The renewal of the congressional franchise of the Philippine media network ABS-CBN to continue

broadcasting was a dispute between the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and the media
conglomerate arising on the terms and conditions of the franchise renewal agreement. Amid the
controversy, the Congress of the Philippines, country's legislature, was unable to renew the franchise
before its expiration date. The congressional franchise expired on May 4, 2020, as the Philippines was
dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
The next day, exercising constitutional powers, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
then issued a cease-and-desist order demanding ABS-CBN to cease all of its free TV and radio
broadcasting immediately. ABS-CBN complied with the government order and shut down all of its radio
stations and free television channels later that day. On June 30, 2020, the NTC released two alias cease-
and-desist orders against ABS-CBN TV Plus and Sky Direct.

EXPLANATION: The situation described is about the renewal of the broadcasting franchise of ABS-CBN,
a major media network in the Philippines. There was a conflict between the government led by
President Rodrigo Duterte and ABS-CBN regarding the terms of the franchise renewal. Due to this
dispute and other factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Congress failed to renew the
franchise before it expired on May 4, 2020. Subsequently, the National Telecommunications
Commission (NTC) ordered ABS-CBN to stop all its free TV and radio broadcasts. ABS-CBN complied with
the order and shut down its radio stations and free TV channels. Later, additional orders were issued
against ABS-CBN's other services like ABS-CBN TV Plus and Sky Direct.

Beginning in 2014 (during the presidency of Benigno Aquino III), the network had repeatedly applied for
the renewal of its broadcast franchise through private bills that had been pending in the House of
Representatives but had not been addressed by the 16th, 17th, and 18th congresses of the Philippines.
Prominent figures in ABS-CBN Corporation, the political opposition in the Philippines, media advocacy
groups, and the international press have labeled the refusal of Congress to renew the franchise as a
result of Duterte’s pressure for ABS-CBN to cease broadcasting and a direct attack on the
country's democracy and press freedoms, although sources from the previous administration reported
that there was lack of support for renewal because "Mr. Aquino’s allies felt the criticisms against the
President were too personal and offensive and went to the point of nitpicking. Duterte's ruling
coalition maintains a supermajority in both chambers of Congress, and Duterte criticized the ABS-CBN
Network for their allegedly biased and unfavorable news coverage against Duterte beginning with his
presidential campaign in the 2016 Philippine presidential election,repeatedly voicing his opposition
against the renewal of the network's congressional franchise.ABS-CBN subsequently appealed to
the Supreme Court of the Philippines to nullify as unconstitutional the cease-and-desist order.

EXPLANATION: In 2014, during the presidency of Benigno Aquino III, the ABS-CBN network applied
for the renewal of their broadcast franchise through private bills in the House of Representatives.
However, these bills were not addressed by the 16th, 17th, and 18th congresses of the Philippines.
Various groups, including figures in ABS-CBN Corporation, the political opposition in the Philippines,
media advocacy groups, and the international press, have criticized Congress for not renewing the
franchise. They believe that this refusal is due to pressure from President Duterte to stop ABS-CBN
from broadcasting, which they see as an attack on democracy and press freedoms. On the other
hand, sources from the previous administration suggested that there was a lack of support for
renewal because Aquino's allies found the criticisms against the President too personal and
offensive. Duterte's ruling coalition has a supermajority in Congress, and he has openly criticized
ABS-CBN for what he perceives as biased and unfavorable news coverage against him since his
presidential campaign in 2016. ABS-CBN appealed to the Supreme Court of the Philippines to
challenge the cease-and-desist order issued against them, arguing that it was unconstitutional.
The resulting franchise expiration and withdrawal of its broadcast rights marked the first time ABS-
CBN, considered a historical and cultural icon in the Philippines, had been off the air since the 1986
revolution, having been seized and liquidated by the authoritarian government of the Martial Law
dictatorship from 1972 until the regime's collapse in 1986.[ Critics of the Duterte government
consider the NTC's cease-and-desist order and the denial of the franchise application as contributing
to a growing democratic backsliding in the Philippines under the Duterte administration.

EXPLANATION: This statement highlights the significant impact of the expiration of ABS-CBN's
franchise and the withdrawal of its broadcast rights. ABS-CBN, a prominent media network in the
Philippines, has historical and cultural significance in the country. This was the first time since the
1986 revolution that ABS-CBN had gone off the air.

During the Martial Law dictatorship from 1972 to 1986, the authoritarian government had taken
control of ABS-CBN and eventually liquidated it. Critics of the current Duterte administration view the
National Telecommunications Commission's (NTC) cease-and-desist order, along with the denial of
ABS-CBN's franchise renewal application, as contributing to a decline in democratic values in the
Philippines under President Duterte's leadership.

