Cable TV association to join KBP once franchise is granted

Fictap National Chair Estrellita “Neng” Tamano during the Senate committee on public services hearing. Screengrab from Senate of the Philippines Youtube

MANILA, Philippines — The Federation of International Cable Television and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines (Fictap) on Thursday committed to join the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) once their franchise is granted.

“Actually, before we started organizing the Fictap Cable TV Association, we already applied with the KBP.  But then, KBP informed us that they cannot accept cable TV applications because we do not have a franchise, only a provisional authority from NTC (National Telecommunications Commission),” Fictap National Chair Estrellita Tamano said during the hearing of the Senate committee on public services.

“That is the reason we have not qualified to join them… Rest assured that as soon as ma-approve po ‘yung aming franchise eh immediately mag-me-member kami ng KBP,” she added, noting that Fictap’s Broadcasting Network Inc.’s president and chief executive officer Cecille Dy is a very active member and officer of the KBP.

(Rest assured that as soon as our franchise is approved, we will immediately apply as a KBP member.)

Tamano issued the statement after KBP President Herman Basbaño hoped that Fictap would join the broadcasters’ group.

“As for Fictap, Madam chair, they’re not yet a member of the KBP. But, nonetheless, we’re supporting their applications as well. But, we’re just hoping that right after their application is approved, they’ll apply for membership in the association, Madam chair,” Basbaño mentioned.

Among the bills that were included in the hearing is House Bill No. 8976 or granting Fictap Radio Broadcasting Network Inc. a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting, and cable television stations throughout the Philippines.

Senator Grace Poe, public services committee chair, decided to suspend deliberations of Fictap’s franchise to further tackle its telecommunications application.

“Given that Fictap also has a pending application for telco franchise, we will suspend your consideration first para masama na pati ‘yung telco,” Poe said.

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Photo: Fictap National Chair Estrellita “Neng” Tamano during the Senate committee on public services hearing. Screengrab from Senate of the Philippines Youtube