MANILA, Philippines — Amid strong statements of President Rodrigo Duterte against ABS-CBN, an election lawyer still believes that the President’s “soft heart” could save the major television network from not having its franchise renewed by March. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Duterte would consider the thousands of employees of ABS-CBN and their dependents, as well as calls from celebrities for the renewal of the franchise. ADVERTISEMENT“Amid President Duterte’s repeated statement that he will block the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN which will expire on March 30, 2020, I honestly believe that his ‘soft heart’ would still prevail and ABS-CBN’s franchise will be renewed without his objection,” Macalintal said in a statement on Sunday. If ABS CBN violated his rights during the election period, I’m sure, as a former Prosecutor, he knows his legal remedies on this issue,” said the election lawyer. “Yes, Mr. President, the thousands of employees and talents of ABS-CBN and their dependents long to touch that soft part of your dear heart,” he also said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 19, 2020 07:30 UTC