ABS-CBN and TV5 said Wednesday they are pausing their partnership to "address issues" surrounding the joint venture that would pave the way for more Kapamilya shows to air on billionaire Manuel V. Pangilinan's free TV channel.
The pause, according to the two media companies, will allow them to address concerns raised by some legislators and the National Telecommunications Commission.
"This pause will give the space for both media organizations to respond to the issues and accommodate any relevant changes to the terms," TV5 and ABS-CBN said in separate statements.
At least three lawmakers have filed resolutions at the House of Representatives seeking an investigation of the proposed deal between ABS-CBN and TV5.
SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, who was among the most vocal critics of a fresh francise for ABS-CBN, has even questioned the ownership of TV5 and alleged that it belongs to an Indonesian national.
READ: 'Isinara Ko Po Ang ABS-CBN,' Marcoleta Tells Voters
ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak and Chairman Mark Lopez signed the deal together with Pangilinan on Aug. 10 according to a report by ABS-CBN News.
The deal has been largely touted by both media firms as a "favorable" one for the Philippine media landscape since it provides the Kapamilya network a free TV platform for its content which has been largely limited to digital distribution since it lost its franchise in 2020, the first year of the pandemic.
READ: Filipinos are Watching Less TV Due to ABS-CBN Shutdown, Says Study
In turn, TV5 will gain new content that could boost its ratings after settling for years in third place behind ABS-CBN and GMA Network before the pandemic.
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