Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) — All telecommunications firms with expiring permits will get an automatic renewal valid up to two months after the Luzon-wide shutdown, the National Telecommunications Commission said.
The regulator issued Memorandum Order 01-03-2020 on March 16, saying that all broadcast and communications companies would have the authority to stay on air with their permits automatically renewed while the entire Luzon is placed under enhanced community quarantine due to the novel coronavirus.
“All subsisting permits, permits necessary to operate and maintain telecommunications facilities nationwide, shall automatically be renewed and shall continue to be valid sixty days after the end of the government-imposed quarantine period,” the NTC issuance read.
The order covers public telecommunication entities, internet service providers, and value-added service providers.
The agency added that any fees for the permit renewals should be paid online. If not, these will be collected within two months after the shutdown is lifted. It will not be charged with penalties.
The government has restricted movement and business operations in the entire Luzon, only allowing workers in critical industries like healthcare, food preparation, banks, groceries, and media to report to work while the rest were told to stay at home to contain the spread of COVID-19. Malls and offices have been shut, with the state appealing for work-from-home arrangements from March 17 until April 13.
There are no indications yet if the quarantine will be extended. TV network ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire May 4, with Congress far from approving a bill giving the Lopez-owned network another 25-year franchise.
READ: NTC to issue provisional authority to ABS-CBN pending franchise renewal bid
In the same memo, NTC added that the importation, sale, and transport of telecommunications equipment, devices, and spare parts will remain “unrestricted” during community quarantine. Industry personnel may also report to work for the unimpeded delivery of services, provided they present a company ID or supporting document to prove their mandate.
A subsequent memorandum issued March 18 extends the validity of all existing permits, certificates, and licenses issued by the NTC up to mid-June, which is two months after the April 13 expiry of the quarantine declaration.
“Receiving of applications for initial (new) issuance of abovementioned permits, certificates and licenses is temporarily suspended until further notice,” according to the order signed by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba.
