Radio network ignores NTC suspension order

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The management of Bombo Radyo Philippines Inc. has refused to heed the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend operations of 11 of its provincial radio stations.

The NTC ordered the indefinite closure of 11 Bombo Radyo radio stations last Feb. 13 after finding out that these broadcast facilities have been operating on expired congressional franchises.

The NTC, in the decision penned by Commissioner Eliseo Rio Jr. and concurred by Deputy Commissioners Kathleen Heceta and Armi Jane Borje, said the 11 radio stations were not able to secure provisional permits to operate in the absence of a congressional franchise.

All 11 stations are under the banner of Newsounds Broadcasting Network, one of the three networks owned by Bombo Radyo Philippines Inc.

Seven of the stations are in the AM band and are located in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Naga and Laoag and in the provinces of Camarines Norte, La Union and Isabela.

The rest are in the FM band and are based in the cities of Tacloban and Iligan, and in the provinces of South Cotabato and Cagayan.

The NTC said nine of the radio stations have been operating with expired valid permits as far back as 1997.

The NTC has scheduled another hearing on the case on March 12.

In a statement, Bombo Radyo said the radio stations will continue to broadcast even if the case is still pending with the NTC.

Bombo Radyo said it believes the NTC officials were pressured into issuing the suspension order by politicians who were subjects of unfavorable commentaries by the 11 radio stations.