The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas Negros Oriental chapter has officially lodged a complaint with the National Telecommunications Commission provincial office headed by Bill Peralta against frequency modulated (FM) radio stations operating illegally in the Province, in what appears to be “taking advantage of the election season”.
In their complaint, the local KBP chapter headed by Sherlyn Abella of DYRM-AM, said that if these radio stations remain unregulated, legitimate radio stations that have faithfully complied with the rules and guidelines would continue to be at a disadvantage, and deprived of their rights accorded by the government.
Based on their monitoring, radio stations that are operating illegally are also airing commercials and block time programs, to the prejudice of legitimate radio stations.
She said these FM stations in question are also not paying taxes to the government.
“It is of great concern that personnel and broadcasters in these radio stations may [even] lack the necessary training on media ethics and other regulations,” Abella said.
In Tuesday’s meeting with NTC Provincial Director Peralta, at least 14 FM radio stations all over the Province were mentioned as allegedly operating without Congressional franchises, probational authority to operate, nor a radio permit.
These include four FM stations in Tanjay City, namely, 98.3 FM, 103.8 FM, 101.9 FM, and 102.5 Connect FM; two in Bais City, namely, 104.7 DYAR Like Radio, and 88.9 Beat FM, of which Peralta said were issued a provisional authority.
Other radio stations which are the object of the complaint are 98.1 Muews Radio in Tayasan, 102.3 DYPW in Valencia, 90.5 Mabuhay Radio in Jimalalud, Radyo ni Juan in Siaton, and DYJL 94.7 FM in Guihulngan City.
DYRL Like Radio 90.5 FM in Dumaguete, and Magic FM in Bayawan City have a provisional authority to operate, according to Peralta.
The clampdown on radio stations operating illegally has started, even as reports have it that some of these stations are owned by politicians who are using dummies to take advantage of the airwaves during the election period.
Business permits or any other local permits issued to these radio stations are not enough; they have to secure legislative franchises as provided for under RA 3846, and must secure a provisional authority, the lifetime of which is 18 months, or a certificate of public convenience under Commonwealth Act 146 as amended, Peralta said.
Equipment of radio stations must also be licensed according to RA 3846.
However, Peralta admited that what NTC can do is to visit radio stations that are subjects of the complaint, and require them to stop operations unless they can secure the necessary papers.
If not, there are a lot of remedies under existing laws, one of which is to bring these radio stations to court; and KBP can do it, Peralta pointed out.
He added that it is unfortunate, however, that penalties for each violation is so low that illegally operating radio stations can simply afford to pay it.
Peralta said the penalty for violations, such as possession of illegally- purchased equipment, is only P2,000 as the law has not been amended since the 1950s. (PNA)
