NTC orders KBP to prohibit the airing of Shanti Dope’s ‘Amatz’

Mitzi Santos

June 18, 2019

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  Photo credit: FHM Philippines

  The National Telecommunications Commissions ordered Kapisanan ng Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and its member radio and television stations to prohibit the airing of Shanti Dope’s “Amatz” according to CNN Philippines.

  NTC said in an order dated June 7 that the directive was in line with the government’s war against illegal drugs. “Together with the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency), the Commission strongly supports President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs and as part of our commitment to this administration’s crusade, the KBP is hereby directed to enforce compliance with Article 15, Section 4 of the Broadcast Code regarding the song “Amatz” by Shanti Dope in all its member radio and TV stations,” the document read.

  The commission claims that they recognize the “freedom of expression” of the artist but is not absolute if it to contravenes public interest, public order, public safety and welfare of the children and the youth.

  Meanwhile, the anti-drug agency PDEA, admires the directive of NTC saying, “PDEA pushes for the banning of the song “Amatz”, for its double meaning. The song, as a whole, seemingly enjoins the public that recreational use of illegal drugs like marijuana and shabu is harmless.”

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