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NEWS:    Palace: Duterte too busy, not interested in Senate hearing on ABS-CBN franchise

In this Sept. 9, 2019 photo, Sen. Grace Poe leads the Senate Committee on Public Service hearing on the provincial bus ban. / Alexis Romero (Philstar.com) – February 23, 2020 – 1:54am

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has too much on his plate to pay attention to the hearing to be conducted by a Senate panel on ABS-CBN’s franchise, Malacañang said Sunday, as it distanced itself from lawmakers’ discussions on the issue.

The Senate public services committee is scheduled to hold a hearing Monday on the network’s alleged violations of its franchise as well as the pending application of the renewal of its franchise.

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The hearing has been set despite opposition by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who claimed that the move would violate the Constitution.

Cayetano, a staunch ally of Duterte, has argued that under the Constitution, all bills of local application like franchise measures should emanate from the House.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III has disputed this, saying the hearing would focus on resolutions on whether ABS-CBN’s franchise should be approved. Some senators have also pointed out that it has been standard parliamentary practice for the Senate to conduct parallel hearings on bills that should emanate from the House like the annual General Appropriations bill.

‘Duterte not interested’

Asked whether Duterte would monitor the Senate committee hearing, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Chief Executive has a lot of work to do.

“Hindi interesado si Presidente. Maraming trabaho si Presidente (The President is not interested. The President has a lot of work to do). Too much work,” Panelo said in a radio interview.

Panelo reiterated that Malacañang would not meddle in the activities of Congress. He also declined to comment on the Senate’s decision to cancel its regular session to give way to the hearing on the television network’s franchise.

RELATED: Duterte: Cayetano, Velasco to share House speakership

“That’s their (Senate) decision. You know that the Palace does not interfere with the moves of Congress, the Senate, the House of Representatives. We have nothing to do with that. It’s their turf. We’ll not intrude into that,” the Palace spokesman said.

“Haven’t we stated our position on that? That’s the job of the Solicitor General. Let him do his job. Whatever the Supreme Court says, we will just comply,” he added.

NEWS: LOOK: Duterte attends GMA reporters’ wedding in Antipolo City

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MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte was one of the attendees of the wedding of GMA reporters Rida Reyes and Cedric Castillo in Antipolo City.

In photos posted by former GMA reporter Steve Dailisan on Facebook on Saturday, Duterte could be seen posing with Dailisan and TV anchors Mel Tiangco and Vicky Morales.

 

 

He was also seen with other GMA reporters such as JP Soriano and John Consulta, as shown in photos posted by reporter Julius Segovia.

 

Reyes and Castillo tied the knot at the Vieux Chalet in Antipolo City.

Castillo proposed to Reyes last December.

By: Daphne Galvez – Reporter / @DYGalvezINQ

INQUIRER.net

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Agot Isidro commends ‘resistance’ following ABS-CBN rally: ‘Welcome to the fold’

Image: Instagram/@agotisidro

It is no secret that Agot Isidro is among the most vocal celebrities when it comes to issues on rights, and she is now commending fellow artists and countrymen for speaking out following the rally calling for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.

The media giant’s workers, supporters and stars such as Jericho Rosales, Coco Martin and Angel Aquino attended the protest held around the network’s compound yesterday, Feb. 21. They came together to make a stand against the perceived attack on press freedom, and called for the protection of around 11,000 people from losing their jobs.

Isidro welcomed her new allies and lauded their action via Twitter today, Feb. 22, saying she appreciates any resistance to attacks on people’s rights. / By: Ian Biong / INQUIRER.net

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