Petition against Philippines' ABS-CBN TV network meant to silence critics, say journalists, rights groups

Journalist Ronalyn Olea (centre) speaking during a rally in metropolitan Manila, Philippines on Feb 10, 2020. The Philippine government's chief lawyer has asked the Supreme Court on Monday to shut down the country's largest TV network, ABS-CBN corp., by revoking its operating franchises because of alleged constitutional violations, in a move critics called an attempt to muzzle the media. - AP

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN): Journalists and rights groups on Monday (Feb 10)decried the filing of a quo warranto petition by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) against television network ABS-CBN, calling it a renewed attempt to silence critics of the Duterte administration.

Some lawmakers called the move an attempt at usurping Congress’ sole authority to grant a legislative franchise.