Marcoleta seeks probe vs ABS-CBN anew
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 27) — Rep. Rodante Marcoleta continues to train his guns on ABS-CBN, as he files a resolution to investigate the former broadcast giant’s possible violations regarding its franchise.
No copy of the resolution is available yet pending its first reading at the plenary, but information about it was already posted on the Congress website.
"A resolution directing the appropriate committee of the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, to determine the alleged violations of ABS-CBN with respect to its franchise and the imposition of concomitant administrative fines as a result thereof by the National Telecommunications Commission," it read.
It was filed last July 11.
Marcoleta was one of the leading figures who strongly opposed the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
The former major industry player, which has been boosting its presence on several digital platforms, went off the air in May 2020 after a cease-and-desist order issued by the NTC following the lapse of its franchise.
Two months later, the Committee on Legislative Franchises of the House of Representatives rejected the group's application for a new franchise, forcing the network to let go thousands of its workers in the middle of a pandemic.
Before leaving his post, former President Rodrigo Duterte admitted in June that he used "presidential powers" against the company.
He also reiterated that the company "never paid taxes” -- a claim that had been long debunked by both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
READ: Duterte admits using 'presidential powers' vs ABS-CBN
Despite the continued presence of hostile political forces from the previous administration, an executive of ABS-CBN showed optimism on Thursday about swinging back to profitability.
"[A] return to profitability is possible in the near term," ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak said during the group's annual stockholders' meeting.
CNN Philippines correspondent Xianne Arcangel contributed to this report.
