Duterte will not interfere in Congress push for ABS-CBN franchise – Panelo

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A Malacañang official gave assurances that President Rodrigo Duterte will not interfere in renewed legislative efforts to grant franchise to ABS-CBN.

A bill that seeks to give ABS-CBN franchise for 25 years was filed by Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd last week. Fifteen senators co-authored Senate Bill 1967.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the President will not “intrude” into Congress’ power to grant legislative franchises to applicants.

“Si Presidente, take it from this program, hindi ho makikialam ’yan, pareho nung nakaraan, hindi naman siya nakialam dun (The President, take it from this program, he will not interfere),” Panelo said in his television program Counterpoint.

“He will not intrude into the power of Congress to decide whether a particular applicant will be granted a franchise or not,” he added.

Panelo pointed out though that the franchise bill should emanate from the House of Representatives and not from the Senate.