Charles Teves
Failed senatorial candidate and former newscaster Jay Sonza wants a probe into ABS-CBN and ZOE Broadcasting Network’s new blocktime deal, which created A2Z channel 11 that features various Kapamilya programs including ASAP and noontime show It’s Showtime.
In a Facebook post, Sonza said that ZOE is a facility that belongs to a religious institution which is why it is not required to pay taxes, but things might have to change because of the new deal with ABS-CBN.
“Simula ng ito pumasok sa isang block time agreement at nagpagamit sa ABS-CBN bilang full commercial broadcast facilities, lumihis na ito sa pagiging religious facility lamang ng JIL,” he explained.
“AMCARRA (sic) Broadcasting (free TV 23) had a blocktime arrangement with abs-cbn without approved amendments of franchise from Congress & NTC permit.
“Ayon tuloy, nasara din gaya ng Kapamilya Broadcasting,” said Sonza.
But also said that he is fine with the ZOE-ABS-CBN deal provided that franchise guidelines are not violated.
“Walang problema sa blocktime arrangement ng Zoe Broadcasting (free TV 11) sa abs-cbn kung mayroon man, basta’t nasa tamang hulog iyong arrangement at amendment sa prangkisa ng Light Network at iyong ay approved ng NTC,” Sonza continued.
After that, he said he sees nothing wrong with blocktime arrangements.
“Let it be known that I have nothing against blocktime or segment buy. Kailangan lang sumunod sa mga batas at alituntunin,” said Sonza.
But later took a shot at former ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Gabby Lopez’s citizenship.
“Pray nobody objects to the use by Zoe Broadcasting of the airwaves by a broadcasting company that is not 100% Filipino owned as mandated by the Philippine Constitution,” said Sonza.
Dapat bang imbestigahan ang prangkisa Zoe Broadcasting ng Jesus is Lord na pinamumunuan ni Brother Eddie Villanueva?…
Posted by Jay Sonza on Thursday, October 22, 2020
“Once you’re a commercial TV or network, you have to pay your taxes. ‘Yan ang issue ko doon sa ABS-CBN eh. The profits of ABS-CBN goes to Big Dipper. That’s tax evasion. May issue talaga kapag ganyan. You have to pay your taxes,” he said.
“If somebody will file a case against Zoe with regards to tax, let’s leave that to the court for now. Tignan natin kung ano (Let’s see what happens). But of course the BIR should check on it and the NTC. Kasi di ba dapat kapag commercial ka (If you’re a commercial entity) you have to pay your taxes,” he added.
