MANILA, Philippines — A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 1994 allows the National Communications Telecommunications (NTC) to grant “temporary permits” to broadcast companies with pending franchise renewal applications.
Under the 1994 memorandum, a copy of which was shared with the media by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate on Tuesday, NTC can still give permit for radio and television operations “provided that such temporary permits or authorization to operate shall be valid for two years.”
“If the application for franchise remains unacted by Congress”, the temporary permit “shall be extendible for another two years,” according to the memo.
The agreement also requires the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas to order its members to apply for a legislative franchise.
Republic Act No. 3846 requires television and radio broadcasting companies to secure a franchise from the government before they are allowed to operate. It is Congress that will decide whether to extend the franchise to public utilities, such as the media.
During the House committee on legislative franchises hearing on Monday, Engr. Annaliza Buenviaje of NTC’s Broadcast Division confirmed that an MOU was signed by the House of Representatives, NTC, and KBP in 1994.
The information was disclosed as media giant ABS-CBN continues its bid for its franchise to be renewed amid the approaching expiration of its current franchise in May.
If the MOU will be the basis, then NTC can already issue a provisional authority to ABS-CBN even before their franchise expires, according to Zarate.
“This could be a temporary solution doon sa napipintong alanganin, pagka-alanganin, dahil nga by May 4 matatapos na ang original franchise ng ABS-CBN,” Zarate told reporters.
“Based dito sa memorandum of understanding na ito, dahil hindi pa naman ito superseded by different document, the NTC can already – before May 4 – can already issue a provisional authority,” the lawmaker added.
MOU is sufficient
During the Senate’s hearing on ABS-CBN’s franchise on Monday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Congress may authorize NTC to allow ABS-CBN to continue its operations while bills seeking to renew its franchise for another 25 years remain pending in Congress.
Guevarra said this could be done through a concurrent resolution.
But Zarate believes the MOU is sufficient since no document replaces the memorandum yet.
“Dahil mayroong plenary powers naman ang both houses of Congress, kung gustong pagtibayin ito ay pwede rin ‘yun but at this point, sa tingin ko, this will suffice dahil hindi pa naman ito na-supersede at hindi sinabi ng Kamara – principally ang Kamara dahil dito nagmumula ang mga prangkisa – na wala nang epekto ito,” Zarate said.
Asked what will happen if the memorandum is questioned before the Supreme Court, Zarate said there is a presumption of regularity in place, adding that NTC is invoking the MOU.
“On the table ito at hindi naman sinasabi ng NTC or ng House of Representatives –especially the committee on legislative franchises dahil ito ‘yung may primary jurisdiction sa question ng franchise – at habang wala ring sinasabi ang Korte na this is void or this is illegal or unconstitutional, then this can be invoked,” Zarate said.
Currently, there are 11 bills pending before the House of Representatives seeking the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.
On Monday, the House committee on legislative franchises formally started the proceedings to tackle the issue by asking stakeholders – both for and against the franchise renewal – to submit their position papers.
But as to the conduct of actual hearings, committee chair and Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez said the panel may calendar it between May and August.
A copy of the 1994 memorandum of understanding which allows the National Telecommunications Commission to issue “temporary permits” to broadcast firms. This copy was provided to the media by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate.
A copy of the 1994 memorandum of understanding which allows the National Telecommunications Commission to issue “temporary permits” to broadcast firms. This copy was provided to the media by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate.
A copy of the 1994 memorandum of understanding which allows the National Telecommunications Commission to issue “temporary permits” to broadcast firms. This copy was provided to the media by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate.