Now it can be told: Solicitor General Jose Calida pressured the NTC to issue a cease and desist order vs ABS-CBN Corp. and ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. instead of granting provisional authority, eventually leading to the network's sign-off Tuesday night.
news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/20/…
news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/20/…
In a letter dated April 30, 2020, a copy of which was obtained by ABS-CBN News, Calida said the commission should stop ABS-CBN's broadcast operations instead of issuing provisional authority, as its officials had vowed under oath in a legislative hearing. 
Calida said that upon expiry of any franchise, the NTC may issue cease and desist/recall orders. He cited Public Service Act and the NTC’s internal rules which allow NTC, on its own or upon motion, to issue a CDO in the interest of public service, welfare and security.
Calida also warned there are penal sanctions for issuance of provisional authorities without an existing legislative franchise.
Calida also raised citizenship issue vs ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Gabby Lopez. ABS-CBN Pres, CEO Carlo Katigbak already addressed this issue, explaining that Lopez is a Filipino citizen and that he holds a Philippine passport.
