SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta claimed that the merger between ABS-CBN and TV5 violated a provision in the franchise of the latter.
Marcoleta highlighted this during his privilege speech during the plenary session Monday, Aug. 15, wherein he continued to assail the deal.
"And by every measure, Mr. Speaker, I think TV5 has some obligations in this deal," said the veteran solon, who played a big part in the rejection of ABS-CBN's franchise renewal before the House of Representatives in 2020.
ABS-CBN, popularly known as the "Kapamilya" network, has been off the air for over two years.
"With the substantial purchase, Mr. Speaker, of the outstanding stocks of ABS-CBN, I believe Section 5 of the franchise of TV5 was violated because the rights and obligations have virtually been transferred to ABS-CBN," Marcoleta noted.
"Pupuwede ba Mr. Speaker na ang isang network na hindi na natin binigyan ng lisensya because of this established violation, wala na siyang prangkisa, pwede ba siyang sumakay na ganun ganun lang (Is it allowable Mr. Speaker, for a network whose license wasn't renewed and is without a franchise to hitch a ride like nothing happened) without settling the obligations to the country, to the government?" he asked.
In the same speech, Marcoleta recalled the supposed various violations of ABS-CBN that led to the House's turning down its franchise renewal application.
"Is it possible that something that cannot be achieved or obtained directly can be obtained indirectly? I think is a basic...we cannot do that," he said, referring to ABS-CBN's lack of operating franchise.
Marcoleta further said that "Section 10 of the franchise of TV5 also prohibits merger with other entities without prior approval of Congress. Wala pa po tayong approval (We haven't approved it yet)."
"So I said, this particular deal must be looked into," he added.