READ: UST statement on NTC shutdown order vs ABS-CBN's broadcast operations

Editor's note: We are publishing in full statements issued by various groups and institutions in support of ABS-CBN Corp., which went off the air on May 5, 2020 following a cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission. The company's franchise expired on May 4, while bills for its franchise renewal, some filed since 2016, continued to languish in Congress.

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS OFFICIAL STATEMENT

The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas laments the order to stop ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations, as it is a clear disservice to the Filipino people in this time of the pandemic when information, delivered fast and wide, is key to saving lives.

Through news and public service, educational and entertainment programs, ABS-CBN has become a constant companion of Filipinos here and abroad. Through various projects and advocacies, ABS-CBN has significantly contributed to the improvement of the lives of many Filipinos.

We pray that ABS-CBN will be able to resume its broadcast operations very soon to continue its invaluable service to the Filipino people and nation.