Thread by @loumillares

I seriously cannot understand why many people celebrate ABS’s shutdown. So, here’s a quick thread to hopefully enlighten you. ☀️

1️⃣ Your argument re: tax violations finds no grounds. Earlier this year, BIR & SEC certified to the effect that ABS incurred no such liabilities.

2️⃣ Your argument re: ABS’s noncompliance with franchise terms finds no grounds. No less than a Senate committee found that ABS has not breached any of its franchise terms, including labor conditions (certified by DOLE) and taxes (certified by BIR).

rappler.com/nation/252601-…

3️⃣ Your argument re: ABS being biased finds no grounds. Both our Constitution and settled jurisprudence frown upon prior restraint and subsequent punishment. Case law also lays down the clear and present danger rule as a standard.

See: Eastern v. Dans, G.R. No. L-59329

4️⃣ Your argument that there are still other media outlets out there is self-contradictory.

This only affirms that this admin is singling out ABS. With ABS’s compliance with its franchise terms, what other reason(s) do the NTC and Cayetano-headed HoR have to go after ABS?

5️⃣ Lastly, history and usual practice reveal that NTC had been granting provisional authority to media outlets pending their franchise renewal in Congress.

The sudden change in the weather, especially in these times, is truly questionable. Check out Sen. Villanueva’s statement:

All you need is a few brain cells and basic human intelligence to put two and two together: This is not a matter of franchise compliance or tax violations.

This is obviously driven by the admin’s political motives and a blatant attack on press freedom.

#NoToABSCBNShutDown

Addendum: Some people have pointed out ABS’s alleged violation regarding KBO.

This was already addressed by Telecommunications Comm. Cordoba earlier this year, saying that KBO is NOT a violation of the franchise that merits revocation—it merely is a ground to impose fines.

See: