The Supreme Court today asked the National Telecommunications Commission or NTC to comment on the plea of ABS-CBN 2 for a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the May 5 decision of the agency to stop the media giant from airing its programs on free television.

In an unanimous decision, the Supreme Court gave the NTC ten days to respond to ABS-CBN corporation’s appeal. The highest tribunal also asked both Congress their views on the matter since there is an ongoing hearing on the franchise.

The media giant’s appeal is centered on the economic effects of such a closure. ABS-CBN executives say the corporation loses about 35 million pesos per day, which could affect the jobs of about 11,000 employees.

Last May 5, the NTC directed ABS-CBN to stop airing due to the expiration of its franchise. Congress is now hearing the franchise application of the company with the aim of issuing a provisional franchise up to October of this year.