BIZ BUZZ: Moment of truth

Today, Dec. 6, will be the moment of truth for a few Cabinet members who are set to face the powerful Commission of Appointments in Congress for their confirmation hearings.

Several of these would-be alter egos of President Marcos had already been “bypassed” in the most recent hearing with lawmakers declining to act on their nominations for a host of reasons (some valid and some less so).

Of course, one of the Cabinet appointees who is being closely watched by the business community is that of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, whose portfolio is vital to the progress of the Philippine economy.

And because Secretary Bautista’s position is important, it is inevitable that not a few powerful personalities are casting a moist eye on either his office or the other agencies under his ambit.

In fact, Biz Buzz hears that a group of lawmakers who is known to traditionally act and vote as a geographic bloc is opposed to Secretary Bautista’s confirmation. Which is to say, they are opposed to it until they can get the concession they want.

What concession, in particular? Well, we hear that they want the former head of an important agency under Secretary Bautista’s department to be reappointed. Why? Well, it’s an important agency whose operations affect millions of Filipino motorists nationwide. And when the scope of work is that big … well … let’s just say the opportunities are endless.

Now let’s see how things play out for the straight shooting, low key Secretary Bautista. Abangan!

—Daxim L. Lucas

All TV in the works

If you haven’t seen or heard Manny Villar’s All TV channel making waves after taking over the much-coveted frequency of ABS-CBN, it’s because the tycoon hasn’t gone full blast with content creation. He hasn’t even begun actively recruiting talents to the new broadcasting network.

You see, while Villar holds the enviable free TV frequency, he doesn’t yet have the equipment needed to broadcast from Aparri to Jolo. Thus, All TV’s reach is still marginal, at best, currently limited to Metro Manila.

As such, his foremost priority is to broaden All TV’s reach before building content or talent pool.

“Ang daming ikakabit na antenna. (There are many antennas we need to install). I don’t have the facilities,” Villar said in a recent chat with business media.

To date, only All TV and GMA-7 still maintain analog operations, but Villar said in five to 10 years, this would have to be phased out. Right now, he said there’s still room for analog because if they go purely digital, audience reach would be limited.

Moving forward, the million-dollar question is: will there be another Villar gunning for the presidency? Villar said it’s up to them (meaning any potential “presidentiable” in his family) to make that decision. (Maybe if the stars align?)

He himself will just be happy growing his business empire. He isn’t even aspiring to be a kingmaker, pointing out that such is a title that one can’t claim but can only be given by others.

—Doris Dumlao-Abadilla INQ

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