1. A New Legislative Push Brings Hope

In early 2025, House Representative Joey Salceda reignited the conversation about ABS-CBN’s return to the airwaves by filing House Bill 11252 — a proposal to grant the network a new 25-year legislative franchise. His proposal comes after both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed that ABS-CBN had no violations concerning ownership regulations or outstanding taxes.

This legislative move has sparked new hope across the country. But it’s not just about a frequency or a channel — it’s about restoring trust in public information and media freedom in the Philippines.

2. Public Support Remains Unshaken

According to a nationwide WR Numero survey conducted in early 2025, over 69% of Filipinos support the revival of ABS-CBN’s broadcast franchise, with only 10% opposing the move. In Metro Manila, that support climbs to 79%.

These numbers cut across demographics — age, class, and location — proving that the network’s emotional and cultural impact remains deeply ingrained.

3. Beyond a Comeback — It’s a Reinvention

Even before the franchise bill was revived, ABS-CBN had already shifted gears. The network sold its historic Broadcast Center in Quezon City to Ayala Land, while simultaneously building a leaner, future-ready facility in Bulacan.

Its financial outlook is also stabilizing. ABS-CBN reportedly reduced its liabilities from ₱21 billion to ₱12.8 billion and expects to return to profitability within 18 months, according to a report from The Philippine Star.

However, the network has officially withdrawn from the race to reclaim its old free-to-air frequency (Channel 2), which has since been reassigned to other broadcasters. Rather than fight for a traditional slot, ABS-CBN is pivoting toward a digital-first strategy.

4. New Strategy, Same Mission

Instead of relying on its own broadcast tower, ABS-CBN is now thriving through partnerships. Shows like It’s Showtime and ASAP are aired on multiple platforms including A2Z, TV5, and even collaborations with GMA and ALLTV.

The network also relaunched its global digital streaming platform, iWantTFC, now with 4K capability and a global content lineup — proving that the “Kapamilya” brand is no longer tied to one channel, but to millions of screens worldwide.

5. From Mourning to Momentum

The 2020 shutdown of ABS-CBN was a national shockwave. It displaced thousands of employees, silenced a major news outlet, and triggered fierce debates about media freedom and political influence. But in 2025, the narrative is changing.

What was once viewed as a devastating blow is now seen as a turning point — one that forced the network to innovate, restructure, and become more resilient.

6. What a Comeback Really Means

The return of ABS-CBN, even without its old frequency, would be historic. It would represent a fusion of tradition and reinvention — a reminder of its legacy and a declaration of its future.

The revival of its primetime programs, news coverage, and global content arm could also mean a wave of new employment, increased advertising, and a restored cultural footprint in the country.

More importantly, it sends a message: Resilience can survive censorship.

7. The Political Landscape Still Matters

While optimism is high, challenges remain. ABS-CBN’s shutdown in 2020 was widely perceived as politically motivated. Tensions between the network and the Duterte administration cast a long shadow over the process.

Now, with a different political climate under President Marcos Jr., insiders say the pathway for renewal is more open — but still filled with delicate negotiations behind closed doors.

8. Beyond Business: The Filipino Connection

For many Filipinos, ABS-CBN is more than a media company. It’s a part of daily life — a companion through joy, tragedy, and everything in between.

Its absence was deeply felt in rural provinces and among overseas Filipinos who depended on free access to news, teleseryes, and variety shows. Its possible return is not just a corporate win, but a cultural and emotional victory.

9. A Nation Waits

Whether or not ABS-CBN returns to Channel 2, one truth is undeniable: the network has already evolved. It is no longer waiting for a signal; it is creating new signals — streaming, partnering, and rebuilding in every direction.

As lawmakers debate, as fans tweet and rally, and as executives strategize, the Filipino people remain at the center of it all — hopeful, nostalgic, and watching closely.

Final Thoughts

The potential return of ABS-CBN to television — in any form — is more than a comeback. It is a redefinition of what it means to inform, entertain, and connect in the digital era.

Whether it’s through a new franchise, a digital revolution, or global expansion, the heartbeat of Kapamilya continues to echo. The question isn’t if it will return — it’s how far it will go.