ABS-CBN Corporation expressed its gratitude to Albay Representative Joey Salceda for filing a bill aimed at renewing the network’s legislative franchise, nearly five years after its broadcast shutdown in May 2020.
House Bill No. 11252, filed on January 7, seeks to grant ABS-CBN the franchise to “construct, install, operate, and maintain television and radio broadcasting stations” across the country. The bill emphasizes the network’s role in public service and cites compliance with legal and tax obligations.
“We are deeply grateful for his support and belief in ABS-CBN’s contributions and mission to serve the Filipino public,” the media giant said in an official statement.
The proposed legislation outlines that during previous congressional hearings, both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed that ABS-CBN had no violations related to foreign ownership rules and was clear of tax liabilities.
ABS-CBN also acknowledged other lawmakers who have previously filed similar bills, including Representatives Gabriel Bordado Jr., Arlene Brosas, France Castro, Raoul Manuel, Johnny Pimentel, and Rufus Rodriguez.
The House of Representatives denied ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal application in 2020, leading to the shutdown of its free-to-air television and radio operations. On May 5, 2020, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a cease-and-desist order, prompting the network to stop its broadcast.
Under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the network’s closure became a highly controversial issue, with supporters decrying it as an attack on press freedom.
Since the franchise denial, ABS-CBN has shifted its focus to producing content for various platforms. In 2023, TV production head Laurenti Dyogi stated that the company had rebranded itself as a “content creator” and entered partnerships with multiple platforms, including former rival network GMA Network, to air its shows.
