ABS-CBN on May 7, 2020 filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with the Supreme Court seeking to set aside the cease and desist order (CDO) of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and a permanent injunction against the implementation of the CDO. The petition also prays for the immediate issuance of a temporary restraining order against the CDO.

This development came two days after the NTC issued the CDO that prohibited ABSCBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately.

ABS-CBN said in its petition that NTC gravely abused its discretion when it issued a CDO instead of deferring to Congress and issuing a provisional authority to allow ABSCBN and its stations to continue operating.

It also argues that the issuance of the CDO deviated from past practice and violated its right to equal protection of the law as well its right to due process, because it was issued without due notice and hearing.

The company also said that the CDO violates the right of the public to information and curtails freedom of speech as well as causes serious and irreparable damage on ABS-CBN and thousands of its employees if the implementation of the CDO is not halted.