MANILA — Philippine lawmakers on Friday formally shut down the country’s largest broadcast network,
the latest major blow against the news media as President Rodrigo Duterte cracks down on outlets that
have been critical of his leadership.

After 13 hearings, a committee of the House of Representatives — most of whose members are allied
with Mr. Duterte — voted by an overwhelming majority to deny ABS-CBN’s application for renewal of its
broadcast franchise. The network had been forced off the air in May, after the franchise expired.

“We remain committed to public service, and we hope to find other ways to achieve our mission,” said
Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN’s president and chief executive, in a statement on Friday. He said the network
was “deeply hurt.”

The president’s spokesman, Harry Roque, sought to distance Mr. Duterte from the decision.

“The palace has maintained a neutral stance on the issue as it respects the separation of powers
between the two coequal branches of government,” he said. “Much as we want to work with the
aforesaid media network, we have to abide by the resolution of the House committee.”

Mr. Duterte has accused ABS-CBN of bias, including favoring a political opponent in the 2016 election,
and had earlier warned that he would not allow the renewal of its franchise.

The president’s critics say he has gone after media outlets that closely documented his drug war, which
has left thousands of people dead since he took office in 2016.

Is ABS-CBN still applying for the franchise?

Media giant ABS-CBN Corp. has truly moved on from seeking a television franchise. Speculation swirled
after the group issued a cheerful Christmas message promising employees that 2024 would be its best
year yet since free TV broadcast operations were shut down by former President Duterte's allies.

EXPLANATION: In this news article, it is reported that the Philippine lawmakers, many of whom
support President Rodrigo Duterte, have voted to deny the renewal of the broadcast franchise for ABS-
CBN, the largest broadcast network in the country. This decision comes after a series of hearings and
effectively shuts down the network, which had already been forced off the air when its franchise expired
in May.

ABS-CBN's president expressed disappointment at the decision and stated the network's commitment to
public service despite the setback. The president's spokesperson emphasized that the decision was
made by the House committee and sought to distance President Duterte from it, citing respect for the
separation of powers between the branches of government.

Critics of President Duterte argue that his administration targets media outlets, like ABS-CBN, that have
been critical of his leadership, particularly in documenting his controversial drug war, which has resulted
in thousands of deaths since he assumed office in 2016.
ABS-CBN ceased operations of its free TV and radio channels by government order after its 25-year
franchise expired in May. ABS-CBN still operates a cable channel and internet sites, but the company has
told its 11,000 employees that they could be let go by August if its broadcast franchise was not renewed.

After the network went off the air, there was a backlash from millions of Filipinos who rely on it for
news, forcing the lower house of Congress to rush hearings on the franchise renewal.

EXPLANATION: ABS-CBN was forced to stop airing its free TV and radio channels by order of the
government after its franchise expired. The company still operates a cable channel and internet sites,
but has warned its employees that they may lose their jobs if the broadcast franchise is not renewed by
August.

The shutdown of ABS-CBN's free channels caused outrage among many Filipinos who depend on the
network for news. As a result, the lower house of Congress quickly held hearings to discuss renewing the
franchise.

The government has accused ABS-CBN of illegally operating a cable channel, as well as hiding behind
what it called a “corporate veil” that allowed foreign investors to own part of the firm. ABS-CBN has
denied the allegations.

Fourteen lawmakers who sponsored bills backing the network argued that the hearings had not proven
that ABS-CBN broke any regulations that warranted its closure

“Seventy million Filipinos tune to its programs weekly,” they said in a joint statement. “Now more than
ever, in the time of a pandemic, we need a vibrant and independent source of information and news to
tell the people what is going on.”

Nonoy Espina, who heads the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said that lawmakers who
were seeking to block the franchise renewal had “gripes” to settle. By voting to shut down ABS-CBN, Mr.
Espina said, the House “has lost all claim to represent the people and our interests.”

The congressional hearings did shine a light on some shortcomings of big media networks, including
unfair labor practices and a lack of self-regulation, analysts said.

EXPLANATION: The government has accused ABS-CBN of running a cable channel illegally and using a
"corporate veil" to allow foreign investors to own part of the company. ABS-CBN has denied these
accusations.

Lawmakers supporting the network argue that the hearings did not prove any wrongdoing that would
justify shutting down ABS-CBN. They emphasized the importance of having an independent source of
information, especially during a pandemic when accurate news is crucial.

