Duterte has no plans to let ABS-CBN get franchise renewed

Heidi Hsia The Hive Asia

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a vow that he will ensure that broadcasting giant, ABS-CBN will not get its franchise renewed.

As reported on Inquirer, the president made such statement on 3 December, saying that that the network should not be expecting its franchise to be renewed once it expires in March 2020.

“I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” he said.

It is noted that Duterte has made such a threat before – expressing his fury over ABS-CBN not airing his 2016 election advertisement and alleging that the network was being biased in its reporting.

However, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano made a promise that the House of Representatives would be fair to the broadcaster despite Duterte’s statement and his own personal complaint against the network.

ABS-CBN has yet to make any response. If the franchise is not renewed, it will have to close down its radio and television operations.

(Photo Source: ABS CBN)