Yet another franchise conversation has opened up around Philippines’ media company ABS-CBN, keeping alive the possibility of a return to the airwaves for the one-time broadcast giant. 

But, as the fifth anniversary approaches of its demise as one of the Philippines’ broadcast giants, ABS-CBN dismissed rumours flagging a return to the country’s broadcast dial from today (10 Feb). 

At the same time, there’s no getting away from the arguments being made in legislative circles and elsewhere to give the company back its free-TV spot. The latest bill is the fifth to have been filed. 

A key element of the latest debate is one-time-rival GMA Network’s market share dominance of 92.8%, according to Philippine Competition Commission data presented to legislators. The ‘yes’ camp, while acknowledging the array of digital options, nevertheless says that denying ABS-CBN a franchise deprives consumers of choice.

ABS-CBN went dark in May 2020 after a highly charged battle that involved, among other allegations, foreign-ownership infringements, tax and regulatory violations and labour issues. For many, removing ABS-CBN from the lucrative free-TV dial was seen as nothing more than the Duterte government’s retaliation for a perceived lack of support. The clash was traced back to 2016 and campaign advertisements Duterte said were supposed to air on ABS-CBN – but did not. 

The revival of the franchise conversation includes an address on 5 Feb 2025 by ABS-CBN Corporation’s chief partnership officer, Bobby Barreiro, to the House Committee on Legislative Franchises. 

Barreiro didn’t stray far from ABS-CBN’s long-held, politically mindful line, highlighting the importance of a free-TV platform in service to the nation and at the same time standing firm on the company’s commitment to deliver valuable content – with or without its own domestic broadcast channel. His message was clear: ABS-CBN would love a new broadcast franchise but if anyone thought not having one would destroy the company, they would be wrong. 

He also claimed the usual moral high ground, emphasising community service above all else and sidestepping old allegations about commercial gain. 

“ABS-CBN has always been guided by a clear mission – to be in the service of the Filipino and our audiences worldwide,” he said on Wednesday immediately after thanking members of Congress who had backed House bills to grant a new franchise.

“Even as everything around us changes, we strive to fulfil this mission by creating quality content that touches, inspires, and empowers our audiences. Our audiences now demand greater control over how and when they consume our content. It is, therefore, important for us to remain relevant by distributing our content across the widest array of platforms that technology allows,” he said.

And then, ever-careful not to create the impression of undue pressure or risk antagonising old foes in corridors of power, he made the case for a new franchise. 

“While we want to reach our audiences anytime, anywhere, and on any medium or device, we recognise that for many Filipinos, the most practical and accessible platform is still free-to-air television. For this reason, we have continued making our programmes available on television through content supply and partnership arrangements with other TV networks.”

“We are relentless in our desire to serve in the best way we can. We are grateful to our television partners who have helped us bring our stories to Filipinos nationwide. The biggest loss has been our ability to reach our former audiences in the farthest and poorest corners of the country. If restoring our franchise allows us to reach them again and provide more options to all viewers – and if Congress sees this as a worthwhile objective – we would fully support the achievement of this shared ambition,” he said. 

“However Congress decides, ABS-CBN remains committed to transforming lives by telling meaningful stories, being a catalyst for love of country, and promoting the greater good. This mission is what drives us every day, fueling our passion for storytelling and service—now and in the future.”

Although ABS-CBN’s old frequency has been reallocated, the National Telecommunications Commission says frequencies are available for an ABS-CBN return should Congress grant a new franchise.