Top Trending topic on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, in a cease-and-desist order dated May 5, the agency said the network must stop its broadcast operations “due to the expiration of its congressional franchise” on Monday, May 4, 2020. “stop operating its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide ‘absent a valid Congressional Franchise as required by law’,” according to NTC. 

Calida has asked the Supreme Court to invalidate ABS-CBN’s franchise for its alleged Constitutional violations. The 11 bills requesting for the renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN still pending in the House committee on legislative franchises. 

In the video of GMA news, Calida stated that ABS-CBN violated the law.

Recently, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque: “Naayos na po ng Congress ang kanilang house rules. Ang paninindigan ng President, neutral po siya diyan. Roque: Wag po kayo mag alaala mga Congressmen, hindi po magagalit, hindi matutuwa ang Presidente ‘pag ipasa niyo ang ABS-CBN. Completely neutral po ang Presidente diyan, vote as your conscience dictates.” 

He added, “Hinding hindi po manghihimasok ang Presidente sa inyong desisyon.” 

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. 

According to the ABS-CBN emails send, “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. “ 

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. 

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