(SPOT.ph) ABS-CBN has been off the nation's main frequencies since May 5—but here's some hope if you've been missing your daily dose of Kapamilya content. A bill granting a provisionary franchise to the network until October 31, 2020 has been filed and approved by the House Committee of the Whole on May 13. House Bill No. 6732 grants ABS-CBN an interim license to operate while Congress tackles their actual legislative franchise for another 25 years. It was filed by none other than House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
"Through this measure, we hope to strike a balance between the immediate needs of the people amid this crisis and the duty of Congress to ensure accountability to our present laws," reads the bill's explanatory note. "We cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug." A cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission came a day after the network's franchise officially expired on May 4—which spewed an argument between the commission and Congress on who has the right to do so.
Unsurprisingly, the bill—and the accompanying speech by Cayetano—ruffled some feathers online. Whether you think this was a well-intentioned move or just another play, we round up people's reactions online; from celebrities and personalities celebrating the step to people throwing not-so-subtle shade at Cayetano.
That's five whole months, wow.
Looks like her voice will be back on the airwaves soon.
Even the Angel expressed gratitude.
And so did Jodi Sta. Maria!
At the very least.
The bill will soon be forwarded to the President.
Not everyone was impressed.
Brrr, did it just get colder in here?
Cayetano just does not have a great track record when it comes to speeches.
Just layin' it out there.
this strange new world.