ABS-CBN maintains it violated no law at House Hearing

ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak maintained before the House of Representatives that the broadcasting network violated no law and has remained compliant with the constitution of the Philippines. 

Katigbak addressed charges enumerated by House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta several days ago. 

On the citizenship of former Chairman and President Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, Katigbak maintained that Lopez is a natural born Filipino citizen since he was born to Filipino parents. He emphasized that this is supported by the 1935 constitution.

Katigbak also argued that Philippine Depository Receipts issued by ABS-CBN Holdings Inc. were cleared and upheld as legal by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 4, 1999. He added that ABS-CBN Holdings Inc. is a totally different entity from ABS-CBN Broadcasting Inc., and only the latter should be covered by congressional franchise requirements on broadcast frequencies. 

The ABS-CBN president also argued that companies are not limited to only 50 years. He cited other companies such as GMA7 and Meralco that are holding franchises for more than 50 years.

Katigbak also refuted the story that ABS-CBN was not seized but was sold to the Marcos government. He said Marcos crony Roberto Benedicto used the station’s facilities for his KBS/ RPN and BBC companies as did the government’s PTV-4 later on. President Cory Aquino's administration returned ABS-CBN’s properties in 1986 with the Supreme Court’s blessing.

Several lawmakers who filed bills to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise supported the company’s position. 

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, author of House Bills 5705 and 6694 supported the company’s position on Lopez’ citizenship and the issue of PDRs. “PDRs... do not give holders ownership of share. The SEC has issued permit. Therefore there is no truth in the allegations,” he said

“Millions of Filipinos do not have access to news and entertainment television amid the ABS-CBN shutdown,” said Rep. Micaela Violago.

“I support the franchise for the sake of Filipinos who depend on ABS-CBN for information and entertainment. ABSCBN has taught me the value of hard work,” said Rep Joy Myra Tambunting, author of House Bill 3713. 

“ABS-CBN went above and beyond the obligations of a broadcast network by helping those in need, no matter how far they may be,” said Rep. Sol Aragones, who filed HB 3947. 

“With the present situation of ABS-CBN, I am sad that 11,000 employees may be displaced. As a part of the entertainment industry, I share the sentiments of the talents of ABS-CBN,” said Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto.