ALBAY 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda has reiterated his support for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, addressing allegations related to the network’s tax compliance and foreign ownership issues.
Salceda clarified that ABS-CBN did not request him to file the franchise renewal bill, stating, “I filed it with the conviction that it is the right thing to do.” As a co-author of the franchise since 2019, he emphasized his commitment to the issue, despite not being a member of the Committee on Legislative Franchises at the time.
Basis for Support
Salceda outlined three reasons for his decision to back the franchise renewal:
1. Tax Compliance: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed during the 18th Congress that ABS-CBN had no pending tax deficiencies.
2. Ownership Issues: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stated that there were no active cases against the network concerning foreign ownership.
3. Legal Safeguards: Amendments to the Public Service Act and Foreign Investment Act, enacted after ABS-CBN’s previous franchise rejection, provide mechanisms to address any foreign ownership concerns.
Call for Proper Dialogue
Salceda emphasized that any remaining issues or allegations against the network should be addressed in a Congressional hearing, which he described as the proper forum for discussion.
“I thought it best to add my voice as a principal author this Congress,” Salceda said, reaffirming his belief that renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise is necessary and justifiable.
Salceda also highlighted the public service role of ABS-CBN, particularly during crises, noting that its closure in 2020 contributed to a gap in information dissemination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The representative’s remarks reflect ongoing debates surrounding the franchise renewal of one of the country’s largest media networks.
