ABS-CBN's Channel 43 and TVplus to cease operations today

National Telecommunications commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba earlier said that ABS-CBN TVplus services along with Channel 43 should have been ceased along with its operations when it went off the air after the expiration of its legislative franchise last May 5.

File photo: TVplus GO

Channel 43 and TVplus to cease operations today

Cordoba said that all broadcast operations of ABS-CBN are only authorized through its expired franchise. He claimed that ABS-CBN's airing of digital TV on Channel 43 is a part of the cease and desist order because the franchise that they used for is ABS-CBN's franchise.

Currently, Channel 43 is airing under the franchise of AMCARA Broadcasting Network. ABS-CBN used to have a 49 percent stake at AMCARA.

Channel 43 covers Jeepney TV, KBO, Yey!, Cinemo, and DZMM.

Channel 43 and the TVplus may be only allowed to operate until the end of the day today June 29, 2020, as soon as NTC serves the 'alias Cease and Desist order' they have mentioned in the Congress' 8th hearing for the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.

Solicitor General Jose Calida earlier warned NTC officials that they could face graft charges if they let ABS-CBN operate beyond its franchise expiration. 

Statement of ABS-CBN Corporation President and CEO Carlo Katigbak

In a statement, ABS-CBN Corporation President and CEO Carlo Katigbak said that the cease and desist order does not cover Channel 43. Also, he pointed out that in the past, NTC has permitted companies with expired franchises to continue their operations until such time as the franchise application is approved and denied.