Awaiting The Next Scenario For Abs-Cbn

The Senate and the House of Representatives finally came up with the common stand that it has the exclusive prerogative and jurisdiction to decide whether or not to grant the franchise for the continued operation of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network. Earlier, Solicitor General Jose Calida had filed Quo Waranto proceedings with the Supreme Court, praying that the latter declare as null and void the network’s franchise. Both Houses of Congress, however, have maintained that the Supreme Court is devoid of jurisdiction on the matter, hence proceeded with the joint resolution to hear the TV network’s case. As of this writing, we are glad that Congress has granted the probational authority for the network to continue with its operation until the expiration of its franchise on 2022. This means that even with the end of the session of the present Congress in May, and the beginning of the new Congress in June, the network will not cease to operate. This is a welcome news, what with the more than eleven (11) million or so employees of the network and its subsidiaries who will lose their jobs if the net work is ordered closed. Even President Rodrigo R. Duterte seems to have softened his stand against the ABS-CBN, after the latter’s CEO Carlo Katigbak has reportedly apologized for not airing the 2016 political campaign advertisement of then presidential candidate DU30. Most broadcast and print media have also expressed their support to the beleaguered network even as thousands of viewers and subscribers have rallied behind its operations, perhaps fearing that they will lose viewing their favorite show “Ang Probinsyano” which is actually a political commentary. Hence, we await the next scenario for ABS-CBN.

The whole Christendom commemorates the beginning of the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday, reminding us that “from dust we are and unto dust we shall return”, a fitting reminder of our fragile mortality. This column wishes to commend the fast action of local executives in the municipalities of Magarao, Bombon and Calabanga in culling the hogs of local growers detected with African Swine Fever (ASF). Reportedly, even Naga City has been found to have hogs in barangays Pacol and Cararayan with the disease. With the reported prevalent disease, the market for swine consumptions has drastically reduced to the chagrin of swine dealers. Some observers however, have it that with the coming summer months, the disease will eventually vanish.

TRIVIA:

Through this column, we convey our most sincere condolences to Vice-President Leni Robredo and the entire Gerona and Robredo families for the demise of Mrs. Salvacion “Sally” Sto. Tomas-Gerona who joined our Creator last February 22.

Greetings to the AdeNU high school batch 1955 which will celebrate its Platinum Anniversary this coming March 22, 2020 with a Eucharistic Celebration at 9:00 am at the Ateneo Church, after which a fellowship-luncheon will be served at the Villa Caceres Hotel. This announcement has been relayed to this writer by Restituto “Totoy” Reorizo, a batch ‘55 graduate.

Belated congratulations to the officers and members of the Knights of Columbus, Nueva Caceres Council No.7995, which celebrated its 39th Founding Anniversary last February 16, 2020 The Council’s Grand Knight is SK Emmanuel Montiero with Rev. Fr. Godofredo Rueda Jr as Council Chaplain,

Belated birthday greetings to my AdeNU high school ‘54 batchmates Pomping Requinta and Tim Borromeo who jointly celebrated their birthday anniversaries last Wednesday, February 25 at the Oyster Restaurant.

Likewise, USI high school batch .’55 Olive Crescini-Bahillo celebrated her 80th birthday anniversary at her residence in Pili with her family, batchmates and friends with a sumptuous lunch.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“A GREAT MAN IS ALWAYS WILLING TO BE LITTLE.” RALPH WALDO EMERSON

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “TEACH ME YOUR WAYS O LORD, THAT I MAY WALK IN YOUR TRUTH.” PSALM 86:1-2