A petition to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise gained 1M signatures in 24 hours

On May 5th, the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease and desist order against ABS-CBN. It was issued on the basis of the expiration of its congressional franchise. The order effectively shut down the country’s largest TV network.

An online petition led by ABS-CBN employees calls for the House of Representatives to renew the media network’s franchise. It gained about 1 million signatures in only 24 hours and currently has over 1.2 million signatures.

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“We are among the thousands who are worried and will be affected if ABS-CBN shuts down. We all have families who depend on our work,” the petition reads.

It continues: “We want ABS-CBN to continue its operations, not only because it serves as our main source of livelihood, but because for most of us, the company’s happy working environment and the management’s fair practices have encouraged us to continue to be in the service of the Filipino.”

“We believe that your compassion and care for us workers will prevail and that you will listen to our call for the good of all,” the petition concludes.

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