ABS-CBN employees, supporters heartbroken after Philippine Congress rejects franchise

Philippine lawmakers voted Friday to reject the license renewal of the country's largest TV network, shutting down a major news provider that had been repeatedly threatened by the president over its critical coverage.

The House of Representatives' Committee on Franchises voted 70-11 to reject a new 25-year license for ABS-CBN Corp. | ABS-CBN employees and supporters hold candles outside the broadcast network's headquarters, following Philippine congress' vote against the broadcast network's franchise renewal.

"We are deeply hurt," ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak said, but he suggested the company will try to find other ways to return to business. | ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, center, waves to supporters and employees outside their headquarters in Quezon City.

An employee of ABS-CBN wipes her tears after hearing the results of the voting at the House of Representative for the franchise renewal of her company.

A supporter wipes her tears after hearing the results of the voting at the House of Representative for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN employees react after the Philippine congress voted against the renewal of the broadcast network's 25-year franchise.

Journalists cover as ABS-CBN news chief Ging Reyes speaks to fellow employees and supporters of the broadcast network, following the Philippine congress' vote against its franchise renewal, outside the ABS-CBN headquarters, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The network, which used to be viewed by millions of Filipinos on free TV, has been able to continue broadcasting some of its TV and radio news programs over paid cable channels, but with a small fraction of its former viewership. | ABS-CBN employees raise their fists during a gathering outside the broadcast network headquarters.

An ABS-CBN employee cries after the Philippine congress voted against the renewal of the broadcast network's 25-year franchise.

Employees and supporters of local television network ABS-CBN hold placards as they protest in front of the House of Representatives in Manila.

ABS-CBN has more than 11,000 news and production personnel nationwide. Aside from reporting on the coronavirus, which has infected more than 50,000 people and killed 1,314 in the Philippines, it has provided food and medical aid to more than 2 million people, company officials said.

"Together with our employees and our audiences all over the world, we share in your sadness over this setback," Katigbak said. "We look forward to the day when we can again reunite."