Filipinos will suffer a "big loss" if the government shuts down ABS-CBN Corp., Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao said Monday.

The country's largest media network keeps the public updated on calamities and national issues, Pacquiao told a Senate committee hearing on alleged violations of ABS-CBN's franchise.

"Kung ano man ang problema nila, kung may violation sila, then kasuhan sila. Pero hindi naman siguro doon mapupunta sa closure," said the lawmaker.

(If they have a problem, if they have a violation, then they should face a case. But perhaps it shouldn't lead to closure.)

"Parang malaking kawalan ng buong sambayanang Pilipino ang mawala ang ABS-CBN dahil napakalaking tulong ito para sa ating bansa na magkaroon ng impormasyon ang bawat isa," he added.

(It will perhaps be a big loss for he Filipino public if ABS-CBN closes because it is a big help to our country in giving information to everyone.)

The House of Representatives has yet to act on several bills seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, which expires in March. Earlier this month, the government's top lawyer asked the Supreme Court to nullify the network's franchise due to supposed abuses.

ABS-CBN had said it did not violate any law in its 65-year service.

news.abs-cbn.com is news website of ABS-CBN Corp.