NTC recalls frequencies, seals ABS-CBN’s broadcast shutdown

METRO MANILA – The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Thursday, ordered the recall of ABS-CBN’s frequencies, sealing the end of its free broadcast business.

NTC said in a seven-page order signed by Deputy Commissioners Edgardo Cabarios, Delilah Deles and Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, that the government is mandated to recall the frequencies when the network did not provide a Congressional franchise to operate.

The recalled frequencies will involve all of ABS-CBN’s free television and radio broadcasts nationwide, inlcuding the widely know Channel 2 and its AM and FM radio DZMM and DWRR-FM.

NTC said that the denial of Respondent’s franchise renewal application by Congress as well as the denial of Respondent’s Petition by the Supreme Court has lead for the agency to the conclusion that the respondent had already lost the privilege of operating and broadcasting in the country.

The ABS-CBN’s franchise expired on May 4. NTC then released a cease and desist order against the media giant ordering to stop broadcasting due to the absense of a franchise. On July 10, the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises voted in favor of the resolution the would deny the network a franchise. Critics speculated that the move to deny the network the franchise was brought about by its criticism on the current administration but President Rodrigo Duterte denied that he had anything to do with it.

Related Article: https://www.theasianaffairs.com/philippines/2020/07/14/abs-cbn-owners-not-government-to-blame-of-the-franchise-mess-says-cayetano/