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Duterte can reverse NTC’s closure order vs ABS-CBN–Escudero

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MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte could still reverse the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) closure order against ABS-CBN since the commission is under his office

Former senator and now Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero gave his opinion on Wednesday as the giant television network went off the air  Tuesday night in compliance with the NTC’s order.

The NTC directed the closure of ABS-CBN despite Congress’ request to grant it provisional authority to operate  as the company’s franchise lapsed on May 4.

“PRRD (Duterte’s initials) can reverse the order of the NTC, being under the OP,”  Escudero, who is also a lawyer, said in a Twitter post.

“This is not the time to deprive the people (with) information re: the pandemic and following his humbling realization re: Ayala and Pangilinan. Government needs all the help it can get to fight COVID-19,” he said.

Duterte earlier apologized to businessmen Manny Pangilinan and the  Ayala clan for his “hurtful words” against  them.

But while saying the President could reverse the NTC’s decision, Escudero said Congress must still need to act on ABS-CBN’s franchise application, which remains pending at the House of Representatives.

“The House of Representatives and, later on, the Senate can and should act, one way or the other, on the franchise application of ABS-CBN,” he said.

“They (especially the House) cannot and should not simply pay lip service and then sit on it while supposedly awaiting signals from Malacanang,” the governor added.

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