On Tiglao’s ABS-CBN’s disgusting betrayal of the country and blatant violation of its franchise
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2020 17:25:13 +0000
The demand from different groups for Congress allowing ABS-CBN Corp. to operate bears with the opinion of Tony La Viña, a constitutional law professor, on Rule 66, i.e., Rules of Court authorizing the solicitor general to initiate a quo warranto petition.
Given the administration’s attitude to criticisms and with reports on Dennis Uy’s interest in the media business, it is not surprising to infer that the nonrenewal may result in an infringement on press freedom.
If it means freedom from oligarchic control of media, ABS-CBN, then, should be nationalized. Is there certainty that the young oligarchy won’t ignore and/or use the law to squeeze superprofits?
While it is true that there is a questionable act in relation to the Constitution’s Article XVI, Section 11, why can’t we defend the Constitution’s Article II, Section 19? It says, “The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.” In this regard, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan Draft on Federalism says, “The State shall promote the development of a dynamic and productive economy where opportunities, income and wealth are equitably distributed.”
The issue here is not hostage to having a foreign share in business, but the nature and purpose of nonrenewal which is far from indignation but nemesis.
Keeping Filipino citizens from un-Filipino consciousness is not only through the media but also in education. Under the neoliberal agenda, Philippine education has privy affair with the United States National Council for Social Studies and with the Structural Adjustment Programs enforced by the financing oligarchs through the export of capital. After the nonrenewal of ABS-CBN, will Philippine media be free from western hegemony?
Given that the move is an effort to hit the oligarchy so hard that Philippine democracy transforms, aren’t the young generation of oligarchs replacing the old? The administration, then, should have informed the public since it seems dubious if it is really for the public interest that the franchise should not be renewed.
Philippine history shows how oligarchs swapped dominance alongside with national politics.
Do violations of the Constitution by ABS-CBN merit nonrenewal of the franchise? Limiting the discourse to the technicality and/or legality of the operation is so anemic that one cannot see the bigger picture.
If the State or Dennis Uy takes over ABS-CBN, will it be free from providing “deliberately false information or willful misrepresentation to the detriment of the public interest, or to incite, encourage, or assist in subversive or treasonable acts”? Consider fake news peddling and Chinese intrusion. Inferring communist clandestine affair with the oligarchs is an illicit jump. With the president urging ABS-CBN to sell its network and hinting settlement if it airs campaign for federalism, how can Filipinos see the sincerity of the nonrenewal of the franchise?
Lastly, if ABS-CBN is owned by Dennis Uy or if the president is amiable with the Lopez family, how would the president’s supporters treat the protesting workers of ABS-CBN?
Noe M. Santillan
Asisstant Professor of Philosophy and Social Studies
University of the Philippines Cebu