By John Clifford Lintao
IN what appears to be another blow to the Lopez-owned television network, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered the recall of television and radio frequencies given to network giant ABS-CBN.
In a seven-page order signed by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba and Deputy Commissioners Edgardo Cabarios and Delilah Deles said that without a Congressional franchise to operate, the commission is mandated to recall the frequencies.
The recall order covers ABS-CBN’s free television and radio broadcasts nationwide, including Channel 2 which has been attributed to the network, AM radio station DZMM and DWRR-FM, more known as MOR 101.9.
“Indubitably, the denial of Respondent’s franchise renewal application by Congress, coupled with the denial of Respondent’s Petition by the Supreme Court, lead to no other conclusion except that Respondent had already lost the privilege of installing, operating, and maintaining radio broadcasting stations in the country,” NTC said in an order dated Wednesday.
“Consequentially, absent a valid legislative franchise, the recall of the frequencies assigned to Respondent is warranted,” it added.
After ABS-CBN’s franchise expired on May 4, NTC released a cease and desist order against the network, ordering it to stop broadcasts due to an absence of a franchise. This was despite its assurance earlier this year, in front of Congress, that ABS-CBN would still be allowed to operate while the franchise issue is being discussed.
But in July, lawmakers from the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises including House officials acting as ex-officio members voted in favor of a resolution that deprives the network of a franchise.
Critics of the administration speculated that ABS-CBN’s shutdown was brought about by its critical coverage of President Rodrigo Duterte, but the Chief Executive maintained that he had nothing to do with it.