Gadon threatens to file charges if provisional authority granted to ABS-CBN

Lawyer and former senatorial candidate Larry Gadon has threatened to file charges against several government officials if the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) grants ABS-CBN Corporation and its affiliate a provisional authority to operate.

The ABS-CBN franchise lapsed on Monday, May 4.

According to a 24 Oras report by Victoria Tulad, Gadon warned that he would file charges against NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordova, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, and congressman Franz Alvarez if a provisional authority is granted.

“If NTC issues a provisional permit to operate to ABS-CBN, I am going to file a graft case… for giving undue benefit to ABS-CBN by way of issuing a provisional permit to operate without a valid congressional franchise,” he said in a statement.

Gadon earlier urged the Supreme Court to stop the NTC from granting ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate, arguing that it would be like extending their franchise.

Solicitor General Jose Calida likewise warned NTC executives that charges may be filed against them if they grant the authority to the broadcast company. 

On the other hand, the Department of Justice has maintained that there is a legal basis to allow ABS-CBN to operate pending its franchise renewal. 

Several senators also held the position that the NTC may issue the broadcast network a provisional authority to operate. 

The House earlier said it would find ways to deliberate on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal amid the coronavirus pandemic. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News