SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta warned officials of three agencies that they would be summoned by the House of Representatives "in proper time" if they fail to address the issue on the deal between shuttered media giant ABS-CBN and TV5.
"In proper time, siguro ganun ang mangyayari (maybe that will happen, )," Marcoleta said in a recent radio interview wherein he raised concerns over the deal.
The three agencies he was referring to were the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Marcoleta, a former deputy speaker, is worried that the venture between ABS-CBN and TV5 could be in violation of certain laws.
The veteran solon was instrumental in making a case against the issuance of new operating franchise for ABS-CBN two years ago when the network sought renewal. The House ultimately denied it a new franchise, and the television and radio giant has been off the air ever since.
"Sa totoo lang, maliwanag na nagkasala sila, kaya sila nawala ng prangkisa (The truth is, it's clear that they sinned, that's why lost their franchise)," Marcoleta said.
And that's the reason why he wants the PCC, NTC, and BIR to publicly address, the deal between the two networks.
"Kasi kung bigla na lang lumitaw yan at hindi man lang naabisuhan yung dapat abisuhan at hindi kumibo yung dapat kumibo, eh magiging kataka-taka naman kung bakit nangyari (It's very mysterious because this was suddenly floated and those that should have been informed beforehand weren't informed, and those that should act didn't act)," he said.
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/10/circumvention-of-law-marcoleta-wants-pcc-to-look-into-abs-cbn-tv5-deal/
He said the PCC should look at the deal since it could lead to a "monopoly".
As for the NTC, Marcoleta said that it seems to be "playing deaf" on the ABS-CBN-TV5 deal.
The congressman also aired frustration over the BIR for its supposed inaction on the alleged tax obligations of ABS-CBN that were uncovered by House members during their investigation.
" 'We will look into this allegation.' Eh wala naman kaming nakita eh (But we didn't see any action)," Marcoleta said.
"Sana huwag na tayo mapunta sa ganun . Ngayon pa lang sana tignan natin (I hope it doesn't reach that point . Let's take a look at it now)."