ABS-CBN Corporation expressed gratitude following the filing of a bill by Representative Joey Salceda, seeking to grant the media giant a new broadcast franchise. In a statement released Tuesday, January 7 ABS-CBN thanked Salceda for his support, which the company described as a reaffirmation of its mission to serve the Filipino public.
“While we were not aware of Rep. Joey Salceda’s filing of a bill to grant a broadcast franchise to ABS-CBN today, we are deeply grateful for his support and belief in ABS-CBN’s contributions and mission to serve the Filipino public,” the statement read.
The bill, which was filed earlier in the House of Representatives, comes after a turbulent few years for the network, which lost its franchise in 2020 due to a decision by the Philippine Congress. Since then, ABS-CBN has continued to provide news and entertainment through its digital platforms and cable television, while pursuing various legal and legislative avenues for the restoration of its franchise.
The statement also expressed ABS-CBN’s thanks to other lawmakers who had previously filed similar bills advocating for the network’s return to free-to-air television. These include Representatives Gabriel Bordado Jr., Arlene Brosas, France Castro, Raoul Manuel, Johnny Pimentel, and Rufus Rodriguez, whose efforts had helped keep the conversation on the table.
“We would also like to express our sincerest thanks to Reps. Gabriel Bordado Jr., Arlene Brosas, France Castro, Raoul Manuel, Johnny Pimentel, and Rufus Rodriguez, who have previously filed similar bills. Their continued efforts reflect the strong support for ABS-CBN’s role in providing credible news, quality entertainment, and educational content to the Filipino people,” the statement added.
