MANILA, Philippines — A militant lawmaker yesterday slammed President Duterte for threatening TV giant ABS-CBN as the network’s franchise is set to expire in March. Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Ferdinand Gaite believes that the President’s latest threat against ABS-CBN is “harassment” and a “threat to press freedom” in the country. Gaite said the President should stop threatening ABS-CBN and instead just file cases over his personal grievance. He appealed to his colleagues in the House to start hearing bills seeking renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN this month. “Congress should at least hold a hearing on the franchise of ABS-CBN this January and give them a fair shake.

Source: Philippine Star December 31, 2019 16:52 UTC