Congress renews Bantay Radyo franchise for another 25 years

CEBU, Philippines — Congress has renewed for another 25 years the franchise granted to Sarraga Integrated and Management (SIAM) Corporation which operates the controversial Bantay Radyo stations in Cebu.

House Bill No. 5176 was already transmitted on February 7 to the Office of the President for signature into law.

Camiguin Lone District Representative Xavier Jesus Romualdo filed on March 1, 2017 House Bill No. 4668 renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to SIAM under Republic Act No. 7478

The House of Representatives approved on March 13, 2017 the substitute HB No. 5176 as recommended by the Committee on Legislative Franchises chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez and was transmitted to the Senate on March 15, 2017.

Both the Senate and the House approved the conference committee report on December 11, 2017.

DYDD in Metro Cebu, DYHH in Bogo City and DYZZ in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental collectively known as Bantay Radyo simultaneously went off air since July 30, 2015 allegedly after the exciters of the radios stations’ transmitters were taken down upon the order of SIAM.

This happened the same day the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City restrained the Cebu CFI Community Cooperative, Inc. from taking over the management and operations of Bantay Radyo facilities.

The controversy stemmed from the decision of SIAM to terminate the management contract with PAFI Techno Resource Corporation in favor of CFI effective August 1, 2015.

On August 1, 2002, SIAM entered into a management contract with PAFI granting the latter the right to manage and operate its three radio stations including all facilities, equipment, and machineries.

The contract was repeatedly renewed until SIAM, in a letter to PAFI dated May 30, 2015, signified its decision to terminate the same, effective July 31, 2015.

On June 3, 2015, SIAM reportedly entered into a management agreement with CFI effective August 1, 2015 until July 31, 2018, granting the latter the right to manage and operate the radio stations.

On July 30, 2015, RTC Branch 9 Presiding Judge Alexander Acosta granted the temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by then Cebu Provincial Board Member Grecilda “Gigi” Sanchez-Zaballero, the president of PAFI.

Zaballero questioned the contract entered into by SIAM and CFI claiming that she still has a valid contract with the former.

She said that before the expiration of the contract of management between PAFI and SIAM in December 2014, they allegedly agreed to renew the contract.

Zaballero said PAFI deposited P700,000 to the account of SIAM on April 10, 2015 as initial payment.

However, Zaballero said she was surprised to receive a letter from SIAM that it is no longer renewing their contract and will instead give the management of the radio stations to CFI effective August 1, 2015.

Sometime in February 2016, Court of Appeals issued a 60-day TRO against the ruling of the RTC which allows CFI to operate the radio stations.

Until now, the three stations have not returned to its operations. (FREEMAN)