The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued a cease and desist order against broadcast giant ABS-CBN.
In a letter issued Tuesday, May 5, 2020, the NTC has directed the ABS-CBN broadcasting corporation to “stop operating its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide.”
READ: The NTC directs ABS-CBN to "stop operating its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide;" asks the media company to explain within 10 days why the frequencies assigned to it should not be recalled. | via @mikenavallo pic.twitter.com/0b43o5n455
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
The media company was also given 10 days to explain why their frequency should not be recalled.
NTC’s order came as a surprise after it had already agreed to give ABS-CBN provisional authority based on the Senate hearing in February and the House of Representatives letter also last February.
“May I assure this committee that barring a gross violation of its franchise of the NTC rules and regulations, the NTC will follow the latest advice of the DOJ (Department of Justice) and let ABS-CBN continue operations based on equity,” said NTC Commissioner Cordoba.
The Dept. of Justice on its opinion said ABS-CBN or any broadcast entity should be allowed to continue its operations pending franchise renewal in Congress.
“The DOJ stands by its position that there is sufficient equitable basis to allow broadcast entities to continue operating while the bills for the RENEWAL of their franchise remain pending with Congress,” said Guevarra.
Meanwhile, several lawmakers have shared their disappointment over NTC’s actions.
Senator Sonny Angara said it’s a little disappointing on the part of NTC that in this time when people needed far-reaching information, they decided to shut down ABS-CBN.
Sen. Sonny Angara on NTC's cease and desist order vs ABS-CBN: "I want to express my reservations about this because at the time of the virus, people need to be informed." #ABSCBNFranchise | via @_katrinadomingo
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
Angara: This is a time when we need reliable information and we shut down one of the sources that is practically in every household of Filipinos? So where is the Filipino going to get news now? From the internet where there is a lot of fake news? No disrespect to other channels.
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
Angara: "It's a little disappointing on the part of the NTC." #ABSCBNFranchise | via @_katrinadomingo
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
Senator Kiko Pangilinan meanwhile slammed NTC’s grave abuse of power saying the move in the time of pandemic is unacceptable.
Ito’y kalokohan. Sa gitna ng pandemya ito inaatupag ng gobyerno.
NTC order is grave abuse of govt power, ABS-CBN should bring matter before Supreme Court. https://t.co/oVnaEZ7lHW
— Kiko Pangilinan (@kikopangilinan) May 5, 2020
House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chikoy Alvarez on his part warned the NTC that they may be held in contempt if they’ll find out that they succumb to the caprice of Solicitor General Jose Calida.
https://twitter.com/NAMercadoINQ/status/1257572841806983169
Calida on Sunday, May 3, 2020 has warned the NTC that they may face graft charges if they will grant ABS-CBN provisional authority.
Another member of the Committee on Legislative Franchises, Rep. Tonypet Albano, on the other hand, threatened to abolish NTC.
"Congress can file to abolish NTC. They cause this kind of problem. Will make sure we will call NTC about this matter." – Representative Antonio Albano now on DZMM.
— Rod Magaru (@rodmagaru) May 5, 2020
Here are other sentiments from other lawmakers.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on NTC's cease and desist order vs ABS-CBN: "I join Sen. Angara and Sen. Zubiri in condemning this act of NTC because it is totally contrary to law and is a grave abuse of discretion." | via @_katrinadomingo #ABSCBNFranchise
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
Drilon: "First, there is enough precedent… that provisional authority can be issued while the application renewal is pending. Sec of Justice with the concurrence of both Houses… [said] NTC can issue provisional authority." | via @_katrinadomingo #ABSCBNFranchise
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
Villanueva: We were expecting the NTC to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to continue its operations because it has done so previously. The current resolution of NTC is disappointing. #ABSCBNFranchise | via @_katrinadomingo
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
Senate Committee on Public Services chair Grace Poe on NTC's cease and desist order vs ABS-CBN: "Certainly if it gets to the Senate, I don't think there is a problem with us resolving this issue immediately." | via @_katrinadomingo #ABSCBNFranchise
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago: The NTC committed na sila ay magpo-provide ng provisional authority sa ABS-CBN. This was on the record. #ABSCBNFranchise pic.twitter.com/jplx7KhZnd
— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) May 5, 2020
Sen. Risa Hontiveros on NTC's cease and desist order vs ABS-CBN: "I'd like to add my voice to the note of concern raised… Nothing should prevent NTC from issuing provisional authority to ABS-CBN until it is settled by Congress." | via @_katrinadomingo #ABSCBNFranchise
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
Sen. Bong Go on NTC's cease and desist order vs ABS-CBN: "The matter of allowing ABS-CBN to operate after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a Cease-and-Desist Order against the media corporation is now with the House of Representatives." | via @_katrinadomingo
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 5, 2020