Nonoy Espina of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines suggested that lawmakers pushing
to block the company's franchise renewal have personal issues to resolve. He criticized the House for
voting to close ABS-CBN, claiming they no longer represent the people.

The congressional hearings also highlighted issues within major media networks, such as unfair labor
practices and a lack of self-regulation, according to analysts.
“But legislators have no business to say how media should operate,” said Danilo Arao, a
journalism professor at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. ABS-CBN, he said,
“is being singled out.”

Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, called the decision a
“grievous assault on press freedom,” adding, “This move solidifies the tyranny of
President Rodrigo Duterte.” The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines
said it was a “profoundly dark day for journalists.”

As the leading broadcaster in the country, ABS-CBN was known for its prime time
flagship news program, “TV Patrol,” as well as soap operas and afternoon variety TV
shows.
Along with the online news site Rappler, ABS-CBN has been at the forefront of coverage
of Mr. Duterte’s violent drug war.
EXPLANATION: In this passage, Danilo Arao, a journalism professor at the Polytechnic
University of the Philippines, expresses his belief that legislators should not dictate how the
media operates. He mentions that ABS-CBN, a major media network, is being unfairly targeted.

Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, criticizes the decision to shut
down ABS-CBN as a severe attack on press freedom, and he suggests that it further strengthens
the authoritarian rule of President Rodrigo Duterte. The Foreign Correspondents Association of
the Philippines also condemns the decision as a dark day for journalists.
ABS-CBN, known for its prominent news program "TV Patrol" and various entertainment shows,
has played a significant role in reporting on President Duterte's controversial drug war,
alongside the online news site Rappler.

You don't win a debate by suppressing discussion; you win it with a better argument.

What is your own understanding about taxation?

Taxation is the practice of collecting taxes (money) from citizens based on their
earnings and property. The money raised from taxation supports the government and
allows it to fund police and courts, have a military, build and maintain roads, along with
many other services.

Why is it important to learn about taxation?

Taxing citizens is a vital method of financing the most essential public sector activities,
such as the courts, the legal system, national defense and police protection. In addition,
it provides the means for producing social programs, such as public health services,

Hello everyone! Today, we're talking about something big - the closing of ABS-CBN. People have
different opinions about this, and it's causing a lot of talk. Let's listen to each other and try to find ways to
understand what's going on. We're here to talk nicely and find solutions together. So, let's start our chat
about ABS-CBN's closure!
Paul

QUESTION FOR DISAGREE

What is/are the common knowledge of taxation?

Why did you not agree to ABS CBN closure?

Do you think ABS-CBN unfairly favored certain political candidates or parties in its news coverage?

Do you believe that ABS-CBN violated any laws or regulations that justified its closure?

Do you think ABS-CBN unfairly favored certain political candidates or parties in its news coverage?
Were there issues regarding tax compliance or financial irregularities at ABS-CBN that influenced the
decision to shut it down?

Were there issues regarding tax compliance or financial irregularities at ABS-CBN that influenced the
decision to shut it down?

Do you think ABS-CBN unfairly favored certain political candidates or parties in its news coverage?

why did ABS CBN not pay their tax?

Why can't you follow the government's order which is the closing of The station of ABS CBN?

What are your thoughts, on the shutdown of ABS CBN concerning press freedom? Do you think it
undermines media autonomy and the right to express freely?

What do you think happens to democracy and people's information when a big media company, like ABS
CBN, shuts down?

Do you think the shutdown of ABS CBN was unfair, in limiting press freedom given its history as a media
platform, in the Philippines and the effects it had on media diversity and the jobs of many workers?

POSSIBLE QUESTION

Is ABS-CBN still applying for the franchise?

Media giant ABS-CBN Corp. has truly moved on from seeking a television franchise. Speculation swirled
after the group issued a cheerful Christmas message promising employees that 2024 would be its best
year yet since free TV broadcast operations were shut down by former President Duterte's allies.

Why should ABS-CBN be shut down?

They broke the laws. Pure and simple.

The number of laws they were in violation of for so many years, they're only regret is getting
caught.

People who support ABS-CBN are also in support of corruption. If they can't see or
understand that, they're ignorant.

Reason 1: Tax avoidance

Reason 2: Failure to regularize it's employees

Reason 3: Multiple labor cases

Reason 4: Inappropriate program content

Reason 5: Biased reporting

MY OWN SCRIPT:
Do you agree with the closure of ABS-CBN?
Different people have varying opinions, on the shutdown of ABS CBN with perspectives
often shaped by beliefs and values. Some may see the closure as justified due to reported
violations or issues linked to the network while others view it as a restriction, on freedom of
the press. It's important to respect viewpoints and have conversations to grasp the nuances
of this matter.

