Will ABS-CBN franchise get renewed?

There are clear indications that President Duterte may still spring a surprise on the franchise issue of ABS-CBN and may eventually give a go-signal to his allies in Congress to pave the way for its franchise renewal.

During the Senate hearing on this issue, Sen. Bong Go, Mr. Duterte’s aide, said he would “appeal” to President Duterte for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN considering that more than 11,000 personnel and talents would be affected by its closure. Sen. Bato dela Rosa, another very close ally, said that “I’m one step closer to supporting ABS-CBN.” Several other Duterte allies, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, also manifested their support for ABS-CBN and their employees and their respective families.

Surely, these are all strong indications that Mr. Duterte might have a change of heart in this issue, as he cannot simply set aside the interests and welfare of the thousands of employees and talents who would be affected by any move that would stop the operations of ABS-CBN. I am sure he would sacrifice and set aside his own personal interests and reasons, if only to protect the rights and interests of his fellow Filipinos. If ABS CBN violated his rights during the election period, I’m sure that, as a former prosecutor, he knows his legal remedies on this matter.

ROMULO B. MACALINTAL
Las Piñas City