Speakership or bust: Cayetano withdrew ABS-CBN provisional franchise to keep post

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano backed out of his bid to give ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to save himself from being ousted as the House’s top leader, Politiko has learned.

Sources told Politiko that Cayetano was nearly removed as Speaker because his proposal to give ABS-CBN a provisional franchise didn’t sit well with Malacañang.

Politiko’s sources said the plan to remove Cayetano as Speaker was hatched as early as May 15, two days after his surprise announcement that he and other House leaders filed a bill granting ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to operate until October 31, 2020.

The provisional franchise, filed as House Bill 6732, was swiftly approved by the House on first and second reading on May 13, the day it was filed.

Politiko’s sources said the Palace was unhappy with Cayetano’s push to give ABS-CBN a lifeline that it sent word to lawmakers that he should be ousted as Speaker. Majority Leader Martin Romualdez was supposed to replace Cayetano.

The pressure from Malacañang was so strong that by May 18, House leaders were forced to withdraw the approval of HB 6732 on second reading and open the period of debates.

There were indications during the period of interpellation that some powers-that-be don’t want ABS-CBN back on air anytime soon. ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric Yap reminded his colleagues that he, together with presidential son Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte and Cavite Rep. Abraham Tolentino, filed a resolution to investigate the network over “probable” violations of its franchise.

Yap said he extensive hearings should be done by the House legislative franchises committee on ABS-CBN’s franchise application instead of giving the network a quick way to return to air through a provisional franchise.

SAGIP party-list Rodante Marcoleta, a member of Iglesia Ni Cristo, said ABS-CBN must be investigated for allegedly violating the Constitution and several laws.

On May 19, Cayetano called for a caucus with lawmakers to avert the coup orchestrated by the Palace. He announced he was withdrawing HB 6732 in favor of conducting committee hearings on ABS-CBN’s franchise bid.

Cayetano formalized his withdrawal of the bill on the plenary that day. In his speech, he admitted he wanted to give ABS-CBN a lifeline but the “majority” preferred to drag out the network’s franchise woes.

“We tried to come up with a fair arrangement for ABS-CBN while the House and Senate hold hearings… Mas gusto ko nga on air sila para makita natin kung fair sila o may bias,” Cayetano said.

“I, together with the House of Representatives leadership have decided to forego with the provisional franchise, and immediately proceed with the hearings for the full 25-year renewal application of the ABS-CBN franchise. Kung sa tingin ng mas nakararami it’s time to talk about it, let’s talk about it,” he added.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)