Given the alleged violations of media regulations, such as unfair political content or
exceeding foreign ownership limits, do you think shutting down ABS-CBN was the most
effective way to address these concerns?
-It makes sense why some people think that implementing closure was needed to enforce
media rules and ensure fairness.. Wouldn't imposing fines or stricter regulations along, with a
temporary suspension for investigation have produced comparable outcomes while reducing
job cuts and restrictions, on the media?

With the rise of digital media platforms, do you think the closure of ABS-CBN
significantly impacted Filipinos' access to news and information?
-It's worth noting that the media environment in the Philippines has changed significantly in the
years since ABS-CBN was a major force. The explosion of digital media, cable TV and other
contenders has made the media landscape decidedly more diverse. Filipinos likely have more
access to information than ever before. Still, the shutdown could cut jobs and rob people who
counted on ABS-CBN for local news that reflected the particular character of their region.

If it were proven that ABS-CBN had repeatedly violated media regulations, such as tax
evasion or exceeding foreign ownership limits, do you think strong action, like the
closure, would be necessary to ensure a fair and accountable media landscape?
-Absolutely. A healthy democracy requires a media that operates fairly and within the
law. If proven, such violations could erode public trust and create an uneven playing
field for other media outlets. Strong action, while regrettable for those who lost their
jobs, might be necessary to deter future violations and ensure a responsible media
environment.

This approach acknowledges the negative consequences (job losses) but

prioritizes the importance of a fair and legal media landscape. It also frames the
closure as a potential deterrent for future violations.

Could the closure of ABS-CBN, despite the job losses, create an opportunity for smaller,
independent media outlets to gain a wider audience and potentially increase diversity of
viewpoints in the Philippine media landscape?

-There's a possibility. With ABS-CBN gone, there's more space for other media outlets to
compete for viewers. This could incentivize them to create more unique content and cater to
niche audiences. While it wouldn't replace all the jobs lost, it could foster a more diverse and
innovative media environment in the long run.

If a media outlet is found to have consistently violated media regulations, such as unfair political
coverage or misleading information, is it important to hold them accountable, even if it results in
job losses?

-Accountability is crucial for any industry, especially media. If proven, repeated violations could
erode public trust and undermine a fair media landscape. While job losses are unfortunate,
perhaps stricter regulations or even temporary closure could be a necessary deterrent to
prevent future transgressions and ensure responsible media practices.

1. Question: If proven that ABS-CBN repeatedly violated media regulations, like tax
evasion or exceeding foreign ownership limits, wouldn't strong action be necessary to
ensure fairness in the industry?

Answer: Absolutely. Upholding media regulations is crucial. Repeated violations, if

proven, could erode public trust and create an uneven playing field. While the closure is
regrettable, it might be a necessary deterrent for future transgressions.

2. Question: With the rise of digital media platforms, could the closure create space for
smaller, independent outlets to gain a wider audience and potentially increase diversity
of viewpoints?

Answer: There's a chance. With a large player gone, smaller outlets have more room to
compete. This could incentivize them to create unique content and cater to niche
audiences, fostering a more diverse media landscape in the long run. However, this
wouldn't replace lost jobs and could lead to a temporary content gap.
 3. Question: Could the closure lead to a shift in focus towards more investigative
journalism from remaining outlets, potentially offering viewers higher quality content in
the long run?

Answer: It's a possibility. Competition might drive remaining outlets to invest in

investigative journalism, leading to more in-depth reporting. However, this depends on
their resources and editorial priorities.

4. Question: Considering the alleged unfair political coverage, wouldn't stricter

regulations combined with a temporary suspension for investigation have achieved a
more balanced outcome?

Answer: Perhaps. Stricter regulations and temporary suspension could have addressed
concerns while allowing time for investigation and reform. However, the effectiveness of
those regulations would need careful consideration.

5. Question: In an ideal scenario, could the government utilize the closure as an

opportunity to re-evaluate media regulations and ensure greater transparency and
accountability for all outlets?

Answer: Ideally, yes. The closure could prompt a review of media regulations, aiming
for clarity and fairness across the board. This could benefit the entire industry and
create a more responsible media environment.

1. Question: Given the allegations of ABS-CBN violating media regulations, such as

biased political reporting or exceeding foreign ownership limits, could their continued
operation undermine public trust in the fairness of the media landscape?

Answer: Potentially. If the allegations hold weight, allowing continued operation without
addressing them could erode public trust in the media as a whole. Ensuring a fair and
balanced media environment is crucial for a healthy democracy.

