'Cancelled ABS-TV5 deal lessens competition'

September 3, 2022

PRESS Secretary Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles believes that the dropping of the joint venture between rivaling networks ABS-CBN and TV5 is a welcome development for People's Television (PTV), Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) and Radio Philippines Network (RPN), three government-owned networks.

"In a very small part of my head, I tell myself, at least this could give PTV, IBC and RPN a chance to grow, because competition is reduced and increased good, so we just need to strengthen the three channels," Cruz-Angeles said during the budget deliberations for the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) at the House of Representatives on Friday.

Meanwhile, former lawmaker and Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon believes the called-off merger was an unfortunate development.

"This is an unfortunate development and bodes ill for the future of business, governance and talent in the Philippines," Ridon said in a statement. "It shows how extraneous factors can terminate initiatives, which could have raised our standards of public service, culture and innovation. This also serves as a warning to business, that free enterprise will only be free if businesses align with the politics of those in power."

ABS-CBN and TV5 were supposed to go on a joint venture but was called off on Thursday, because of the Lower House's decision to investigate the deal.

House to receive proposed P5.2T 2023 budget today

PTV remains the country's second most-watched station, with top-rating programs like Ulat Bayan, PTV Sports, Stacey in da Kwela, PCSO Lottery Draw, Snowdrop, World Series of Fighting, Rated Marriel and MySing.

IBC for less-privatization?

Meanwhile, a budget is needed for government-owned TV networks, especially IBC, which Cruz-Angeles revealed had different budget for the 2023 fiscal year.

While Cruz-Angeles presented the proposed budget to the House, she said it was proposed that while P418 million was originally proposed for IBC to the Department of Budget and Management, it was later shown to have different budget in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

"We asked for personal services, MOOE (maintenance and other operating expenses) and capital outlay to continue IBC's broadcasts when it has implemented completely, and because of that, we want to appeal this," Cruz-Angeles told lawmakers. "When IBC is not given a budget, then all workers not to be laid out and broadcasting would continue by January of next year."

Cruz-Angeles said the reason why IBC is given different budget was after that it was up for privatization.

"The reason why IBC is given a new life of the network and because it was classified as being up for privatization," Cruz-Angeles explained. "But according to the law, in order for us to privatize IBC, we have to deliver P1 billion for the modernization of PTV. We want to raise IBC, at this current state. We have to increase its value, but it cannot be stopped at this stage when the network is forced to continue."

The privatization process of IBC began as early as 2016, but the network's legislative franchise is set to expire in 2025.

The budget for the OPS is set to P743,335,000. The House of Representatives has moved it to plenary hearings.

IBC continues to regain the glory and remain the undisputed No. 3 network, with the airing of the PBA basketball and top-rating programs like Angelica 'Kada, Enteng Kabisote, Magic of Love, Celebrity Mania, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Iskul Bukol, DMZ TV, Dear Heart and Sarah G. Live, as well as its news programs Express Balita and Tutok 13.

RPN has been ranked 7th or last slot, thanks to the MPBL basketball, homegrown shows, local and Filipino-dubbed dramas, foreign shows and movies.

President's budget up to plenary as House courtesy for being 'co-equal branch of govt'

Meanwhile, the proposed budget of the Office of the President (OP) under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. has been elevated to the plenary level. It was already approved by the Committee on Appropriations level.

House Majority Leader Rep. Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe said during the OP's budget hearing on Friday that they have decided to terminate the hearings out of courtesy to a co-equal branch of government and elevate the committee to the plenary level.

Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel said he will raise their points in the plenary session concerning the confidential and intelligence funds, as well as the fund in the oversight of the national security programs under the OP.

House starts deliberations on 2023 natl budget

Executive Secretary Victor "Vic" Rodriguez thanked the committee for their support for the office's budget.

The OP has proposed a budget of P9 billion for the 2023 fiscal year.

ARIC JOHN SY CUA