The FICTAP Partylist headed by ABS-CBN franchise opposer Neng Tamano is set to be delisted by the COMELEC.
In a statement Monday, February 8, COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez said the commission is considering removing 39 party-list groups which include Tamano’s FICTAP pursuant to Section 2, Rule 3 of Resolution 9366, in relation to RA 7941 or the Party-List System Act.
According to the rule, Comelec can remove or cancel the registration of any party-list group, organization, or coalition for failing to participate in the last two preceding elections, or failing to obtain at least 2% of votes cast under the party-list system in the last two preceding elections.
“We are notifying the following party list organizations that their respective registrations are being considered for removal or cancellation by the Commission,” said COMELEC.
It can be remembered that Tamano was one of the fiercest critics of the ABS-CBN franchise renewal.
She was one of the loudest voices who opposed the Kapamilya network renewal for alleged violation of their franchise.
Tamano claimed that ABS-CBN violated provisions of its franchise by offering several channels on its TV Plus.
She then became famous with her interview in GMA Network’s 24 Oras were said that ABS-CBN shouldn’t have sold TV Plus and introduced several channels because a broadcast franchise is for one franchise one channel only.
According to her, it was a clear violation of their franchise because the frequency given to them should be free to air.
The interview went viral on social media which was eventually used and abused by ABS-CBN critics to bolster their campaign against the network’s franchise renewal.
Several media and electronics and communications experts meanwhile debunked Tamano’s claim saying she was wrong in her view about channels and frequencies.
Ronald Manlapig of the Philippine Cable Television Association Inc. (PCTA), said there’s no need for separate franchises per channel.
“Hindi natin kailangan magkaroon ng separate franchise bawat channel,” he told ANC.
“Yung analog natin right now na gagawing digital, yung frequency nun magkakaron ng several channels,” he added.
“It would be technical. Ang isang analog channel na six MHz can create six channels depending dun sa tinatawag na digital compression whether standard or high definition and gagamitin ng broadcaster,” Manalapig continued.
