ABS-CBN to sign off at midnight
MANILA – Said to be the country’s largest television and radio network ABS-CBN will cease to air tonight in compliance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
It will be recalled the NTC issued the order after the media network failed to get its franchise from the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines prior to May 4,2020, the day the network’s franchise expired.
In a statement released early Tuesday evening, ABS-CBN’s Corporate Affairs said 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.
It cited an interview with DZMM recently with House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano where he gave an assurance that there is no move to close the network.
According to the statement, 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,” the statement added.
ABS-CBN reiterated its commitment to serve the Filipino and will find ways to continue to provide meaningful service to the people. (Melo M. Acuña)
File Photo of multisectoral groups calling on government to renew ABS-CBN's franchise. (Melo M. Acuna)
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