Palace thanks ABS-CBN for its ‘services to the Filipino nation’

Malacañang has thanked ABS-CBN media network for its service to the Filipino nation after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered a stop to their broadcast operations.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the network is “free to exhaust all legal remedies available” but recognized that their operation is entirely with the NTC order.

“We thank the network for its services to the Filipino nation and people especially in this time of COVID-19. But in the absence of a legislative franchise, as we have earlier said, ABS-CBN’s continued operation is entirely with the NTC’s decision,” he said in a statement.

RELATED: Only Congress can decide on ABS-CBN franchise

The NTC has issued a cease-and-desist order against the network after its 25-year legislative franchise expired last May 4. The station will reportedly shut down its broadcast operations Tuesday night in compliance with the NTC order.

Roque said the Palace would also leave to Congress to decide on the bills seeking the franchise renewal of the network. He mentioned that President Duterte has already accepted the apology of the network and “left its fate to both houses of Congress.”

“Let the public be informed that broadcast franchises are within the authority of Congress. It has discretion on what to do with the legislative franchise of ABS-CBN and other broadcasting companies similarly situated,” he added.

RELATED: ABS-CBN ordered to stop broadcast after franchise expires

President Duterte earlier accepted the apology of ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak over a dispute on a paid political advertisement. The President, however, refused to interfere with the work of lawmakers on the franchise renewal bills.

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