Rep Salceda files bill for ABS-CBN franchise renewal

Albay Representative Joey Salceda filed a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to grant ABS-CBN Corporation a new 25-year franchise, nearly five years after its previous license expired.

Salceda cited previous deliberations that showed ABS-CBN did not violate ownership restrictions and had no pending tax liabilities, urging Congress to reconsider the non-renewal by the previous administration.

The bill marks Salceda's fifth attempt at seeking franchise renewal for ABS-CBN through a House bill, following similar efforts from other lawmakers.

ABS-CBN expressed gratitude towards Salceda and other lawmakers who have filed for franchise renewal bills, acknowledging their support in reviving its contributions to public service.

Since May 5, 2020, when the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease-and-desist order leading to ABS-CBN's shutdown, the media giant has been operating as a 'content creator' and is working on bringing its content to various platforms including former network rival GMA.