Lagman: Dual citizenship does not affect Lopez’ stake in ABS-CBN

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman argued at the latest House hearing on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN that having dual citizenship does not prohibit chairman emeritus Eugenio ‘Gabby’ Lopez III from owning the broadcasting company.

 

Lagman said the 1987 Philippine Constitution does not distinguish between a Filipino of single citizenship and a Filipino of dual citizenship on the matter of business ownership.

“When the 1935, 1973 and 1987 Constitutions were drafted and ratified, the concept and fact of some Filipinos having dual citizenships were already in existence and known, particularly joint Filipino and American citizenships due to the concurrence of the doctrines of jus sanguines and jus soli,” said the lawmaker.

 

Lagman also said the possession of a foreign passport does not equate to a renunciation of Philippine citizenship.

 

He added that the recognition of Lopez’ Philippine citizenship in 2002 was not a naturalization, but a confirmation of his being a Filipino citizen by blood.

 

“What is proscribed or prohibited is ‘dual allegiance’ which is deemed inimical to national interest according to the Constitution. It is not ‘dual citizenship’ which is legitimate and legally recognized,” Lagman said.

 

Lopez has both American and Filipino citizenship by virtue of having been born to two Filipino parents who were in the United States at the time. He admitted to having voted in the 2016 US elections, although he has also been voting in Philippine elections since 1986. He also maintains that his allegiance is with the Philippines.

Congressmen who opposed ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal argued that Lopez is a dual citizen and his stake in ABS-CBN ownership violated the Philippine Constitution’s provision requiring local media companies to be 100% Filipino-owned.