Provincial Board to meddle in Misortel snag

THE Provincial Board (PB) of Misamis Oriental will conduct an investigation on the expired franchise of the government-run Misamis Oriental Telephone system (Misortel).

Vice Governor Norris Babiera said the PB would take action on the problem as he even plans to author a resolution for the purpose.

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However, Babiera said he would first bring the matter to the Misortel board and let the board pass a resolution requesting the help of the PB.

“Before PB can act, Misortel’s board of directors should first pass a resolution,” Babiera said.

The plan to investigate came after Board Member Heckert Emano proposed that the PB should conduct an inquiry about the problem of Misortel during Monday’s regular session.

The proposal came in reaction to reports that Misortel is now operating with an expired franchise and has been imposed a daily penalty of P200 by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Teodoro D. Buenavista, regional director of NTC in Northern Mindanao, earlier said Misortel’s permit had expired in November 2008 and is set to pay the total penalty of around P130,000.

Buenavista said the amount is still counting since Congress has not yet included Misortel’s pending renewal application during a deliberation at the Lower House recently.

He said Misortel has violated some of the provisions of the Commonwealth Act 146 or the Public Service Act, one of which is operating without the necessary permits.

“Under such law, Misortel can avail of the cheaper penalty, which is considered huge during those years (1940s),” Buenavista earlier said.

He said whether Congress approve or deny the renewal application of Misortel, it still needs to pay the NTC-Northern Mindanao, through the national treasury, the accumulated penalty until the date the application is denied or approved.

Buenavista added it is now up to Congress to identify more provisions under the law that Misortel has violated. (Annabelle L. Ricalde)