2. Question: With the rise of digital media platforms, could the closure create an
opportunity for more diverse content and voices to emerge, potentially filling the gap left
by ABS-CBN?

Answer: There's a possibility. The dominance of a single media outlet can limit
diversity. The closure could encourage a wider range of voices and perspectives on
digital platforms, catering to niche audiences previously underserved by ABS-CBN.

3. Question: Could stricter regulations and enforcement, implemented alongside the

closure, create a more responsible media environment where all outlets operate within
clear guidelines?

Answer: Absolutely. Clearer regulations and stricter enforcement could be a positive

outcome. This would ensure a level playing field for all media outlets and potentially
prevent similar situations in the future.

4. Question: In the context of investigative journalism, could the closure incentivize

remaining outlets to step up their efforts, potentially leading to higher quality journalism
overall?

Answer: It's a possibility. With less competition from a major player, remaining outlets
might invest more heavily in investigative journalism to attract viewers. However, this
depends on their resources and editorial priorities.

5. Question: Considering the financial implications of the alleged violations, wouldn't

imposing heavy fines, along with a temporary suspension for investigation, have
achieved similar goals without the job losses associated with closure?

Answer: Perhaps. Stricter financial penalties could have served as a deterrent, and a
temporary suspension would have allowed for investigation and potential reform.
 However, the effectiveness of those financial penalties would need careful
consideration.

6. Question: Might the closure prompt a review of media ownership regulations,

potentially leading to a more transparent and accountable media landscape overall?

Answer: Ideally, yes. The closure could spark a public conversation about media
ownership and regulations, ensuring a fairer and more transparent system for all media
outlets.

7. Question: While the closure is unfortunate, could it also lead to innovation in the media
industry, with outlets exploring new content delivery methods to reach audiences?

Answer: There's a chance. The closure could push remaining outlets to innovate and
find new ways to engage viewers, potentially leading to a more dynamic media
landscape in the long run.

8. Question: Focusing on the potential benefits for viewers, could the closure lead to a
wider range of news sources and perspectives being readily available online, fostering a
more informed citizenry?

Answer: Increased access to information is a potential benefit. The closure could

encourage viewers to explore a wider variety of online news sources, leading to a more
well-rounded understanding of current events.

9. Question: If the closure is part of a larger effort to address media bias and ensure
fairness, could it be a positive step towards a more balanced media environment in the
Philippines?

Answer: It's a possibility, but depends on the implementation. Stricter regulations and a
commitment to fairness across the board would be crucial to achieving this goal.

10. Question: Long term, could the closure lead to a more professional and responsible
media industry in the Philippines, with a stronger emphasis on ethical journalism
practices?

Answer: There's a hope for this outcome. If the closure prompts a reevaluation of
media practices and ethics, it could lead to a more professional and responsible media
industry overall.

DISAGREE
Do you think shutting down ABS-CBN, even if they violated some regulations, could
have a chilling effect on press freedom in the Philippines, limiting critical voices and
public scrutiny of the government?

Don't you think the closure of ABS-CBN, with its vast reach and established local news
teams, resulted in a significant loss of jobs and a potential gap in local news coverage,
particularly in areas where ABS-CBN was a dominant source of information?

Given the economic impact of the closure, including job losses, wouldn't imposing
stricter regulations or fines have achieved similar results without such a drastic
measure?

Do you think the closure of ABS-CBN unfairly limits Filipinos' access to news and
information, particularly for those who rely on it for local news specific to their region?

Isn't freedom of the press vital for a healthy democracy? Doesn't the closure of ABS-
CBN set a worrying precedent and potentially discourage critical reporting from other
media outlets?
Could the economic impact of the closure, including lost advertising revenue and
displaced workers, outweigh any potential benefits from the closure?
pen_spark

Shouldn't due process be followed before such a drastic measure as closure? Did ABS-
CBN have a fair chance to address the allegations against them?

In the age of digital media, isn't the argument about limited choices outdated? Don't
Filipinos already have access to a variety of news sources online?

Couldn't alternative solutions, like temporary suspension for investigation or requiring

stricter adherence to regulations, have addressed the concerns without resorting to
permanent closure?

Doesn't the closure disproportionately impact Filipino workers, many of whom may have
dedicated their careers to ABS-CBN? Shouldn't their livelihoods be considered?

Does the closure stifle diversity of viewpoints in the media landscape? Wouldn't a
plurality of media voices be beneficial for a healthy democracy?

Long term, could the closure have a negative impact on the quality of investigative
journalism in the Philippines?