ABS-CBN welcomes House bill granting network temporary franchise ’til October 2020

MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN on Wednesday said it welcomed the bill by the House of Representatives that would grant the network a provisional franchise to operate until the end of October.

“ABS-CBN welcomes the approval of House Bill 6732 by the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole that grants ABS-CBN a provisional franchise to operate until October 2020,” the media giant said in a statement.

The network also thanked House leaders, as well the bill’s sponsors led by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez “for recognizing the role we play in providing for the needs of the people in terms of access to news, information, entertainment, and public service at this crucial time.”

On Wednesday, the lower chamber of Congress approved on second reading House Bill No. 6732 or  “An Act Granting the ABS-CBN Corporation A Franchise to Construct, Install, Operate and Maintain Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines, and For Other Purposes” which would grant an interim franchise to operate until Oct. 31, 2020.

ABS-CBN is currently off the air after the National Telecommunications Commission ordered the network to cease operations following the expiration of their legislative franchise on May 4.

The network said that it was looking forward to participate in the process of the franchise renewal, and was ready to respond to issues raised against it, the owners, the management and the employees.

“We remain open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people,” ABS-CBN said.

It also expressed thanks to its supporters, saying “We are most grateful to the people and groups who have expressed their love and support.”