Senator Sonny Angara recently affirmed the release of the Senate subcommittee report on constitutional amendments and revision of codes on Resolution on Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 shortly after Congress’ sine die break on May 24.
The Senate is currently hearing the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, which seeks to amend the three restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution which pertains to education, public utilities and advertising.
The subcommittee had already finished its deliberations on full ownership of education and public utilities.
There is, however, some uncertainty as to whether or not they would proceed with the plenary deliberations on measures pushing for amendments to economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution.
“We’ll work during the break to produce the committee report and then we’ll sponsor it perhaps upon our return. We will have the break to finish the committee report,” Angara said in an interview with reporters.
“But, of course, we have to consult our colleagues on our next steps. As you know, some are hesitant to go further because they feel it’s laying the predicate for a case to be filed in the Supreme Court. It is said on record. That’s something we have to settle internally,” Angara added.
Angara explained that a few months would be required to do and finish the debates. One senator can take several weeks, he said, “as you’ve seen with some of the bills that we are sponsoring now. [For example], [the] Procurement Law, I think we’re on our third or fourth week already,” he said.
Congress would reopen on July 22, on the day of the President’s State of the Nation Address.
Angara on Thursday stressed that ownership is no longer an important issue in the country’s advertising industry because if they have a partner, they are bound to remit profit/share.
In an interview after the Senate subcommittee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes’ hearing which he chaired, Angara said the earnings in advertising will definitely go abroad in case of full foreign ownership.
At present, the 1987 Constitution limits foreign ownership in this sector to only 30 percent.
Angara noted that the Philippines joins the list of the most restrictive countries when it comes to foreign ownership in particular sectors.
“We will look into it (earnings) of advertising when it opens up (to foreign ownership). We have to make sure that the business is good,” he said.
Angara’s committee had scheduled more consultations to be held in Baguio City on May 23 and Cagayan De Oro City on May 24.
“I think that should be sufficient allowance to produce the committee report during the break,” said Angara.
During the hearing, government-owned IBC 13 President Jimmy Policarpio aired his misgivings on easing restrictions on advertising.
“My only concern is a time like this where we are in the midst of a media battle, especially concerning the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
He warned that the entry of foreign entities in our country could enhance foreign interest to the detriment of local interest owned by the Filipino people itself.
“I think there should be some sort of a key that will control, so as not to jeopardize our position,” he said.
He emphasized that the social media is very strong right now and some social media personalities are advocating support for China .
“Some locals, they sell the Philippines to China. That should be stopped, considered and controlled,” Policarpio further stated.
Manila Bulletin President Barbie Atienza backed the concerns raised by Policarpio. Atienza said he has reservations on editorial independence and regulating the contents.
“However, reality bites. Advertisers have the money and who has the money has a lot of clout, and therefore, we have seen this many times over when an advertiser would have influence over the content,” he said.
“So, he who has the gold makes rule. They tell us to be mum to certain news detrimental to them. To certain extent, there is always a sense of compulsion to submit.
Therefore, there is a need to limit the entry of foreign investors, he added.
Conceding that it is good for the economy, he said it should be reinforced with regulatory provisions to safeguard editorial independence.
Atty, Jerraime Patulot of TV-5 said the expansion of foreign ownership may be advantageous due to the infusion of capital and the chance to gain knowledge from foreigners, experts or even their best practices, which can help elevate the industry of advertising.
However, she pointed out that this particular development maybe assessed through our existing statutory requirements or framework to check if the content of the advertisements will be applicable to the public.
Atty. Stanley Cabrera, legal counsel of the Cable TV Association of the Philippines, said they are prepared to allow foreign ownership into telcos.
“We appreciate the initiative of both Houses of Congress in finding ways to gain foreign investments. We understand that foreign investors have a lot of potentials and of course, we would appreciate if they will invest in the Philippines,” he added.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said limiting foreign ownership does not promote healthy competition in a dynamic, global, and fast-paced economy.
Meanwhile, Angara related that the advertising industry has gone global as they already have advertisers online. He said foreign talents are being hired by local companies.