DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The National Telecommunications Commission in Region 11 has recommended that 30 radio stations in Davao region stop operations and show cause for lack of permits and violations of regulations.
NTC 11 director Nelson Cañete said the recommendations for the issuance of cease and desist orders, which have been submitted to the agency’s head office, was the result of their ocular inspection of radio stations in Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Compostela Valley provinces.
Not yet included are two radio stations in Matina and Toril districts in Davao City that supposedly use bamboo poles for their transmitters and are still subject to further investigation.
“We have not yet inspected these stations, but even if they have papers, knowing that their tower transmitters are made of bamboo pole, I will recommend show (a) cause or cease and desist order,” Cañete said.
Cañete said illegal stations usually use portable transmitters that are reportedly manufactured at home.
He warned that “this year will be harsh for the broadcast (industry),” adding that he had not yet included TV and cable stations.
Starting this year, he said operating radio, television, and cable stations will need NTC certifications when renewing business permits with the local government units, Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
This, he said, would allow these agencies to top broadcast firms that violate the rules.
