MANILA, Philippines —Senator Leila de Lima, who is an ardent critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, likened the franchise denial of ABS-CBN by the House of Representatives to “Oplan Tokhang” which left thousands dead in the administration’s bid to stop illegal drug operations in the country. Ganito ang ginawa sa pagpatay ng prangkisa ng ABS-CBN. Walang laban, walang katarungan, walang konsensya!” wrote De Lima in a dispatch sent from the Philippine National Police Custodial Center inside Camp Crame where she is being detained on drug charges. ADVERTISEMENTThe House Committee on Legislative Franchises voted to deny the network’s application for a franchise after its initial one that lasted for 25 years expired. Based on the TWG report, ABS-CBN itself violated its old franchise, which the panel described as a privilege.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 11, 2020 08:00 UTC