Vice President Leni Robredo scored the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, for dragging its feet on ABS-CBN’s franchise application, which eventually led to the network’s shutdown.
On her radio show, “Biserbisyong Leni” Sunday (May 10), Robredo said the House had all the time to tackle ABS-CBN’s application before its franchise expired on May 4.
“Noong hindi pa sina-shut down mayroong mga ano ito, may mga threats na hindi na kayo makakarenew, tapos ngayon nagtuturuan kung sino iyong behind it. Pero noong panahon na may oras pa, iyong tanong nga: bakit hindi inasikaso?” she asked.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered ABS-CBN to go off air on May 5 because it failed to get a new franchise.
Robredo said the House couldn’t use lack of time as excuse since ABS-CBN’s franchise application has been pending in the chamber since 2014.
“Dalawang taon sa past administration, apat na taon sa administrasyon na ito. So bakit sasabihin na walang panahon para pag-usapan, o kulang ng panahon? Kasi kung gugustuhin, puwede naman, eh,” she said.
Robredo said the only way for discussions to happen on ABS-CBN’s alleged violations is for the House legislative franchises committee to set a hearing as soon as possible.
