Guv respects ‘killing’ of ABS-CBN franchise

By Dolly Yasa 

 

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that he respects the decision of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises in denying ABS-CBN a fresh franchise.

In a statement posted on the provincial government’s Facebook page, Lacson expressed sadness over the decision.

The governor said “the freedom of the press is among the protected freedoms of our Constitution and one of the pillars of a democratic society.”

But he also said the franchise to operate a broadcasting company is a privilege granted by the government, and the powers to grant and renew the same are lodged in the Legislative branch.

“As a local chief executive belonging to a co-equal branch, and while I would prefer a different outcome, I will respect the decision of the Legislature,” Lacson said.

But Lacson said that he “feels for those who will lose their employment in this time of pandemic.”

The House committee on legislative franchises voted 70 to 11 to reject ABS-CBN’s franchise.

The network’s 25-year franchise expired last May 4, 2020.