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ABS-CBN thanks House leaders for approving provisional authority bill

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ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- ABS-CBN Corp. on Wednesday welcomed the approval of House Bill 6732 by the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole granting the country&#x27;s largest network a 6-month provisional franchise to operate. In a statement following the <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/13/20/speaker-cayetano-files-bill-giving-abs-cbn-provisional-franchise-until-october">approval of HB 6732</a> on second reading via viva voce voting, ABS-CBN thanked the sponsors of the bill led by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez &quot;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.&quot; ABS-CBN had been broadcasting news and information about the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic via free television and radio before it was <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/20/ntc-orders-abs-cbn-to-stop-broadcasting">ordered shut by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) </a>after its franchise expired on May 4. The company also said it was looking &quot;forward to participating in the process of our franchise renewal and stand[s] ready to respond to the issues that have been raised against the network, its owners, management and employees.&quot;Among the issues raised are alleged violations of labor laws and the constitution, election bias, tax liabilities, and foreign ownership. ABS-CBN said it remains &quot;open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people.&quot;It also thanked the various individuals and groups &quot;who have expressed their love and support,&quot; saying &quot;You inspire us.&quot; HB 6732 still has to be approved on 3rd and final reading before it is sent to the Senate where senators have committed to supporting the measure. ABS-CBN Corp. last Thursday <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/07/20/abs-cbn-asks-supreme-court-for-tro-vs-ntc-closure-order">asked the Supreme Court</a> for a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation of the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the NTC. “The public needs the services of ABS-CBN now more than ever, as the country grapples with the effects of COVID-19. In this time of public health emergency, ABS-CBN plays a significant role in providing continued employment to thousands of employees and delivering valuable information and entertainment to millions of Filipinos locked down in their homes,” ABS-CBN said in its petition.The 46-page petition for certiorari and prohibition also asked the high court to set aside the CDO and declare a permanent injunction against its implementation.

MANILA -- ABS-CBN Corp. on Wednesday welcomed the approval of House Bill 6732 by the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole granting the country's largest network a 6-month provisional franchise to operate.

MANILA -- ABS-CBN Corp. on Wednesday welcomed the approval of House Bill 6732 by the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole granting the country's largest network a 6-month provisional franchise to operate.