Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 24)— Media giant ABS-CBN may have committed violations according to the complaint of the Office of the Solicitor General, but a senator suggested that imposing a penalty might be enough.
The National Telecommunications Commission said the alleged illegal operation of the network’s pay-per-view system would only cost ₱200 fine per violation based on the Public Service Act.
“Assuming there are any violations, pwedeng penalty lang. Ang Central Bank, kapag ang banko nagakmali, kadalasan penalty lang,…I don’t think that these warrants ay death penalty o capital punishment na papatayin natin yung kompanya,” said Senator Ralph Recto during the hearing on Monday.
[Translation: Assuming there are any violations, penalty is enough. Whenever a bank commits a mistake, the Central Bank usually sanctions only a penalty…I don’t think that these warrants are a death penalty or a capital punishment to kill the network.]
Solicitor General Jose Calida recently filed a petition before the Supreme Court against ABS-CBN, whose franchise is set to expire on May 4. The complaint also pointed out that the network continued operating its pay-per-view subscription Kapamilya Box Office even without the NTC’s approval.
For his part, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said upon consultation with the Department of Justice, a pay-per-view system is allowed under a network’s franchise.
“It is in our opinion that television broadcasters may be allowed to engage in conditional access system, more specifically to offer television pay per view services, provided that it does not amount to CATV service,” said Cordoba quoting DOJ’s opinion.
However, Cordoba said the NTC can’t proceed in writing the implementing rules and regulations on pay-per-view services because some broadcaster groups still need to clarify the said opinion of DOJ.
“In the meantime, gagawa na kami dapat ng implenting rules ang regulations. Pero may gusto pang i-clarify ang mga broadcasters dun sa opinion na binigay ng DOJ,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Bato Dela Rosa requested NTC to fast-track the guidelines.
“I would like to request NTC na bilisan niyo na yung guidelines niyo. Otherwise, kung walang guidelines prone to abuse,” said the senator.
[Translation: I would like to request the NTC to fast-track the guidelines. Otherwise, the service would be prone to abuse.]
