House panel issues show cause order vs. NTC for ABS-CBN shutdown

The order, dated May 5, directs NTC officials to provide an explanation for its issuance of a closure order against the network despite its earlier commitment to provide a provisional authority allowing ABS-CBN to continue operations until such time that the Congress has made a decision on the network’s application. (File photo by Judgefloro/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

MANILA – The House Committee on Legislative Franchises has issued a show cause order against officials of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to explain why they should not be cited in contempt for directing media network ABS-CBN to cease its broadcast operations.

The order, dated May 5, directs NTC officials to provide an explanation for its issuance of a closure order against the network despite its earlier commitment to provide a provisional authority allowing ABS-CBN to continue operations until such time that the Congress has made a decision on the network’s application.

The show cause order was received by the NTC only on Monday. It was addressed to NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios, Deputy Commissioner Delilah Deles, and Legal Branch head Ella Blanca Lopez.

“The act of the NTC constitutes undue interference on and disobedience to the exercise of the power of the House of Representatives, and therefore, an affront to its dignity and an inexcusable disrespect of its authority,” the order read.

“Your failure to comply with this Order within the period prescribed will result in a finding against you for contempt of the House of Representatives and subject you to other actions that are within the powers of the House of Representatives to enforce,” it added.

The NTC, in its cease and desist order, ordered ABS-CBN to stop the operations of its television and radio stations after the broadcast firm’s legislative franchise expired on May 4, 2020.

ABS-CBN on Thursday urged SC to nullify and set aside the NTC’s order, claiming that the commission “gravely abused its discretion” when it issued a cease and desist order.

It also argued that NTC’s order “violates the right of the public to information and curtail freedom of speech, as well as cause serious and irreparable damage on ABS-CBN and thousands of its employees if its implementation is not halted.”