[Trending Now] Breaking: Pres. Duterte Blocked the Franchise Renewal of ABS-CBN Because of This Reason! Find out Why!

Recently, Kapuso fans rejoiced when President Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 10925, which renewed the franchise of GMA Network for 25 more years.

According to Business World Online, the law requires GMA to “provide free public service time” to the administration so they could air public announcements and warnings.

However, Rappler recently revealed that the President has no plans to renew GMA’s rival network’s franchise. The report cited that Duterte wants to formally block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. 

Duterte’s reason for doing so? He accused ABS-CBN of “swindling” and claimed that the network refrained from showing his political advertisements during last year’s presidential campaign. He said his campaign team paid the network. 

According to the president’s statement, he said, “[The franchise] has been there for 25 years. The law said it’s okay, only if you adhere to journalistic standards.” 

He continued, “What did you do to us? Estafa, swindling, not only me but Chiz Escudero, many of us. Son of a b***h, you collected outright then you commit estafa.” 

“So I will file a complaint. Congress, no need to renew it. But to operate is something else, so I will point this out, your garbage, then we’ll see,” Duterte said. 

ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire on March 30, 2020, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. 

When asked if he would not continue the network’s franchise renewal, Dutertre answered, “Yes, if you’re engaged in swindling.”

House Bill 4349, the bill that aims to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years, is still sitting at the committee level. 

Are you a fan of ABS-CBN? What do you think about this development? Tell us below! 

Source: GMA