House probe on sale of RPN-9, IBC-13 sought

MANILA, Philippines - The House committee on labor and employment was urged Wednesday to look into the impending privatization of sequestered broadcast networks IBC-13 and RPN-9.

In a resolution, Akbayan Representatives Walden Bello and Kaka Bag-ao said the inquiry should focus on what would happen to the employees of the two networks.

They said the employees, represented by four unions, have not been told what would happen to them and their benefits if privatization pushes through.

“The unions have not been satisfactorily apprised by their respective managements as to what will happen to their unpaid benefits and job security,” they said.

The two said workers of the sequestered TV stations “are still waiting to be paid some of the benefits stipulated in the existing collective bargaining agreements and applicable labor laws.”

“In case of the disposition of the two broadcasting firms, the unions are gravely concerned on the retention of employment of affected workers, retirement/separation package, manner of payment of separation or retirement benefits, and recognition of the unions by the potential new owners,” they added.

Presidential Communications and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma had announced that the Aquino administration would push through with the long-delayed sale of the two networks, which the government of the late President Corazon Aquino sequestered.

He said the government is not in the broadcasting business.

Despite the privatization plan, Malacanang has appointed the respective boards of directors of the two networks.

Post-martial law administrations have tried but failed to privatize the sequestered stations.

If the Aquino administration succeeds in selling them, the government would be left with only one TV network – the state-owned NBN-4, formerly PTV-4, and several radio stations run by a bureau under Coloma’s office.