3 House resolutions seek probe into TV5-ABS-CBN deal

MANILA. Three resolutions seeking probe on the partnership of ABS-CBN and TV5 were pending before the House of Representatives. (File/Contributed photos)
MANILA. Three resolutions seeking probe on the partnership of ABS-CBN and TV5 were pending before the House of Representatives. (File/Contributed photos)

THREE resolutions seeking probe into the partnership of ABS-CBN and TV5 were pending before the House of Representatives.

Zamboanga Sibugay First District Representative Wilter Palma, Quezon province Second District Representative David Suarez and TGP Party-list Representative Jose Teves filed House Resolutions 280, 281 and 282 on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

Palma’s resolution centers on the ownership issues of TV5.

"There were published reports alleging that ABC Development Corporation, presently known as TV5 Network Inc., the country's third major player in the television market, and part of a cross-media conglomerate owned by Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan's MediaQuest Holdings Inc. under PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund, is actually owned by an Indonesian national," the resolution read.

"If this allegation that TV5 Network Inc. is owned by an Indonesian national is true, then there is a clear violation of the 1987 Constitution, and on terms and conditions of the franchise granted to TV5 Network Inc., which must be thoroughly looked into in the interest of the public," it added.

The resolutions of Teves and Suarez, however, seek clarity on the blocktime agreement of the two media stations.

Teves is in particular with ABS-CBN’s national news program TV Patrol.

"Given the possible violations committed by these networks, there is a need to determine whether their legislative franchises are being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of Congress and whether or not they should be amended, altered, or repealed by Congress in the interest of the public," he said in his resolution.

Last week, ABS-CBN Corp. and TV5 Network Inc. announced the execution of an Investment Agreement that will allow ABS-CBN to acquire 6,459,393 primary (new) common shares in TV5, representing 34.99 percent of the total voting and outstanding capital stock of TV5 for a total subscription price of P2.16 billion.

ABS-CBN went off-air in May 2020 after the House of Representatives rejected its bid for franchise renewal due to various violations, including alleged non-payment of right taxes.

It has then entered into blocktime deals with other media networks such as Zoe Broadcasting Network and TV5, to enable some of its shows to return to free TV.

Sagip party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta, one of the 70 representatives who voted against ABS-CBN’s renewal of franchise, said TV5 has violated its franchise by entering into a deal with ABS-CBN and this should be looked into. (SunStar Philippines)

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