ALBAY Representative Joey Salceda today filed House Bill No. 11252, seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years.
In a statement, Rep. Salceda emphasized the importance of a competitive media landscape for the free exchange of ideas and keeping the public informed. He argued that a virtual media monopoly would be detrimental to the country.
Rep. Salceda cited ABS-CBN’s continued significance as a primary news source in Albay, despite the network operating without a franchise. He also pointed to the findings of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which cleared ABS-CBN of previous allegations.
The Albay representative highlighted his past support for ABS-CBN’s franchise, noting that he had previously warned against its rejection due to concerns about the potential spread of misinformation and its impact on the COVID-19 situation.
Rep. Salceda stated that his decision to become a principal author of the current bill reflects his belief that renewing the franchise is the correct course of action.
