ABS-CBN Can’t Operate Without New License, Chief Justice Reynato Puno Says
Chief Justice Reynato Puno said that the Kapamilya network ABS-CBN can’t continue operating without a new license.
Over the past few weeks, ABS-CBN has been one of the most trending topics online and become the headlines of local news outlets and social media pages after several lawmakers opposed the renewal of their franchise.
Lawmakers opposed the renewal of the giant network because of its alleged violation. The employees and talents of the network expressed their sentiments and disappointment regarding the proposed shutdown.
Earlier this week, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that ABS-CBN could still air programs after the lapse of its franchise on May 4 while the bills aiming to renew its license are still in process.
Recently, Chief Justice Reynato Puno said that the giant network could no longer operate if the legislative franchise expired. The media company could only resume their operation once they obtained a new broadcast license from Congress, according to Puno.
“We were unanimous in holding that there is need for a franchise before the NTC can grant a provisional permit, Without a franchise, the television station concerned has to cease operations,” Puno said.
Puno explained that NTC has no authority to release a provisional license to entities lacking franchise or license.
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