House committee rejects ABS-CBN franchise bid

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises voted 70-11 to deny the franchise application of ABS-CBN, resulting in the media giant remaining off-air after its previous franchise expired.

ABS-CBN expressed being "deeply hurt" by the decision but vowed to "remain committed to public service" through other means.

The rejection cited alleged violations of ABS-CBN's old franchise, dual citizenship issues, Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs), inappropriate content, political meddling, tax avoidance schemes, and labor practices.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano urged respect for the committee's decision, assuring it was made with serious consideration for the nation's impact.

Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante stated that the franchise bid should have been brought to the plenary for a vote by all lawmakers, reflecting the will of the people and their constituencies, citing surveys where most of his constituents supported renewal.

Senator Grace Poe questioned the House panel's decision, noting that some members who voted against the franchise had initially co-authored a bill to grant it.

Poe suggested that labor and content issues could have been resolved in other forums, and that the PDR issue could affect other media companies as well.