President Rodrigo Duterte has immediately accepted the public apology of television network ABS-CBN made during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Utilities relative to the renewal of its broadcast franchise.
The gallant and gentleman’s move of the President was a complete turn around from his bile threats to close the TV network for not paying their taxes properly, operating subsidiary businesses less the proper government authority’s approval and allowing foreigners to invest in the company.
Of course, ABS-CBN did not survive martial law for nothing. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) , Department of Justice (DOJ) and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) declared the network free of any violations which would only make Duterte look stupid if he insists.
His main apologist, Senator Bong Go, quickly explained the President’s mind. He said the president was hurt and his hatred towards the television company was more personal.
Good riddance! Afterall, who are these people in BIR, DOJ and NTC to contradict the President if their acts were not pre-meditated and scripted?
One can only imagine how a vindictive administration will react if it’s own men will shame them publicly.
So the question now is, what lies beneath the acceptance of the apology and what lies ahead such apology?
It’s a known fact how several companies were bullied by the Duterte administration in order to let their own people come in and take over. Mighty Corporation and Manila Waters are just but a few examples.
More than the issue on freedom of the press, the ABS-CBN case is another example of how power is used to enrich those who have it.
Unfortunately, ABS-CBN will never pursue such angle afterall the Lopezes are all seasoned businessmen who are more than willing to sleep on with the enemies if only to pursue their interests. What’s important to them for now, apology is accepted.
