Pangilinan: Leased TV5 airtime never discussed with ABS-CBN

TV5 Network Inc. has never been in negotiations with ABS-CBN for leased airtime, businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan said on Wednesday.

In a virtual presser, Pangilinan said the matter was neither discussed nor considered.

“There has never been any discussion with ABS-[CBN] in that regard,” Pangilinan said. “It’s something that’s not on our mind.”

Pangilinan is the chairman of PLDT Inc., the parent company of TV5.

It was reported in late December 2019 that the businessman expressed openness to a block time deal between TV5 and ABS-CBN should its franchise expire and not be renewed.

ABS-CBN’s 25-year broadcast franchise expired on May 4, 2020 after several bills for its renewal were stalled.

The expiration of the company’s franchise compelled the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue a cease and desist order on Tuesday.

The telecommunications regulator directed ABS-CBN to stop operating in various television and radio broadcasting stations nationwide.

The NTC, which earlier said it would grant a provisional authority (PA) to allow ABS-CBN to continue operations, has given the company 10 days from receipt of the order to respond.

ABS-CBN immediately complied and went off the air on Tuesday night.  -NB, GMA News