Mr Kane Errol Choa, Head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications issued a statement: welcoming the approval by the Philippine Congress of a provisional franchise to operate until October 2020.
We thank the leaders of the House of Representatives and the sponsors of the bill led by Speaker Alan Cayetano and Majority 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.
We look forward to participating in the process of our franchise renewal and stand ready to respond to the issues that have been raised against the network, its owners, management and employees.
We remain open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people.
We are most grateful to the people and groups who have expressed their love and support. You inspire us. Maraming salamat po.
Earlier, ABS-CBN was ordered off the air by the National Telecommunitions Commission (NTC) last May 5 following the expiry of its franchise the day before. 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, the NTC did not grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate while its franchise renewal remains pending in Congress.
In another statement, ABS-CBN Nikki Famador of ABS-CBN Global Ltd issued the assurance that its international subsidiaries and flagship channel TFC will continue on its role as “bridge back home as a source of comprehensive and timely news and