I am in support of my former ABS-CBN cameraman and friend Rene Casibang.
ABS-CBN did not fail to follow up the renewal of its franchise before Congress.
In fact it sought a renewal long before, during the 16th and 17th congress, under Pinoy’s term.
But both Congresses, did not act on them.
Since they have a valid franchise that ended just on May 4, they (both Congress and ABS-CBN) did not find it exigent.
Then the 18th Congress came.
The 18th Congress never voted on the petition of ABS-CBN for the renewal of its franchise even fully knowing that it will expire, and indeed expired, during its term.
What it did was give a false sense of expectation and a misplaced assurance that ABS-CBN could continue to operate using only a provisional authority from NTC while the petition is in process.
In short, ABS-CBN was hoodwinked by the Pontius Pilates in Congress.
Now, one may say the House did so for fear or because of pressures from Malacañang, including the inordinate disdain of its tenant President Rodrigo Duterte towards ABS-CBN.
But haven’t they defied the president many times?
Had Congress approved or voted to deny ABS-CBN a renewal of its franchise, they would have been blamed or praised.
But better if they had approved, because they can’t be the Pontius Pilates who led to the crucifixion of ABS-CBN.
Or are they really certain the president will veto their act?
Even then, at least they won’t principally bear the brunt.
One other question is, why did they fail to obtain a franchise renewal from the previous Congress?
