Philippine lawmakers near vote on fate of network that clashed with Duterte

A man takes a photo of candles lit by ABS-CBN employees during a prayer as Philippine congress finalizes decision on the broadcast network's franchise renewal, outside the ABS-CBN headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, July 9, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine lawmakers concluded a hearing on Thursday on the license renewal of top broadcaster ABS-CBN, paving the way for a critical vote on whether a major media group that angered President Rodrigo Duterte should be allowed back on air.

The telecom regulator ordered ABS-CBN and its 21 radio and 38 television stations to cease operations on May 5, after the lower house failed to conclude hearings on renewing its 25-year license before it expired.