MANILA, PHILIPPINES – After ABS-CBN received the Cease and Desist Order from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on May 5, 2020, the public, including its employees, have tried to convince the government to take back the order through social media outcries and various initiatives.
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.”
On May 13, 2020, the House of Representatives granted ABS-CBN the permission to operate as a provisional franchise until October 2020 while its renewal will undergo due process in Congress.
Following this announcement, ABS-CBN released the following statement:
“ABS-CBN welcomes the approval of House Bill 6732 by the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole that grants ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to operate until October 2020.
“We thank the leaders of the House of Representatives and the sponsors of the bill led by Speaker Alan Cayetano and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez for recognizing the role we play in providing for the needs of the people in terms of access to news, information, entertainment, and public service at this crucial time.
“We look forward to participating in the process of our franchise renewal and stand ready to respond to the issues that have been raised against the network, its owners, management and employees.
“We remain open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people.
“We are most grateful to the people and groups who have expressed their love and support. You inspire us. Maraming salamat po.”
