Feeling vindicated! Radio host Mark Lopez was obviously ecstatic that after Ex- Supreme Court CJ Reynato Puno, the IBP has issued a statement in line with his earlier opinion in regards to the concurrent resolution of Drilon and Del Mar.
That is, the joint resolution of the Senate and the Lower House authorizing NTC give issue a provisional authority allowing ABS-CBN to continue broadcasting after its franchise expires on March 30, 2020 is illegal.
On Facebook, Lopez wrote, “Eto yung sinasabi ko kahapon pa…”
Lopez posted the screenshots of the statement released by the Integrated bar of the Philippines telling “Congress, which means both the Senate and the House of Representatives, should just facilitate the passing of a franchise bill for ABS CBN.”
If you skip to the second paragraph, the IBP says: If both houses of Congress can anyway have a timely consensus, it may be better for them to decide whether or not to pass a franchise law in accordance with the Constitution rather than a “stop-gap” joint resolution authorizing NTC to administratively issue a provisional authority that theoretically can be questioned by interested parties in another quo warranto case before the courts.
In this light, Lopez, in an forceful tone, told Congress (both Houses) to stop using any excuses like a resolution. “Huwag nyo na daanin pa sa kung ano anong palusot like a resolution.”
Lopez advised Congress to do their mandate based on what the Constitution empowers them to do. “Gawin nyo yung mandato nyo based on what the Constitution empowers you to do.”
Lopez said that this is line with the official statement of the IBP. “Ayan din ang sinasabi ng Integrated Bar of the Philippines o IBP.”
Lopez ended the brief FB post with a friendly reminder. “Magtrabaho na lang kayo ng tama.”
In light of this, netizens have mixed emotions towards Congress.
One netizen believed that legislative branch is better abolished. “Stop making a mockery of the very law that you make us obey and yet you yourselves refuse to follow… #AbolishNaLangTheLegislativeBranch“
This netizen remarked that our lawmakers are simply playing a bidding war. “Naglalaro ata kasi ng “Price is Right” sa Congress eh. Yung joint resolution na yan is only to give abscbn time to make their ‘offers’ sa kanila. So until the price is right, walang jackpot na franchise renewal.”
Another netizen believed that our lawmakers are negotiating to get something in return, in preparation for the ming election. “bka nakikipag leverage pa yung mga swapang sa kapalit. malapit na election at malakatulong ng malaki sa mga agenda nila yan”
Your comment?
Source: Mark Lopez
