A newly filed in the House of Representatives seeks to grant ABS-CBN Corporation a fresh 25-year broadcast franchise, signaling the possible return of one of the country’s largest and most influential broadcasting networks.
Authored by Albay Representative Joey Salceda, House Bill No. 11252 aims to reinstate ABS-CBN’s broadcasting rights. The bill highlights that ABS-CBN has been cleared of past allegations concerning ownership restrictions and tax liabilities by relevant government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
This development comes nearly five years after ABS-CBN lost its franchise in July 2020, resulting in approximately 11,000 job losses. The shutdown forced the closure of several local and regional channels, leaving many communities without a reliable source of news and public service broadcasts.
ABS-CBN’s extensive regional network was instrumental in disseminating critical information, particularly during disasters and emergencies.
“We are deeply thankful for the support and belief in our mission to serve the Filipino public,” ABS-CBN said in response to the legislative proposal. The network also acknowledged similar legislative efforts initiated by other representatives, underscoring its commitment to providing quality news and entertainment to the nation.
For decades, ABS-CBN has been a cornerstone of Philippine media. Before its franchise was not renewed, it operated various television channels, radio stations, and digital platforms. It was a primary source of news and entertainment, with a 2019 Pulse Asia survey showing that 36% of Filipinos relied on the network for their daily information.
Its closure in 2020 drew widespread criticism domestically and internationally, with advocates warning of its impact on press freedom and media diversity in the country.
Proponents of the new franchise argue that ABS-CBN’s return will promote fair competition in the media industry, foster a free market of ideas, and restore access to reliable information for millions of Filipinos.
The bill is now under consideration in Congress, and its outcome could reshape the nation’s media landscape.
