Shocking Political Earthquake: ABS-CBN Franchise Set for 2025 Comeback After Senate Files Explosive House Bill No. 11252, Sending Shockwaves Across the Nation

The Shocking Return of ABS-CBN: A Political Drama Unfolds

In a twist that has stunned the Filipino public and rocked the nation’s media landscape, the giant broadcasting network ABS-CBN is now poised for a dramatic comeback in 2025. The once-mighty station, whose franchise renewal was controversially denied in 2020, appears to be on the verge of reclaiming its throne as the Senate formally filed House Bill No. 11252, a legislative measure that could restore its broadcasting rights.

The news broke like wildfire across social media, instantly dominating conversations online and on the streets. For millions of Filipinos who grew up with ABS-CBN’s iconic shows, dramas, and news coverage, this revelation feels like a long-awaited vindication. But behind the cheers and celebrations lies a far more complex and explosive political drama—one that is bound to shake the country’s power structures to their core.

A Franchise Lost, A Nation Divided

In July 2020, ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ largest media conglomerate, was forced off the air after Congress refused to grant its franchise renewal. The decision was framed as a legal issue, with lawmakers citing alleged violations in labor practices, tax payments, and foreign ownership concerns. However, critics saw it as a blatant attack on press freedom, tied to the network’s perceived critical coverage of the Duterte administration.

That decision triggered massive protests, both on the streets and online. Fans held placards demanding the return of their beloved network, while journalists and human rights groups warned of an unprecedented assault on democracy. For the first time in decades, millions of Filipinos turned on their televisions only to find a black screen where ABS-CBN used to broadcast.

The franchise denial effectively dismantled one of the most powerful cultural institutions in the country, leaving a vacuum in news and entertainment. Rival networks scrambled to fill the void, while ABS-CBN struggled to survive through digital streaming and partnerships. But the wound it left on the Filipino psyche remained raw and unhealed.

House Bill No. 11252: A Sudden Resurrection

Fast forward to 2025, and the tables have turned dramatically. Lawmakers in the Senate have introduced House Bill No. 11252, a proposed measure that explicitly grants ABS-CBN a new 25-year franchise. According to insiders, the bill was filed after months of secretive negotiations among key political figures who had once been staunch critics of the network.

The filing immediately sparked speculation: Was this a genuine move to restore press freedom? Or a calculated political maneuver designed to curry favor with the voting public ahead of the 2025 midterm elections?

Senator Rodrigo de Vega, one of the bill’s principal authors, addressed the media in a fiery press conference:

“We cannot deny that the shutdown of ABS-CBN left a deep scar on our nation. This bill is not just about a television network—it’s about healing wounds, restoring trust, and ensuring that democracy thrives.”

But not everyone was convinced. Several lawmakers accused the Senate of hypocrisy, pointing out that many of the same individuals who once voted against ABS-CBN are now championing its return.

The Political Fallout

The filing of House Bill No. 11252 has ignited a political storm in Manila. Opposition groups hailed the move as a victory for press freedom, while administration allies scrambled to control the narrative. Some critics warned that granting ABS-CBN a new franchise could reawaken old tensions and spark a fresh round of political battles.

Meanwhile, supporters of former President Duterte remain adamantly opposed to the bill. They argue that ABS-CBN should not be allowed to return, insisting that its past “sins” remain unresolved. Online forums quickly became battlegrounds, with hashtags like #NoToABSCBNReturn and #BringBackABSCBN trending simultaneously on X (formerly Twitter).

The Human Side of the Story

Beyond the politics, ordinary Filipinos see the bill as a lifeline. For many of the network’s former employees—thousands of whom lost their jobs after the shutdown—the news carries both hope and skepticism.

Maria Lopez, a 15-year veteran camerawoman who was laid off in 2020, described her reaction through tears:

“When I heard about the bill, I cried. Not because I’m sure I’ll get my job back, but because it feels like justice. We were left in the dark for years, and now maybe there’s light again.”

Fans of long-running shows like It’s Showtime and TV Patrol also expressed joy at the potential return of their favorite programs. Entire generations grew up with ABS-CBN’s programming, and many Filipinos see its revival as the restoration of a cultural treasure.

What Comes Next?

The passage of House Bill No. 11252 is far from guaranteed. It must still undergo debates, amendments, and votes in both chambers of Congress before being signed into law by the President. Political analysts warn that the process could be turbulent, with powerful lobby groups working both for and against the measure.

Still, the momentum appears to be on ABS-CBN’s side. Analysts suggest that the overwhelming public support for the network’s return may force lawmakers to side with the people, especially in a year leading up to crucial elections.

If the bill passes, ABS-CBN could officially return to free TV broadcasting by mid-2025, marking a triumphant homecoming after five years in exile.

A Symbol of Resistance

Whether one supports or opposes the network, one fact remains undeniable: ABS-CBN has become a powerful symbol in the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in the Philippines. Its possible comeback represents not just the revival of a media giant but also a turning point in the nation’s political narrative.

As one veteran journalist put it:

“This is bigger than television. It’s about who controls the truth, who shapes the narrative, and who has the power to silence voices. If ABS-CBN returns, it will be because the people refused to be silenced.”

Conclusion: A Nation Holding Its Breath

The filing of House Bill No. 11252 is nothing short of a political earthquake. It reopens old wounds, revives long-standing debates, and forces the country to confront difficult questions about democracy, freedom, and accountability.

For now, the nation waits. Will ABS-CBN rise from the ashes and reclaim its place in the Filipino home? Or will politics once again clip its wings?

One thing is certain: whatever happens next, the battle over ABS-CBN’s franchise will go down in history as one of the most explosive chapters in Philippine media and politics.