The Philippines' telecoms body ordered the country's leading broadcaster ABS-CBN to cease operations yesterday, as a parliament dominated by President Rodrigo Duterte's loyalists dragged its feet over renewing its license.
Duterte has repeatedly threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, after the channel angered him during the 2016 presidential election by refusing to air his campaign commercials.
Opposition lawmakers described the order for the channel to suspend operations as "ill-timed" given the need to inform the public in the battle against the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
ABS-CBN said it was stopping its operations last night to comply with the order from the National Telecommunications Commission, while also imploring lawmakers in Congress to renew its franchise, which expired on Monday.
"We trust that the government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABS-CBN's role and efforts in providing the latest news and information during these challenging times," it said.
Yesterday's order was given despite earlier assurances that ABS-CBN, a 66-year-old conglomerate, could carry on broadcasting while the bills to extend its franchise still lay with Congress.
The order came a day after Duterte apologized for his "hurting words" about two tycoons whom he openly dislikes, responding to their help in fighting the coronavirus by offering an olive branch to settle a regulatory row.
Shares in conglomerates Ayala Corp and Metro Pacific Investments Corp climbed following the president's apology.
"So maybe there will be a lot of legal issues but we can talk. I am ready to talk and I would be reasonable," Duterte said. "My hurtful words to the Ayalas and to Manuel Pangilinan, I apologize for the hurting words."
