Palace respects recall of TV, radio frequencies assigned to ABS-CBN

Malacañang on Friday said it respects the decision of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to recall the television and radio frequencies assigned to ABS-CBN Corp.

“We respect the NTC’s decision as a quasi-judicial body,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a text message.

The NTC said on Thursday that ABS-CBN's lack of legislative franchise to continue operating television and radio broadcasting stations nationwide prompted it to take back frequencies. ABS-CBN’s bid for a fresh 25-year broadcast franchise was junked by Congress in July.

Following the denial, the company implemented cost control measures, including a retrenchment program, and shifted its focus to businesses that do not require a legislative franchise.

These include international licensing and distribution, digital and cable businesses, as well continued syndication of content through various streaming services.

House Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte earlier proposed that the government temporarily use ABS-CBN’s television and radio frequencies for distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABS-CBN then offered its transmission network and educational programs for distance learning, a move welcomed by Malacañang.—AOL, GMA News