Today, May 5, marks the anniversary of the shut down of the largest broadcasting network in the Philippines, ABS-CBN. Despite being franchise-less, the Network, along with its growing talents has shown that they truly embody what is the real meaning of “in the service of the Filipino.”

Exactly on May 5, 2020, ABS-CBN stopped airing its programs after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released a cease and desist order after its franchise expired. The Network’s franchise renewal application was even blocked by Pres. Duterte through the Cayetano-led Congress, with a 70-11 vote not in favor to grant it a fresh 25-year license.

After a year since going franchise-free, Kapamilya celebrities marked this important date serving as a reminder that the Network, even without its ability to air on free TV, is still standing.

The Gold Squad member Francine Diaz shared ABS-CBN’s message to the Filipinos–”Andito Kami Para Sa’yo“—showing that despite the Network’s loss of franchise, it is still doing its best to provide news and information as well as entertain its viewers.

Francine’s fellow squadmate, Kyle Echarri also remembered the anniversary of the Network’s forced closure a year ago. Despite being out of free TV, Kyle highlighted that ABS-CBN is reaching out to Filipinos in “many ways and different platforms”, serving its mission to be of service to the Filipino people.

Other celebrities like singer Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and “It’s Showtime” dancer Jackie Gonzaga also supported ABS-CBN’s message to its Kapamilya supporters.

Others, like Star Hunt artist, Reign Parani, and singers Ogie Alcasid, Jeremy G, and Kyla also stressed that the Network will remain serving Filipinos.

Singer Enzo Almario expressed his gratitude to the loyal Kapamilya fans who were always there to support the Network.

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Actor Edward Barber even stressed that despite ABS-CBN reaching one year of being franchise-free, the Network is still standing.

It’s Showtime host, Vice Ganda also recalled how the Network was shut down by its detractors, amid the pandemic. However, ABS-CBN’s critics did not succeed since the broadcast giant is still standing, giving its best to serve Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Starpop Label Head Roque Rox Santos thanked Kapamilyas who made the hashtag #IbalikAngABSCBN the no. 1 topic on Twitter. With it being the most-talked matter, it only means that the people are yearning for ABS-CBN’s return on free TV.

Indeed, it has been over a year since ABS-CBN got denied its license to operate free-to-air broadcast. However, the Network ventured into the growing digital platform to still reach its target audience —Filipinos. It also collaborated with other networks such as A2Z and TV5 to return on free TV.

Slowly, ABS-CBN is returning to its former glory as of the network with the largest reach in the Philippines. And soon, when it gets its license back, the Network will be stronger than ever.