ON Wednesday, the House passed House Bill 9710, or the proposal to revoke the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corporation or SMNI.
This marks the first time in Philippine history that there has been an attempt to revoke the franchise of a broadcast corporation.
In the House, the process is prioritized. In November, hearings on SMNI’s franchise began, and after four months, it swiftly passed the third and final reading in the plenary of the House.
However, because revoking a franchise requires legislation, it needs to go through the higher chamber of Congress.
In the Senate, Senator Grace Poe, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, seems to have reservations about this.
“To my knowledge, this is the first instance that a proposal for a franchise revocation has made significant progress in Congress. We should subject this to utmost study and scrutiny as this shall set a precedent for future legislative franchises,” said Sen. Grace Poe, Chairman, Committee on Public Services.
In a statement, Poe said that because it is the first time in Philippine history that there is an attempt to revoke a franchise, it requires careful study and analysis.
She emphasized the need for all members of her committee to agree on whatever decision will be made.
Discussion of Franchise Bill not a priority in Senate
Senator Poe will leave the scheduling of its discussion to the Senate leadership.
“No franchise bill has ever been listed as a priority. So, I defer to the leadership as to the pace of its disposition,” added Poe.
She explained that passing a proposed law related to franchises has never been a priority in the Senate.
Poe’s statement was echoed by Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a member of her committee.
Sen. Bato stated that it should only be treated as an ordinary proposal.
“If it needs to be prioritized, it depends on the Senate leadership, what its decision is for the treatment of that bill. But me, I won’t call for [prioritization],” said Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
In a separate text message to reporters, Sen. Imee Marcos said she sees no strong reason why HB 9710 should not be treated like other proposed laws.
