Zambo mayor orders closure of radio, TV stations; audit of media outlets

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Maria Isabel Salazar has closed a radio and television company in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines and also ordered an audit of all local radio and television outfits here.

E-Media Productions, which operates a radio and television stations the past 4 years, was served with a temporary closure order on Monday afternoon for allegedly failing to comply with some legal requirements and documents for it operate.

Rey Bayoging, CEO and President of E-Media Productions, said all they were asking Salazar was a little time to get the requirements from various government agencies, although they have copies of other legal documents, including business permits, necessary for them to operate.

He said only the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has authority over them and not the local government. “What we are asking is just a little time to get the other documents Salazar is demanding from us,” he said, adding, they had rejected the closure order. “We will abide if NTC tells us to stop broadcasting.”

E-Media Productions is the content provider for WestWind broadcasting network based in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, an association of radio and television broadcasters in the country, also appealed to Salazar, but failed to convince her to extend the period that E-Media Productions was asking from the politician to comply with the requirements.  Managers and representatives of local media also appealed to Salazar. The closure drew sympathy and protests from many followers. 

Salazar even reminded businessmen to properly comply with requirements for operating business in Zamboanga City and avoid inconveniences. Citing, Section 6.2 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Department of Trade and Industry Joint Memorandum Circular 01, Series 2016, Salazar said all business permit applicants are mandated to comply with national laws and regulatory requirements.

“Among the legal essentials are proof of business registration, business capitalization, occupancy permit, contract of lease and barangay clearance among others. For other industries, such as media - a business permit can only be obtained if the said outfit has complied with statutory requirements specifically the legislative or congressional franchise to operate,” she said.

“Based on records, a number of business establishments are not compliant with requirements under the law and are facing sanctions. Under the Local Government Code, the Chief Executive is empowered to impose penalties on violators of the law. This, based on Section 16 of Republic Act 7160 or Local Government Code which states that every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare,” Salazar explained.

Local newspapers were not spared from Salazar’s scrutiny and she ordered the City Treasurer under Romelita Candido to also conduct an audit and examine books of accounts and other pertinent records to verify and assess, and collect true amount of taxes, fees and charges from January to December 2016.

It was the first time such audit of the media outlets has been ordered by the local government. Media executives said they will comply with Salazar’s order. Many establishments have sprouted in Zamboanga City, but many of them also had no business permits. Many restaurants also do not issue official receipts. (Mindanao Examiner)

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