Without renewal of the franchise, ABS-CBN Corp. will have no authority to broadcast upon expiration of the franchise. This time of argument over the ABS-CBN franchise issue should logically also be a time for reflection on the history of the franchise and how it has prominently figured in the partisan contests and quarrels in our national life. Significantly, through much of its history — and this is well-known to the Filipino public — ABS-CBN has been unfailingly partisan. ABS-CBN must make its case before Congress, before the high court and before the nation. It is absurd to suggest that this issue should be a matter of public opinion or of counting heads.

Source: Manila Times February 17, 2020 19:41 UTC