ABS-CBN bucks FICTAP’s claims on franchise renewal

ABS-CBN Corp. on Thursday belied the claims made by the Federation of International Cable TV Associates of the Philippines (FICTAP) on the renewal of their legislative franchise.

In an interview on 24 Oras on Tuesday, FICTAP president Estrellita Juliano-Tamano made several accusations against the broadcast network and alleged that they were “killing” the cable television industry. 

ABS-CBN, which was shuttered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Tuesday following the lapse of their franchise on May 4, denied the allegations made by Tamano. 

The broadcast network clarified that they recalled their franchise application in 2016 due to a lack of time after Congress sat on it for two years, contrary to Tamano’s claim that it was rejected by lawmakers in 2014 because of FICTAP’s opposition.

The network also rejected Tamano’s comment that ABS-CBN did nothing between 2015 and 2019 to have its franchise renewed.

“Ang katotohanan: Ang Kongreso, hindi ang ABS-CBN, ang nagdedesisyon kung anong mga prangkisa ang pag-aaralan nila,” the company said in a statement.

ABS-CBN also refuted Tamano’s claim that one franchise is only equivalent to one channel.

“Walang nakasaad sa kahit anong bersyon ng franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN na limitado lang ito sa isang channel o isang frequency,” they said.

“Dahil sa teknolohiya, maaaring mag-broadcast ng maraming channels sa isang frequency. Maaaring tingin ng iba na isang banta sa kanilang negosyo ang pag-ere namin ng maraming channels,” the company added, stressing that a variety of channels encourages healthy competition among media companies.

The broadcast network also belied the claim that they charged viewers P2,500 for the Pacquiao-Mayweather pay-per-view fight in violation of NTC rules.

“Naglabas lang ng kautusan ang NTC pagkatapos mabenta ng ABS-CBN ang laban.  Mas maraming nakapanood ng laban sa TV dahil may mga lugar na hindi naabot ng FICTAP. Ang panalo dito ay ang mga manonood,” they said.

ABS-CBN also echoed an earlier statement made by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that their pay-per-view service Kapamilya Box Office is not a violation of their franchise.

The company maintained that it has not violated the law. 

The Bureau of Internal Revenue and Securities and Exchange Commission likewise confirmed that ABS-CBN has not made any violations. 

ABS-CBN earlier asked the Supreme Court to junk the NTC’s cease and desist order against them. —LDF, GMA News