABS-CBN franchise better than ‘stop-gap’ provisional authority

A decision on ABS-CBN's franchise by both chambers of Congress may be better than a "stop-gap" measure leading to provisional continued operations for the network, the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines said Thursday.

The House franchise committee has requested the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate effective May 4, the expiration of its existing license, and until Congress could decide on the pending franchise renewal bills.

"If both houses of Congress can anyway have a timely consensus, it may be better for them to decide whether or not to pass a franchise law in accordance with the Constitution rather than a "stop-gap" joint resolution authorizing NTC to administratively issue a provisional authority that theoretically can be questioned by interested parties in another quo warranto case before the courts," IBP president Domingo Egon Cayosa said.

Cayosa called on the public to "enjoy the freedom to express different opinions with sobriety and mutual respect" as he expressed hope that the authorities  will "do their sworn duties well and in a timely manner, ever mindful that their power comes from law, public trust, and for the public interest."

"The earlier the issues are resolved, the better for the parties, our country, and the rule of law," he said in a statement.

Senator Panfilo Lacson has said the Senate can act upon the franchise renewal if the House of Representatives transmits its version before the first regular session of the 18th Congress ends.

On the other hand, the House franchise committee announced on Monday that the panel was accepting position papers for or against the renewal of the broadcast network's franchise, signalling the start of the proceedings of the chamber on the matter.

Uncertainty on whether ABS-CBN could have a renewed franchise by May 4 has led to questions on the status of its operations once its existing license expires.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Congress, through a concurrent resolution, may authorize the NTC to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate in the interim.

Former chief justice Reynato Puno said the network has to cease operations without a franchise, but said a provisional permit from the House would address the issue.

At the Supreme Court, meanwhile, ABS-CBN is facing a quo warranto case that seeks the forfeiture of its existing franchise over alleged "highly abusive practices." — RSJ, GMA News