BUSINESS groups on Tuesday urged Congress to give pending bills seeking to renew ABS-CBN Corp.’s franchise “balanced, fair and timely consideration.”

The joint statement was issued by Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Institute of Solidarity in Asia, and Institute of Corporate Directors.

They said they were “fervently” urging both houses of Congress “to judiciously address any issues raised against the company while taking serious account of the bedrock issues of media freedom and free enterprise, which allow businesses to flourish for the overall welfare of our economy and our people.”

They issued the statement after the Senate Committee on Public Services said on Monday that it would no longer wait for the transmittal of the bill on the franchise of ABS-CBN from the House of Representatives as it plans to begin deliberation of the application for renewal.

The committee will hear the ABS-CBN franchise on Feb. 27. Congress will go on a nearly two-month break starting March 14.

Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, who chairs the committee, initially sought an inquiry on the allegations that Solicitor General Jose C. Calida cited in his quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN and its unit ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc.

The senator’s decision comes even as legislative rules provide that franchise bills should emanate from the House of Representatives.

She said that in practice, the Senate may begin tackling a bill simultaneously with the House, citing as examples the annual general appropriation bill and tax measures.

Separately, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said on Tuesday that the state was “upholding the rule of law” when the OSG moved to have the network’s franchise cancelled. He said the case might even be taken positively by investors.

“A lawsuit has been filed, there’s a claim by the OSG that there’s a violation of the regulation, in fact it might be a constitutional violation. I think if that’s proven, the investors will say, ‘oh these guys are upholding the rule of law’,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Pasay City when asked about the possible impact of the issue to investor sentiment.

Mr. Dominguez said he would not give further comment as the issue does not involve the Department of Finance.

“That’s not under my department,” he said. — Arjay L. Balinbin and Beatrice M. Laforga

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