ALBAY 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda has reiterated his support for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, addressing allegations related to the network’s tax compliance and foreign ownership issues.
Salceda clarified that ABS-CBN did not request him to file the franchise renewal bill, stating, “I filed it with the conviction that it is the right thing to do.” As a co-author of the franchise since 2019, he emphasized his commitment to the issue, despite not being a member of the Committee on Legislative Franchises at the time.
Basis for Support
Salceda, who is concurrent Chairman of the House Ways and Means committee of the House of Representatives, outlined three reasons for his decision to back the franchise renewal:
- Tax Compliance: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed during the 18th Congress that ABS-CBN had no pending tax deficiencies.
- Ownership Issues: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stated that there were no active cases against the network concerning foreign ownership.
- Legal Safeguards: Amendments to the Public Service Act and Foreign Investment Act, enacted after ABS-CBN’s previous franchise rejection, provide mechanisms to address any foreign ownership concerns.
Call for Proper Dialogue
Salceda emphasized that any remaining issues or allegations against the network should be addressed in a Congressional hearing, which he described as the proper forum for discussion.
“I thought it best to add my voice as a principal author this Congress,” Salceda said, reaffirming his belief that renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise is necessary and justifiable.
Salceda also highlighted the public service role of ABS-CBN, particularly during crises, noting that its closure in 2020 contributed to a gap in information dissemination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The representative’s remarks reflect ongoing debates surrounding the franchise renewal of one of the country’s largest media networks.