MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government’s top lawyer on Sunday warned the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against granting ABS-CBN provisional authority to operate while the approval of its franchise is pending in Congress. Solicitor General Jose Calida’s statement opposing the granting of provisional authority to the country’s biggest media network comes as the country celebrates World Press Freedom Day. ADVERTISEMENTIn a statement, Calida said the NTC could not grant provisional authorities (PAs) to ABS-CBN Corporation and its affiliate, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. because it must first secure a franchise from Congress. The Senate adopted a similar resolution urging the NTC to grant ABS-CBN provisional authority to continue its operations as its franchise approval remains pending. Pending approval of its CPC, however, it can apply for a provisional authority (PA) so it can start operating during the interim, he said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 03, 2020 09:11 UTC