SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ruled out politics behind the shutdown of media giant ABS-CBN, citing that the move has a legal basis.
In a virtual presser hosted by Davao de Oro Provincial Information on Thursday, May 7, Senator dela Rosa kept his neutral stance on the issue although some of his fellow senators have expressed disappointment over the ruling.
On Tuesday, May 5, ABS-CBN went off the air in accordance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), a day after the television network’s 25-year legislative franchise expired.
In its order, the NTC directed ABS-CBN to stop operating its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide due to the absence of “a valid Congressional Franchise as required by law.”
“Neutral ko ana nga issue. Wala koy dapigan dira (I am neutral on that issue. I am not siding with anybody),” Dela Rosa said.
Amid speculations that President Rodrigo Duterte has influence over the decision to close down the broadcasting company, Dela Rosa said that the President has already forgiven the company after the company’s failure to air his campaign advertisement in 2016.
“It doesn’t mean politics ito. Very friendly sila sa previous administration. Beyond politics ito, legal ang pag-uusapan didto (This is not politically motivated. They may have been friendly with the previous administration but this is beyond politics. It is legality that we are talking here),” he said.
He added, “Ang akong tambag sa ABS-CBN, gamiton nila tanan available nga legal means para mabalik nila ilang prangkisa (I advise ABS-CBN to exert all legal means to reclaim their franchise).”
If the franchise renewal gets past the Lower House, Dela Rosa said its approval will have a higher chance in the Senate since there are only a few senators.
He said that the census of the senators is divided but the decision will depend on the deliberation once it will reach the Senate.
There are 11 bills seeking to renew the network’s franchise that is pending before the House of Representatives.