Filtered By: Topstories
News

Denial of ABS-CBN franchise gives chilling effect on press freedom, CHR says


The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday said the House of Representatives' denial on Friday of ABS-CBN's franchise application "gives a chilling effect on the freedom of the press."

This is unless Congress proves that its decision was fair and devoid of political consideration, it said.

"Unless Congress can disabuse the minds of the public that its decision was not based on a fair review and was devoid of any political consideration, the denial of the franchise gives a chilling effect on the freedom of the press," the CHR said in a statement.

The commission also said the decision to deny the network a franchise will also deprive Filipinos access to information especially during this time of pandemic.

"CHR continues to stress the importance of timely, credible information in pushing everyone towards the correct direction in responding especially to a pandemic. The loss of a major network has inevitably left millions of Filipinos in the dark, especially those in far-flung areas with no access to the internet as an alternative," it said.

The CHR also lamented the loss of jobs that may happen as as a result.

"The thousands of workers confronted with the sudden loss of jobs also adds to the number of the struggling population who continues to suffer from loss of livelihood due to the extended lockdowns," it said.

"But, ultimately, the decision impacts greatly on the work of media as purveyor of free speech and information. The denial of the franchise of ABS-CBN affects greatly public interest given the reach of its broadcast which extends to all corners of the country," the CHR said.

The commission said the allegations of violations of the network in its franchise use "should have been dealt in accordance with existing laws."

It also said the same standards used for ABS-CBN should also be used on other franchise applicants.

"And the same standard that was used for ABS-CBN should have been consistent with the rest of the franchise applications. Otherwise, this puts in question the rule of law fundamental in protecting rights and instead shows a rule by law—devoid of fairness and justice," the CHR said.

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises on Friday voted to deny the franchise application of ABS-CBN Corporation.

The panel adopted the Technical Working Group’s (TWG) Committee Resolution recommending the denial of the network's franchise application through 70 'yes' votes, 11 'no' votes, and three who did not participate.

Based on the TWG report, ABS-CBN violated its old franchise, described by the panel as a privilege, because of the following reasons: its former Chairman Eugenio Lopez III was both a Filipino and American citizen, the issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts supposedly favoring foreigners, inappropriate program content, meddling in politics, tax avoidance schemes; less than exemplary labor practices, among others.

The TWG also said ABS-CBN cannot invoke the freedom of the press in justifying its franchise application.

Malacañang on Friday accepted the decision of the House of Representatives legislative franchises committee to deny the franchise renewal application of ABS-CBN Corp.

“Much as we want to work with the aforesaid media network, we have to abide by the resolution of the House committee,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. 

ABS-CBN Corp. expressed dismay on Friday after the denial of its franchise application.

“We are deeply hurt that the Committee on Legislative Franchises has denied the franchise application of ABS-CBN,” ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak said in a statement.

In a separate statement, ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez said: “Today is a sad day for the entire ABS-CBN family and for the millions of Filipinos who are hoping for our return on-air.” —KG, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT