Philippine broadcaster that angered Duterte loses key vote

ABS-CBN says 11,000 jobs at risk if its franchise not renewed

ABS-CBN was forced to shut its popular flagship channel and radio stations on May 5 after its 25-year legislative franchise expired, resulting in an estimated 30 million pesos ($607,000) pesos in advertising losses daily. © AFP/Jiji

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

July 10, 2020 18:14 JST

MANILA -- Philippine lawmakers voted on Friday to keep the country's largest broadcaster ABS-CBN that has infuriated President Rodrigo Duterte off the air.

The 70 to 11 vote by members of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises means that ABS-CBN's congressional franchise will not be renewed after it expired on May 5, and the network will remain shut down.