Philippine TV network fights closure with court petition

The Philippines' largest TV and radio network, which was shut this week by a government regulator, asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow it to return to the air amid an uproar over its closure.

ABS-CBN Corp. said in its petition to the court that the Tuesday closure order by the National Telecommunications Commission muzzled freedom of the press and removed a major provider of news and entertainment while millions are under a coronavirus lockdown.

The public needs the services of ABS-CBN, now more than ever, as the country grapples with the effects of COVID-19, the broadcaster told the court.

Media watchdogs have accused President Rodrigo Duterte and his government of muzzling independent media like ABS-CBN that have reported critically on issues including his anti-drug crackdown.

Duterte has accused the network of favouring a rival candidate in the 2016 election and had threatened to block its franchise approval.

The telecommunications commission ordered ABS-CBN to stop ...