Palace on ABS-CBN's comeback: It will be Zoe that will be regulated

Malacañang seemed to have no problem with ABS-CBN's comeback to free TV but said it will be Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc., that will be regulated because it is a franchise holder.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after it was announced on Tuesday that A2Z, the rebranded Zoe Channel 11, will feature ABS-CBN shows starting this coming weekend.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Roque said Malacañang has no specific reaction to ABS-CBN's comeback, almost five months after it was ordered to shut down its operations because of an expired franchise.

"We neither welcome it nor.. we have no reaction to it because they are a content provider," he told "The Source" on Wednesday.

"For all intents and purposes, it is Zoe that will be subject to regulation because ZOE is the franchise holder," he added.

According to Roque, ABS-CBN's blocktime deal with Zoe is a "distinct line of business."

"What has happened is ABS-CBN has become a content provider. That's a distinct line of business that does not require a franchise," he said.

"I guess the fans of 'Ang Probinsiyano' and the other soap operas can look forward to them on Zoe TV," he added.

ABS-CBN went off the air in May this year following the cease and desist order by the National Telecommunications Commission due to its expired franchise.

In July, lawmakers rejected ABS-CBN's application for a new broadcast franchise, shutting down a major part of the country’s largest media network and resulting in the retrenchment of many of its workers.

Despite his known grudge against the broadcast giant, President Duterte denied having a hand on ABS-CBN's shutdown.

The new A2Z will air on Channel 11 on free TV via analog broadcast in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. It will also be available on many cable and satellite TV.

Channel 11 was previously used by GMA for QTV-11 from 2005 to 2011 and GMA News TV from 2011 to 2019 before the latter moved to Channel 27.

Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc. was founded by House Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva.

According to Roque, he is not sure if ABS-CBN's comeback was discussed when President Duterte met with Villanueva last week.

"I wouldn't know. I was not in the meeting," he said.

"I get my orders on what to say from the President himself, which spares me from having to go to all the meetings. Otherwise, I wouldn't have a life," he added.