No reason for NTC to shut down ABS-CBN especially in times of COVID-19 -Albano

House legislative franchises panel vice-chair Tonypet Albano believes there is no reason for the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to shut down broadcast giant ABS-CBN, especially during the "perilous" coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

In a message to reporters on Monday, Albano reiterated that both houses of Congress have already requested NTC to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate pending the decision of the House to reject or grant the renewal of the TV network's franchise.

The current franchise of ABS-CBN is originally set to expire today, but NTC earlier said it would heed the advice of the Department of Justice and both houses of Congress

Albano pointed out that the House has the exclusive right and jurisdiction on legislative franchises, and the chamber used that same power in asking NTC to issue a provisional authority to ABS-CBN.

"Therefore, especially during this perilous crisis where media is key to help fight COVID-19, I see no reason for NTC to close down ABS-CBN. In fact, it is more important now than ever, for media like ABS-CBN who has a far reaching network, to be open during this pandemic," he said.

"ABS-CBN provides much needed information that government has been giving to reach everyone and keep us abreast on vital information that can spell the difference in saving lives and helping our country as we speak!" he added.

Albano renewed his call for NTC to issue a provisional authority to ABS-CBN as the House soon deliberate the merits of granting or cancelling the TV network's franchise.

In a separate message to reporters, Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr., a member of the House legislative franchises panel, said the committee was supposed to have a meeting on the ABS-CBN franchise, but it did not push through due to the lockdown.

Solicitor General Jose Calida on Sunday warned NTC commissioners that they could face graft charges if they would give ABS-CBN a provisional authority.

He cited a 2003 Supreme Court (SC) decision that he said "held invalid a 1991 DOJ opinion stating that the NTC may issue a permit or authorization without a legislative franchise."

Malacañang maintained that the NTC has the sole decision to allow ABS-CBN to continue operating when its franchise lapses.

House Speaker Alan Cayetano earlier said there is no intention to close down ABS-CBN amid the enhanced community quarantine due to COVID-19 and pending Congress’ decision.

“Walang intention na ipasara sila, o gamitin ang sitwasyon na ito para roon. That is why we have instructed the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) na dapat continued ang broadcast ng ABS-CBN,” he said.—AOL, GMA News