The National Telecommunications Commission said media giant ABS-CBN can reapply for new frequencies once they secure a new legislative franchise.
During the budget hearing at the House of Representatives, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said ABS-CBN can apply again for frequencies once it gets a new franchise from Congress since there are still many frequencies available.
“If may bago silang franchise, they can apply po. It’s possible they can apply when they get a new franchise,” said Cordoba.
The NTC on September 9 has issued a memorandum order recalling all frequencies assigned to ABS-CBN’s television and radio stations following the absence of a legislative franchise.
“Consequently, absent a valid franchise, the recall of frequencies assigned to the Respondent is warranted,” the NTC said.
ABS-CBN’s franchise expired on May 4, 2020. The following day, May 5, NTC issued a cease and desist order against the network causing ABS-CBN to shut off its broadcast on free-analog TV. While they were able to continue broadcasting via TV Plus, NTC again issued another cease and desist order against ABS-CBN’s digital broadcast on June 30.
Their franchise application on the other hand which was pending at the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises for more than 5 years was rejected by 70 congressmen on July 10.
Currently, ABS-CBN is broadcasting through cable via Kapamilya Channel and Kapamilya Online Live on Youtube, Facebook, and iWant.
ABS-CBN has also said that it will focus more on their businesses that do not require a legislative franchise to operate like international licensing and distribution, and content syndication via different streaming services.
