A PROPOSED measure recommending the temporary use of ABS-CBN’s former television and radio frequencies for alternative distance learning has been filed at the House of Representatives.

Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte filed the proposed House Resolution no.1044 on Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

“Exhausting all possible delivery modes such as the use of untapped television and radio frequencies as those vacated by ABS-CBN is important in keeping students engaged,” the proposed measure read.

Citing a World Bank report, Villafuerte said the pandemic "is causing more than 1.6 billion children and youth to be out of school in 161 countries or around 80 percent of the world's students."

“The Philippines is among the countries experiencing a learning crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Villafuerte said.

“Inequality and inaccessibility of opportunities such as those pertaining to internet connectivity and possession of a laptop pose a variety of challenges for teachers and learners,” he said.

Villafuerte added that the unused frequencies may also be used for information on Covid-19 prevention and control, and risk reduction and preparedness.

VIllafuerte was among the 70 lawmakers who voted in favor of a resolution rejecting the franchise application of ABS-CBN on July 10. (Jove Moya/SunStar Philippines)