President Duterte Admits Using “Presidential Powers” to Shut Down ABS-CBN
RODRIGO DUTERTE – The outgoing president admitted that he used his “presidential powers” to shut down the ABS-CBN network.
Duterte emphasized that he prevented the largest network in the nation from receiving a new franchise in 2020 by using his executive authority in Congress. Duterte said this during the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected officials in Davao City.
“I used the presidential powers to tell Congress that you are dealing with scoundrels and if you continue to kowtow with them, kawawa ang Pilipino,” he said.
The network vanished from the air on May 5, 2020, after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a “cease and desist order” against it. By a vote of 70-11 on July 10, 2020, its franchise was revoked.
According to reports, Duterte singled out ABS-CBN for tax evasion. The network hasn’t broken any business regulations at all, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), who have made this clear numerous times. The network also pays regular taxes.
Recall that on April 27, 2017, the president made his first threat about the ABS-CBN network because, according to him, the network allegedly refused to show his presidential campaign advertising in 2016 despite having already paid for them. The Kapamilya Network instantly expressed regret and pledged to reimburse the Duterte campaign for its payment.
The shows from ABS-CBN are still broadcast today on cable channels, websites, and blocktime offers on A2Z Channel 11 and TV-5. When President Duterte leaves office, there will reportedly be a full collaboration between TV-5 and ABS-CBN.
Additionally, there were allegations that the new franchise was already being discussed by ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak after he was seen discussing it at one of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
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