By Prince Golez

Malacañang is leaving it to the Office of the Solicitor-General to decide the government’s next step following the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss Solicitor General Jose Calida’s quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN.

“We leave it to the Solicitor-General as the Petitioner to decide on his next legal steps,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement Tuesday.

Roque also said they respect the Supreme Court ruling on Calida’s petition questioning ABS-CBN Corp’s franchise.

“We respect the decision of the High Court, a separate and co-equal branch of government, on the quo warranto case filed against ABS-CBN Corporation,” according to the Palace official.

As for the ABS-CBN franchise renewal, Roque said that only Congress has the authority to renew broadcasting franchises.

“We consider this a prerogative of Congress, which is presently deliberating on the matter,” he added.