MANILA, Philippines — As the franchise expiration date of media giant ABS-CBN approaches, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Friday that there is “no intention” to shut down the network’s operations. Cayetano made the assurance three days before ABS-CBN’s current franchise expires, with the network’s bid for franchise renewal still pending before the House of Representatives. “Having said that, walang intention na ipasara sila o isara sila o gamitin ang situation na ito (there is no intention to have them closed down or use the situation),” he added. The House Speaker, however, said that due process still needs to be followed and all sides should be heard. Cayetano again cited the order to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate while their franchise renewal is being tackled in the lower chamber.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 01, 2020 03:22 UTC