Denial of ABS-CBN franchise shows gov't wants control of media —IBON

Think tank IBON Foundation on Friday said that the rejection of ABS-CBN's franchise renewal is "an act of tyranny" and is against the freedom of speech and information.

"The government wants to keep the press in line by killing the country's largest broadcasting network and intimidating those it hasn't co-opted," IBON said in a statement.

"It wants media parroting its self-serving political, economic, and social narratives," it added.

Earlier, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises voted to deny the franchise application of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, putting in peril the jobs of around 11,000 employees of the network.

Malacañang said it respects the decision of the House, where franchise bills emanate.

According to IBON, the government has underestimated the Filipino people.

"The people will keep fighting for the truth and against authoritarian rule," it said.

ABS-CBN on May 5 went off air after it was issued a cease and desist order by the National Telecommunications Commission for its lack of franchise.

Its subsidiary, Sky Cable Corp., was also ordered to stop operations last month. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News