Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25)— The Office of the Solicitor General said Thursday it will study the possible filing of a motion before the Supreme Court to reconsider the junked quo warranto plea it lodged against media giant ABS-CBN.
“Once a copy of the decision has been obtained, the OSG will study the possibility of filing a motion for reconsideration, if necessary, given the constitutional issue on foreign ownership raised in the OSG petition,” the OSG said in a statement, noting it has yet to receive a copy of the SC ruling.
The high court earlier this week junked Solicitor General Jose Calida’s controversial quo warranto charge against the media company, noting the franchise in question already expired in May, thus making the move “moot.”
The government’s top lawyer, in seeking to revoke ABS-CBN’s then-valid license, cited “highly abusive” practices by the network, including supposed foreign ownership and operational issues.
The media company has repeatedly refuted the allegations.
ABS-CBN’s broadcast operations halted following the expiry of its franchise, in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission’s shutdown order.
But its digital platforms— including online news websites, video streaming services, and social media platforms— continue to operate.
The OSG stressed that the media network’s television and radio broadcasting stations nationwide must remain off air, as ABS-CBN’s request to stop the NTC’s cease and desist order remains pending before the court.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have been conducting deliberations on the grant of a fresh franchise to the media company, with hearings set to resume on June 29.
OSG: Once a copy of the decision has been obtained, the OSG will study the possibility of filing a motion for reconsideration, if necessary, given the constitutional issue on foreign ownership raised in petition. | @anjocalimario
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) June 25, 2020
