Villegas joins call for renewal of ABS-CBN franchise
LINGAYEN-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas has appealed to the members of Congress to act swiftly on the pending renewal of the congressional franchise of network giant ABS-CBN that was ordered Tuesday by the National Telecommunications Commission to cease and desist from operating.
In a statement written entirely in Filipino, Villegas, said the law is clear and ABS-CBN needs a franchise.
“The petition for renewal has been long pending in Congress,” he said and blamed Congress for sitting on it until it led to the expiration of the franchise.
He cited moral and spiritual issues that need to be given attention to the issue, firstly, the need for democracy and freedom of expression
Second, according to Villegas, is the power to make laws is an honor.
Villegas said the country needs to heal. He said the COVID-19 is just one of the many wounds that need to be compressed.
“Hatred and indignation are overflowing. If we want to be healed, we need to listen to each other. Let us not shut down those that have different convictions from us,” he said.
He said he wonders what is the real fault of ABS-CBN to be ordered closed in this time of distress.
“In times of crisis, can’t we be more human?,” Villegas asked as he cited the thousands that stood to lose their jobs. He said poverty and unemployment caused by the pandemic are already worse, “yet do we still have to add to this?”
Villegas also called on ABS-CBN to use this moment to self-check and meditate on its mission to society and expressed hope that vulgar television programs of the network be left behind.
He added,” Do not be afraid to criticize but do it for the good of many and always based on truth.” (PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)
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