Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque criticized the plan of Senator Grace Poe to conduct a hearing on the franchise of ABS-CBN despite having a conflict of interest.
In an interview with Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) News Channel, Roque questioned why Senator Grace Poe is going to lead the investigation even if her family has a close-ties with ABS-CBN.
Roque said that Poe, as a Senator, was supposed to be a role model to other public officials. That’s why she must show that she has high ethical standards.
“Ang sa akin bakit naman pamumunuan ni Senator Grace Poe itong pandinig na ito, samantalang mayroon siyang conflict of interest? Ang nanay niya nagtatrabaho sa ABS-CBN, yung library ng tatay niya na si FPJ ay binili at pagmamay-ari ngayon ng ABS-CBN,” said Roque.
“Ang sa akin, bagamat ikaw ay halal na Senador, mataas na opisyales kuno, ikaw yung magpapakita na mataas ang iyong ethical standards,” he added.
Senator Poe’s family owned the FPJ Productions which handling the top television program in ABS-CBN “Ang Probinsiyano”.
Poe’s adoptive mother, Susan Roces is the Chief Executive Officer of FPJ Productions.
In 2013, ABS-CBN also bought the rights to the late Fernando Poe Jr’s exclusive movie library for an undisclosed price.
However, Roque said that the correct thing for Poe should do is to avoid discussing the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN and should focus on investigating the alleged violations of the broadcasting company.
Poe’s Committee on Public Service is set to discuss the issue of ABS-CBN on Monday.
She also invited Solicitor General Jose Calida who filed the quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN.