The warning comes after the Office of the Solicitor General’s threat of graft charges for the National Telecommunications Commission if it decides to issue ABS-CBN Corporation a provisional authority to operate.
The chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises is warning that the National Telecommunications Commission may be cited in contempt if it fails to issue ABS-CBN Corporation a provisional authority to operate pending the renewal of its franchise.
Alvarez said Calida’s attempt to “pressure” the NTC, directly challenges Congress’ authority to grant, deny, extend, revoke or modify broadcast franchises. Alvarez, however, said ABS-CBN can continue operating until Congress makes a decision on the grant of a fresh 25-year franchise to the media giant.
Calida had earlier asked the Supreme Court to nullify the network's existing franchise, citing grave violations of the terms set by Congress back in 1995. He had also asked the high court for a gag order on his office as well as on ABS-CBN and its executives, actors, and employees. Media outlets, as well as electricity companies and cable TV providers, are required to secure legislative franchises. Such bills must first be approved by the House of Representatives before they are acted upon by the Senate.
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