MANILA, PHILIPPINES – On the evening of May 5, 2020, the Philippines’ largest broadcasting network, ABS-CBN, went off the air after being ordered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The order cited that the network would need to stop operating its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide due to the lack of a signed Congressional Franchise as required by law.
The cease and desist order halted 42 television stations across the country, including its flagship Channel 2, ten digital broadcast channels, eighteen FM stations, and five AM stations. The order stated: “Upon the expiration of RA 7966, ABS-CBN no longer has a valid and subsisting congressional franchise as required by Act No. 3846.”
Right after its TV Patrol evening newscast and an airing of the country’s national anthem, the network thanked its supporters and promised to stay “In service of the Filipino” right before it went off the air.
Prior to its shutdown, the network released the following statement:
STATEMENT ON THE CEASE AND DESIST ORDER ISSUED BY THE NTC TO ABS-CBN
Millions of Filipinos will lose their source of news and entertainment when ABS-CBN is ordered to go off-air on TV and radio tonight (5 May 2020) when people need crucial and timely information as the nation deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is in compliance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) today that prohibits ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately.
Despite Senate Resolution No. 40, the House of Representatives’ committee on legislative franchises’ letter, the guidance of the Department of Justice, and the sworn statement of NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, the NTC did not grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate while its franchise renewal remains pending in Congress.
In an interview with DZMM last week, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano even gave an assurance that there is no move to shut down the network.
ABS-CBN has been providing comprehensive news coverage on the public health crisis and working with local governments and the private sector in providing food and basic goods for those in need through its “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” campaign. To date, it has delivered over P300 million worth of goods for the benefit of over 600,000 families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.
We trust that the government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABS-CBN’s role and efforts in providing the latest news and information during these challenging times.
ABS-CBN remains committed to being in the service of the Filipino and we will find ways to continue providing meaningful service to them.
Although the network’s free to air channels have been shut down, the company will remain active through its cable and digital channels, including ABS-CBN News Channel for Sky Cable. The network has also been shifting to more online alternatives including iWant.
Overseas subscribers have also been reassured that the network will remain active for them as their source of news and entertainment. The Filipino Channel, an ABS-CBN overseas subsidiary, released the following statement:
For Filipinos overseas, ABS-CBN through its international subsidiaries and flagship channel TFC has always been their bridge back home as a source of comprehensive and timely news and entertainment. TFC assures its many subscribers around the world that it will remain and continue to deliver relevant news and information, TV shows and movies across our different channels and platforms via cable and satellite, IPTV, and TFC Online.
As we have earlier stated, we trust that the Philippine government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABS-CBN’s role and efforts in providing the latest news and information, especially during these challenging times.
We will continue our commitment to be of service to Filipinos, worldwide.
