The House Committee on Legislative Franchises has ordered concerned government agencies to submit position papers and documents on issues raised over ABS-CBN’s blocktime agreements with several broadcast operators.
The move came after Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA) Party-list Rep. Presley De Jesus questioned whether the media company’s existing arrangements with network operators remain consistent with existing laws, congressional policies, and franchise conditions governing broadcast entities.
During a committee hearing, lawmakers took up De Jesus’ privilege speech and directed the National Telecommunications Commission, Department of Labor and Employment, and Philippine Competition Commission to submit their positions on regulatory, labor, and competition concerns linked to the media company’s operations.
De Jesus said the committee must examine the scope of ABS-CBN’s blocktime arrangements, including agreements involving Advanced Media Broadcasting System, more commonly known as ALLTV. He said concerns arise when nearly an entire television channel’s programming comes from one content provider, raising questions over who effectively controls the station.
The committee is also expected to review related contracts and agreements, including employee and talent engagements, as well as blocktime memoranda with other stations.
Labor issues were also raised during the hearing, including allegations involving the working conditions of some cameramen and drivers assigned to ABS-CBN’s news operations.
Some members also discussed whether the Committee on Legislative Franchises still has jurisdiction over the matter after ABS-CBN’s congressional franchise was not renewed in 2020. However, several lawmakers said the agreements still merit review to determine whether existing laws contain gaps that Congress may need to address.
Further deliberations on the privilege speech were deferred pending the submission of position papers, contracts, and other requested documents from the concerned agencies.
Once the documents are submitted, the House is expected to resume discussions on the matter, which could lead to clearer rules on blocktime agreements and media company operations in the country.