Senator Franklin Drilon, tinawag na “grave abuse of authority” ang cease-and-desist order ng NTC laban sa ABS-CBN

Ikino-consider ni Senator Franklin Drilon, na “grave abuse of authority” ang utos ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) na itigil ng ABS-CBN ang kanilang operasyon starting May 5.

The 25-year franchise to operate of the Kapamilya network has expired last May 4.

In an interview by Tony Velasquez of ANC, Drilon said in a straightforward manner that NTC clearly abused their power.

“What is clear is that the NTC gravely abused its discretion in ordering, in issuing the cease-and-desist order.

“During the hearing, even the Secretary of Justice said that ABS-CBN can continue, a provision authority can be issued on the basis of precedence in the Supreme Court when it was ruled that so long as the application is pending in Congress, the provision of authority can be issued and that has been the rule followed in Congress.

“So it is quite unfortunate, and I do not understand why this happened.”

Dahil sa desisyong ito ng NTC, libo-libong empleyado ng naturang network ang mawawalan ng trabaho.

“Number 2, at this time, when hundreds of thousands, if not millions of workers are laid-off temporarily or permanently?

“The livelihood of 11,000 workers in ABS-CBN is prejudiced and there’s absolutely no basis for the cease-and-desist order.

“There is no harm, there is enough authority for NTC to issue the provision of authority.”

Drilon reminded that NTC issued a memorandum last March 18, 2020 while the enhanced community quarantine was declared all over Luzon that “all existing permits, certificates and licenses” that NTC issued and was slated to expire on March 15, 2020 up to April 14, 2020 or while the ECQ period was to take effect, would remain valid within 60 days after the government-imposed quarantine period would end.

“It would appear that everybody, that the licenses issued by the NTC, are automatically extended by 60 days if this circular will apply.

“And yet, ABS-CBN was single-handedly prohibited from continuing to operate.

“My suggestion is that ABS-CBN should immediately challenge this abuse of discretion on the part of the NTC.”

And with that, ito po ang Kuya Pete ninyo na nagsasabing, Christopher, my son, I love you very, very much, my love for you goes beyond eternity.
Adios. Mabalos. I always need you, Nhong!

BANAT!
ni Pete Ampoloquio, Jr.