Palace: Up to NTC to grant ABS-CBN franchise

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is leaving it up to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to decide on the fate of the franchise of television network ABS-CBN, which expired yesterday. 

“The SolGen (solicitor general) is an alter ego of President Duterte. This is a matter that must be dealt with by the NTC as a quasi-judicial body. So let us wait for the response of the commission,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque told reporters. “The President will just implement the NTC decision.”

Asked whether Duterte had anything to do with Solicitor General Jose Calida’s warning against granting a provisional authority to ABS-CBN, Roque replied, “The President has forgiven ABS-CBN. But he cannot influence the NTC.” 

“The decision lies on the commission and the President cannot preempt the NTC when it comes to this issue. We will let the NTC decide,” Roque said.

Senators warn OSG

The NTC may issue a provisional permit to ABS-CBN, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said.

Recto said the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) could be risking conflict with Congress and the Department of Justice in threatening the commission with a lawsuit.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he expects the Supreme Court to uphold the NTC’s power. 

Sen. Sonny Angara said Calida’s stance is in conflict with Justice Secretary Menardo Guevara’s opinion that the NTC could issue a provisional permit to ABS-CBN pending discussions on the franchise renewal by Congress. 

Guevarra maintained that the television network may continue to operate while the bill on the renewal of its franchise remains pending before Congress.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Calida should be reminded of his office’s mandate, adding that under the Revised Administrative Code, the OSG should act as lawyer of government agencies, including the NTC. 

Calida said officials of the NTC may face graft charges if they allow ABS-CBN to operate with an expired congressional franchise.

Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano said ABS-CBN could operate even beyond the expiration of its franchise.

Albano said Congress has requested the NTC to grant the television network a provisional permit. – Paolo Romero, Ghio Ong, Evelyn Macairan, Delon Porcalla

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