KBP-Negros Oriental files plaint against ‘illegal’ FM stations

CEBU, Philippines – The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas-Negros Oriental chapter had officially lodged a complaint with the National Telecommunications Commission provincial office against Frequency Modulated (FM) radio stations allegedly operating illegally in the province.

In its complaint, the KBP local chapter, headed by Sherlyn Abella of DyRM-AM, said that if this matter remains unregulated, the legitimate radio stations, which complied with the rules and guidelines, would continue to be at a disadvantage and deprived of their rights accorded by the government.

Based on KBP monitoring, the “illegal” radio stations have been airing commercials and block-time programs to the prejudice of legitimate radio stations, besides not paying taxes to the government.

The KBP was also concerned that personnel and broadcasters of these “illegal” radio stations may lack the necessary trainings on media ethics and other regulations.

In yesterday’s meeting with NTC provincial director Bill Peralta, the KBP disclosed that at least 14 FM radio stations in the province were mentioned as allegedly operating without congressional franchises, provisional authority to operate, and a radio permit.

Four of these FM stations are in Tanjay City, namely: 98.3 FM; 103.8 FM; 101.9 FM; and 102.5 “Connect” FM.

Other radio stations being complained of are: 98.1 Radio in Tayasan town; 102.3 dyPW in Valencia; 90.5 Mabuhay Radio in Jimalalud; Radyo ni Juan in Siaton; and dyJL 94.7 FM in Guihulngan City.

Peralta, however, said that two others in Bais City, which were earlier subjects to the complaint—104.7 DyAR “Like Radio,” and 88.9 “Beat FM”—were already issued provisional authority to operate.

The same authority was also issued to dyRL “Like Radio” 90.5 FM in Dumaguete City and Magic FM in Bayawan City, Peralta said.

The clampdown on radio stations operating illegally have started even as reports have it that some of these are owned by politicians, who are using dummies to take advantage of the media mileage during the election period.

According to Peralta, business permits or any other local permits issued to these radio stations are not enough, and they have to secure legislative franchises, as required by law.

Under Republic Act 3846, these stations must also secure a provisional authority (18-month period) or certificate of public convenience, and get a license for their equipment, he said.

Peralta admitted that what the NTC can do for now would be to visit these radio stations, being complained of, and require them to stop operations until they can secure the necessary papers.

If they would not comply, the KBP can elevate the case to court against them, said Peralta, although he was dismayed of the amount of penalty imposed against violating radio stations, because the law has not been amended since the 1950s.

Peralta added that for every violation, such as illegal purchase and possession of equipment, is only P2,000, an amount that an erring station can afford to pay. (FREEMAN)