Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Franchise renewal dispute and shutdown of free-to-air operations
ABS-CBN's legislative franchise expired in 2020. The National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease-and-desist order on May 5, and the House Committee on Legislative Franchises voted 70–11 on July 10 against renewal of the company's application. The dispute involved regulatory and political controversies raised during congressional hearings and resulted in the end of the company's former nationwide free-to-air television and radio service.
1972
Seizure and closure under martial law
ABS-CBN was seized and shut down after the declaration of martial law. The closure displaced thousands of employees and was followed by the use of its facilities by government-aligned broadcasters. The episode remains a defining political and corporate crisis in the company's history.