Historic ABS-CBN and TV5 merger might undergo House of Representatives probe

A week after network giants ABS-CBN and TV5 announced their  “landmark partnership deal” that might lead to the creation of a bigger media empire, members of the House of Representatives are seeking to investigate whether the merger has led to violations.

First, Zamboanga Sibugay 1^st District Representative Wilter Palma has filed House Resolution No. 280 to check on the supposed foreign ownership of TV5, which is generally regarded to be owned by tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan.

According to the resolution, “If this allegation that TV5 Network Inc. is owned by an Indonesian national is true, then there is a clear violation of the 1987 Constitution, and on terms and conditions of the franchise granted to TV5 Network Inc., which must be thoroughly looked into in the interest of the public.”

Meanwhile, two other House Resolutions---HR No. 281 and HR No. 282---are disputing why certain programs of ABS-CBN, which stopped operations after being given a cease-and-desist order on May 2020, are being allowed to air on TV5.

Authored by Rep. Jose Teves, HR No. 282 reads:  “Given the possible violations committed by these networks, there is a need to determine whether their legislative franchises are being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of Congress and whether or not they should be amended, altered, or repealed by Congress in the interest of the public."

ABS-CBN has acquired 34.99% of total voting and outstanding capital in TV5, paying a sum of PHP 2.16 billion.

The merger of the top two television networks in the Phiippines is expected to create highly popular content across a very wide range of platforms, including TV, radio, and digital.

(Photo screenshot from ABS-CBN News video streaming)