DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The National Telecommunications Commission in Davao Region (NTC-11) said it has monitored the operations of illegal radio stations in the area, most are being utilized in the propaganda of some candidates in time with the campaign period for 2019 midterm elections.
It was in May last year that the NTC-11 disclosed to the public that there are additional five radio stations in the region from its existing list of 30 operating illegal stations.
Nelson Cañete, NTC-11 regional director told reporters during Monday’s press conference that due to the election, they have monitored the increase in the number of radio broadcast stations without a permit to operate and congressional franchise.
“These radio stations were mostly operational during election after politicians install its own radio station for the campaign, operating in houses or establishments yet it has no documents and illegal,” Caňete said.
The agency has already sent its recommendation to the national office for the closure of the existing illegal radio operations all over Davao region.
Cañete said no decision has been made yet to shut down the illegal radio stations.
In January last year, NTC-11 also monitored the operations of at least 10 illegal radio stations in Davao del Sur, five in Davao del Norte and the rest are in Davao Oriental and Compostella Valley province.
Two of these illegal stations have already received Cease and Desist orders respectively. They are situated in Matina Shrine Hills and Toril in Davao City.
To avoid the mushrooming of illegal radio stations, NTC-11 said it has submitted a proposal to allow it to issue permit to operate for those “small time” radio stations in the region.
Cañete admitted that most of the “small time” and “undocumented” radio stations existing in Davao region also served as one of the propaganda machineries of President Rodrigo Duterte during his campaign in 2016 elections.
Others are established by long-time broadcasters who are still eager to work in the broadcast industry yet it does not have a good relationship with its past companies.
“After the president won the election, he told the NTC to help these stations in facilitating their legality that’s why we sent him a proposal that would allow us to identify stations which will be given permit,” Caňete added.
Currently, Cañete said that more or less 40 illegal radio stations are operating in the region. These stations were subject of monitoring but due to election, the agency cannot impose closure. (davaotoday.com)
