The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Tuesday has ordered ABS-CBN Network to “stop operating its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide,” following the latter’s expiration of franchise.
The NTC has issued a cease and desist order on May 5 and has given ABS-CBN ten days to respond “as to why the frequencies assigned to it should not be recalled.”
Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the order is “immediately executory” but is still “appealable to the courts.”
House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chairperson Franz Alvarez said they will call the NTC if it does not provide provisional authority to the network. He emphasized the issuance of franchise on the network is in the hands of the Congress.
“If the NTC chooses to succumb to the pressure of the Solicitor General, and disregard the commitments they gave under oath, we reserve the right to call them before Congress and explain why they should not be held in contempt,” Alvarez said.
ABS-CBN has released a statement this evening and said they “remain committed to being in the service of the Filipino” and “will find ways to continue providing service.”
“We trust that the government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABS-CBN’s role and efforts in providing the latest news and information during these challenging times,” the statement read. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
