Content producer ABS-CBN expressed gratitude for a bill filed in Congress on Tuesday, Jan. 7, seeking to grant the company a new 25-year broadcast franchise.
In a statement, ABS-CBN said it was “deeply grateful” to Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, who filed House Bill 1125 to allow the network to construct, install, operate, and maintain stations nationwide.
“While we were not aware of Rep. Joey Salceda’s filing of a bill to grant a broadcast franchise to ABS-CBN, we are deeply grateful for his support and belief in ABS-CBN’s contributions and mission to serve the Filipino public,” the statement read.
ABS-CBN also expressed appreciation to Reps. Gabriel Bordado Jr., Arlene Brosas, France Castro, Raoul Manuel, Johnny Pimentel, and Rufus Rodriguez, who had previously supported similar initiatives.
The filing of the bill comes nearly five years after the network’s shutdown on May 5, 2020, which displaced over 11,000 employees during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The network’s franchise renewal remains a contentious issue after Congress denied its previous application in 2020, sparking debates on press freedom, labor rights, and media regulation in the Philippines.
House Bill 1125 is now awaiting committee deliberations.
