National Telecommunications Commission 11 (NTC 11) Regional Director Nelson Cañete reported that there are 50 broadcast stations illegally operating in Davao Region, some have already been shut down.
Cañete said the number of ‘colorum’ radio stations increased during the May 2022 elections.
“Daghan nag operate illegal na radio stations in Davao Region. Nagpasira mi (radio station) sa Carmen (Davao del Norte), Mati City, Tagum City, Digos City nagpasira mi pero nagkadaghan sila gihapon specially katong panahon sa election kay halos tanan kandidato nagtukod ug iyahang “community radio stations” para i-advance ang iyahang candidacy. Katong uban na wala nakadaug nanirado na karon ug katong gigrasyahan nga nakadaug nanirado gihapon,” he said.
He said the problem of NTC 11 is that broadcast operation is highly centralized and the only role of the NTC regional office is to inspect radio stations and recommend show-cause or issue cease and desist order (CDO) because at the end of the day its the NTC central office which will decide.
“Mag sirado mi ug isa mag open ug lima. Murag cat and mouse ang mahitabo. Magpasirado mi sa isa ka area ug lima kay test broadcast ra kuno, unya kung maka hearing sila na padulong mi, mawala,” he said.
It is expected that these radio stations that were shut down will operate again in December this year in time for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay elections.
“Ang mahitabo kami sa regional office nga naa ra mi 26 kabuok tao in serving the whole region. Dili lalim. May mga areas na bukid na pero may radio stations. I-greet pa ka. Ngano ni? Tungod kay ang mga gamit sa broadcast mapalit ra nimo online,” Cañete said.
NTC 11 is asking for the help of the local government units (LGUs) by not issuing business permits to broadcast operations without certification from NTC 11.
