Thread by @cnnphilippines

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@RicoHizon Infrawatch PH on whether Congress has basis to intervene on the ABS-CBN-TV5 deal: Congress can only intervene on franchise issues if we're talking about a transfer of controlling shares. But ABS-CBN is only buying around 35% of TV5, this is not a transfer of controlling shares.

Related: cnnphilippines.com/business/2022/…

Infrawatch PH: With the new Speaker, there are more other important public concerns which Congress can focus at this point. Our new Speaker has been calling on economic recovery the past few days. (1/2)

Infrawatch PH: I hope they'll most definitely focus on these things and not another round of persecution by Congress members vs. ABS-CBN. Nanalo na sila ng nakaraan, tanggapin nila na medyo may pagkatalo sila ngayon. (2/2)

Infrawatch PH on possible violation of anti-trust law on the ABS-CBN-TV5 deal: The more important question is whether or not TV5 is the dominant player in the broadcast sector. (1/2)

Infrawatch PH on possible violation of anti-trust law on the ABS-CBN-TV5 deal: As we've seen in the past few years, TV5 was only number three. I'm quite certain we're not talking of dominant abuse in position here. (2/2)

Infrawatch PH: I don't think consent is necessary on prior transactions. It doesn't involve the threshold amount that requires a compulsory review by the PH Competition Commission. (1/2)

Infrawatch PH: Since this is a great public interest, maybe they can voluntarily submit with themselves to a competition check. (2/2)

Infrawatch PH on NTC blocking the ABS-CBN-TV5 deal: I'd like to see what findings the NTC is talking about. The tax issues have been resolved, which showed that ABS-CBN has no tax liabilities.

Infrawatch PH: This is a spectacular coup by ABS-CBN. They have been pushed to their knees in 2020, but they are back again to provide news and content through TV5.

Related: cnnphilippines.com/business/2022/…

Fil-Am director Cece Asuncion on working in the US: Right after high school, I didn't know what to do. My cousin, who is a production designer, exposed me to production.

Asuncion on starting a career in US: It's not easy. You'll learn to be fiercely independent. When you lead with your purpose, things will be easy.

Asuncion on starting an agency for transgender models: I started it in September 2015. I met the right people. Then, I co-produced a reality show with Whoopi Goldberg.

Asuncion: The trans people back then lived stealth lives. When you open an agency, you have to honor that. You teach a certain responsibility to the models that I represent. You can't just go out there and expect the world to suddenly accept you.

Asuncion on his advice for Fil-Am entrepreneurs to be successful: Keep going. Have a very good strong support group. Just believe in yourself.

Asuncion: When I walk into a room, my Filipino-ness enters first. You just have to work doubly hard to get half of the recognition. When you have the army of gorgeous trans models, it makes easier.

Asuncion on his viral shorts and barong look: Mainit eh. I wanted a Filipino designer to dress me. He gave a design and I said I really want to wear shorts because it is hot. I didn't really think and didn't know that it will offend certain people.

Asuncion on message for transgenders who aspire to be models: You have to be very understanding on how the world works. You have to believe on your own beauty before other people believe you're beautiful.