SC defers tackling ABS-CBN petition vs NTC’s cease and desist order

July 14, 2020

The Supreme Court deferred deliberation on ABS-CBN Corp.  petition seeking to set aside the cease and desist order of the National Telecommunications Commission after its franchise expired on May 5.

SC spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka on Tuesday said the High Tribunal resolved to “call again for deliberation'' on ABS-CBN Corp. petition for its en banc session on August 4.

“I was able to briefly confer with SC Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta, and he confirms that the ABS-CBN Corp. petition will be called again for deliberations by the En Banc on August 4, 2020,” Hosaka said in a text message to reporters.

ABS-CBN has been using its cable channel and social media platforms to broadcast its programs for more than two months.

NTC said it was performing its administrative duty in issuing the cease and desist order.

Last Friday, the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises rejected ABS-CBN Corp's bid to renew its franchise, 70-11. DMS