NTC Slaps ABS-CBN With Cease and Desist Order

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued ABS-CBN with a Cease and Desist Order today, May 5, after ABS-CBN’s 25-year operating franchise expired yesterday on May 4.

The order demands that the news network stop operating its television and radio broadcasting stations nationwide, however made no mention of ABS-CBN’s online presence, which is not covered by the broadcasting franchise. The order will apply to: ABS-CBN channel, DZMM, and MoR. However, it does not apply to ANC, as the order does not cover cable television.

ABS-CBN now has ten days from today to respond to the order. Without a congressional franchise, ABS-CBN cannot legally continue operating its broadcasting stations.