MANILA, Philippines — “Justice has been served,” according to Solicitor General Jose Calida a day after a House of Representatives panel rejected ABS-CBN’s application for a fresh 25-year franchise. Congress has ascertained that ABS-CBN is unworthy of a legislative franchise, and its decision must be accorded respect,” he said in a statement. He also dismissed cries that the refusal to grant ABS-CBN another franchise affects the freedom of the press in the country. “The denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise cannot be characterized as a restraint on freedom of expression or of the press because the primordial effect of such denial is the upholding of the constitutional provision and laws governing media companies like ABS-CBN,” Calida said. “Congress has done its duty under the Constitution, and by its action, the rule of law has been upheld,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 11, 2020 10:41 UTC