SC to take up next month ABS-CBN's petition vs NTC's cease to desist order

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 11) — The Supreme Court en banc will tackle on July 13 ABS-CBN’s petition against the National Telecommunications Commission’s order for it to cease from broadcasting, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said.

In an online forum with justice reporters on Thursday, Peralta said the justices will also deliberate on the embattled network's plea for a temporary restraining order against the NTC, which if granted, can bring the network back on air.

“Because we waited for the comments of the House of Representatives, the lower House and upper House and I think we only received the comments last Monday or last Friday but the member-in-charge asked for July 13 for deliberation,” the chief magistrate explained.

The date, however, falls on a Monday, when the high court usually meets every Tuesday for en banc sessions. The SC public information office has yet to issue clarification on the date.

It is also unclear whether there would be a decision by then to bring the media giant back on air.

“I don't know if the resolution will already be ready,” Peralta clarified.

In its petition, the Kapamilya network pointed out that it is losing up to ₱35 million every day that it is not broadcasting. It added the closure would result in the loss of livelihood of more than 11,000 workers and their families.

ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5 following an order from NTC, after its franchise expired on May 4.