Philippines’ Largest Media Company Heeds Order to Shut
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ABS-CBN Corp., the Philippines' largest broadcaster previously attacked by President Rodrigo Duterte, shut its television and radio stations to comply with a government order after its franchise expired.
The National Telecommunications Commission did not grant a license for ABS-CBN's continued operations because it doesn't have a valid franchise from Congress, the regulator said. “We have done all the requirements for renewal, and we have not violated any laws,” ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak said in a live broadcast minutes before its main television channel went off the air.
The order issued on Tuesday covers more than 20 radio stations and over 50 TV and digital TV stations, and can only be stopped by a restraining order from the court, NTC Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios told DZMM radio.
The broadcaster has drawn the ire of Duterte for allegedly refusing to air his political advertisements during the 2016 elections. In February, Duterte said he accepts ABS-CBN's apology and said he wouldn't interfere when Congress deliberates on the franchise, which expired on May 4.
The renewal of the franchise is within the authority of Congress, and in the absence of that license, ABS-CBN's operation is entirely up to the NTC, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said on Tuesday.
In 1972, ABS-CBN and its affiliate stations were shut down and its owners removed after the Philippines was placed under military rule by former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
A hearing on ABS-CBN's case will be scheduled once the lockdown in the Philippine capital region and nearby areas is lifted, the NTC said. It gave the broadcaster 10 days to explain why its frequencies shouldn't be recalled.
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