ABS-CBN signs off

May 6, 2020

ABS-CBN television network went off air on Tuesday night following the issuance of the cease and desist order by the National Telecommunications Commission after the company's 25-year franchise expired on May 4.

The Lopez-owned broadcast station stopped airing at 7:52pm after TV Patrol. Its radio broadcast also signed off.

"This is in compliance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) today that prohibits ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately," ABS-CBN said in a statement.

With the order of NTC, it said that millions of Filipinos would lose their source of news and entertainment when "people need crucial and timely information as the national deals with the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic."

"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," it said.

It noted that NTC refused to grant the network's provisional authority to operate while its franchise renewal remains pending in Congress 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.

It added that in an interview with DZMM last week, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano even gave an assurance that there is no move to shut down the network.

The company expressed hope that the government would act favorably on its renewal of franchise.

"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," ABS-CBN said. Celerina Monte/DMS