We’ve been citing the impropriety in Senator Grace Poe’s leading a Senate “inquiry” into the ABS-CBN franchise renewal “issue”. However, it seems that by merely being a Senator, Poe may already be in violation of the law.
In his recent article, Manila Times columnist Bobi Tiglao points out that the Constitution forbids senators from having a stake in a business enterprise that enjoys the privilege of a government-granted concession…
Trixie Cruz-Angeles, a lawyer and a very active blogger, claims Poe’s conflict of interest in the ABS-CBN issue is a clear violation of the Constitution’s Article VI, Section 14, part of which states that, “No senator or member of the House of Representatives shall be directly or indirectly interested financially in any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege granted by the government.”
ABS-CBN broadcasts content over publicly-owned radio frequencies at the pleasure of Congress whose members represent the Filipino people’s interests. As senator, it is improper that Grace Poe hold shares in a business that enjoys that privilege. She therefore has two choices: (1) resign or (2) divest herself of her and her family’s interests in ABS-CBN.
The alternative is to face possible prosecution for unlawful conduct.
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