Marcoleta upholds NTC’s jurisdiction over reported ABS-CBN, TV5 ‘merger’ deal
IN a congressional inquiry called by the House Committees on Legislative Franchises, jointly with the Trade and Industry, SAGIP Party-List Representative Rodante Marcoleta on Wednesday expressed his support to the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) Memorandum Order (MO) No. 003-06-2022, which ultimately restricts franchisees from transacting with “errant” parties.
Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba explained that under NTC MO No. 003-06-2022, commercial transactions like the reported ABS-CBN and TV5 “merger” deal fall within the mandate and jurisdiction of the NTC.
Moreover, in order to get the approval of the NTC, ABS-CBN and TV5 will be required to submit clearances of “no outstanding obligation” from relevant government agencies, national and local government units.
Before the hearing, ABS-CBN and TV5 issued statements stating that they have agreed to a pause in their closing preparations to give space for both media organizations to address issues which have been raised by certain legislators.
“Ang sinasabi natin dito, kinakailangan ba payagan natin sila kaagad na makasakay sa ibang prangkisa ng hindi po nase-settle etong napakaraming mga sagutin na ito at obligation na taong bayan na po ang nakakaalam noong tayo po ay nagkaroon ng malawakang public hearing dito,” Marcoleta said in his privilege speech.
In 2020, Marcoleta became a key figure in the non-issuance of an ABS-CBN franchise over alleged numerous violations.
