MANILA, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo
Duterte on Monday told owners of a media conglomerate that has
drawn his ire to sell the company ahead of the network's
franchise expiry.
The mercurial leader has a rocky relationship with the
media, especially with those critical of his bloody
anti-narcotics campaign, and he has threatened numerous times to
block the franchise extension of ABS-CBN Corp ABS.PS .
"This ABS, your contract will expire, and you try to renew.
I don't know what will happen to you," Duterte said in a speech
before earthquake victims in the southern province of North
Cotabato.
The broadcast franchise of ABS-CBN, the country's largest
media conglomerate with dozens of local and national radio and
television stations covering news, entertainment and public
affairs, will expire in March 2020.
"If I were you, just sell it," Duterte said of the network,
which he had accused of not airing his paid advertisement during
the presidential race in 2016.
A bill to extend its licence is pending in congress, which
is dominated by Duterte's allies.
ABS-CBN did not immediately respond to request for comment
on a public holiday.
Duterte, in numerous public speeches, has lashed out at the
media, while his office has at times accused media companies of
bias or distorting his statements.
The Philippine leader enjoys a high approval rating and is
wildly popular on social media. His supporters, including
bloggers, fiercely defend him and his policies, and have
targeted journalists.