The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN on Tuesday, May 5, a day after its congressional franchise has expired.
The NTC directed the said network to end all television and radio broadcasting operations.
ABS-CBN was also given 10 days’ grace period to explain why the frequencies assigned to it should not be recalled.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the NTC’s order is “immediately executory, but still appealable to the courts.”
Republic Act No. 7966 was enacted in March 1995 and granted the Lopez-led network a franchise to operate for 25 years, but Congress failed to act on its renewal. The franchise expired last May 4, 2020.
Solicitor General Jose Calida has warned the NTC against giving ABS-CBN the provisional authority to operate while its franchise renewal is still in the works.
https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/photos/a.84382255167/10158305001400168/?type=3&theater
Kapamilya stars took to Twitter their concern regarding the attack on the network.
Bianca Gonzalez questioned the Congress’ and Senate’s authority on the matter.
Didn't Congress already allow operations to continue while the renewal was being reviewed….? And didn't Senate look into the case via a hearing and found everything in order..? https://t.co/vUyBcYSK3g
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) May 5, 2020
Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and actress Ria Atayde initiated the changing of display picture to show support for the network.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/R42ECZdE7e
— regine alcasid (@reginevalcasid) May 5, 2020
And we remain in the service of the Filipino. pic.twitter.com/JrMN75p5nk
— Ria Atayde (@RiaAtayde) May 5, 2020
Angeli Valenciano, talent manager, voiced her concern regarding TFC being the source of happiness for OFWs and now being shut down.
Just wondering POGOS continue but ABSCBN was ordered to stop operations? Millions of fans of these artists &shows are locked down in their homes without WIFI depending on TV shows of their favorite celebrities to bring them joy. Abroad TFC brings home to the OFWs as well. So sad.
— Angeli Pangilinan Valenciano (@AngeliPV) May 5, 2020
News Anchor Karen Davila asked why shutting down ABS-CBN was government’s main goal when the country is facing a pandemic and an economic crisis.
Sa dami ng problema ng Pilipinas… sa dami ng nagkakasakit at namamatay sa Covid… sa laki ng problema ngayon sa ekonomiya..sa dami ng nawalan ng trabaho dahil sa covid..
Talagang pagpapatigil ng ABSCBN ang inatupag nila. Hindi ko maintindihan kung nasaan ang mga puso nito.
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) May 5, 2020
Juan Miguel Severo said the Chinese are free to gamble but the Filipinos are prohibited to broadcast.
https://twitter.com/TheRainBro/status/1257605224434241536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1257605224434241536&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.abs-cbn.com%2Fentertainment%2F05%2F05%2F20%2Fstars-react-to-abs-cbn-being-ordered-to-close-tv-radio-operations
This is the second time ABS CBN went off the air, the first being the declaration of Martial Law.
