The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) today issued a Cease and Desist Order against ABS-CBN due to the expiration of its congressional franchise.
In an Order dated 05 May 2020, the NTC directed ABS-CBN to stop operating its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide “a valid Congressional Franchise as required by law.” ABS-CBN was also given ten days from receipt of the Order to respond as to why the frequencies assigned to it should not be recalled.
Republic Act No. 7966 which granted ABS-CBN a 25-year franchise to operate TV and radio broadcasting stations expired on 04 May 2020.
The Radio Control Law, Act No. 3846, as amended, provides that “no person, firm, company, association, or corporation shall construct, install, establish, or operate a radio transmitting station, or a radio receiving station used for commercial purposes, or a radio broadcasting station, without having first obtained a franchise therefore from the Congress of the Philippines.”
Upon the expiration of RA 7966, ABS-CBN no longer has a valid and subsisting congressional franchise required by Act No. 3846
The NTC Regional Offices shall implement the closure order in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
After receipt of ABS-CBN’s response, the NTC shall schedule the case for hearing at the earliest time after the Enhanced Community Quarantine is lifted by the Government.
