MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — Lawmakers have asked the committee on information and communication technology of the House of Representatives to investigate the alleged failure of some radio stations to promote original Pilipino music (OPM), in violation of Executive Order 255 that seeks to Filipinize the country's broadcast industry.

"There has been non-compliance by some radio stations with this EO 255, putting the local music industry at a disadvantage compared to the foreign music industry," said Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and brother, Abante Mindanao party-list Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, in filing House Resolution no 247.

"Even President Benigno S. Aquino III has observed this non-compliance by radio stations," the solons said, who defined OPM as any musical composition created by a Filipino, whether the lyrics are in Pilipino, English or in any other language or dialect.

The lawmakers urged the House panel to summon the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the broadcast, television and radio industry associations and the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) to shed light on the matter.

In pushing for the investigation, the lawmakers said EO 255, which was promulgated on July 25, 2987 during the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino, requires all radio stations with musical format programs to broadcast a minimum of four original Pilipino musical compositions in every clock hour.

"Whereas, the State is constitutionally mandated to conserve, promote and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations, and to give patronage to arts and letters," the EO said.

Under Section 2 of the EO, any franchise holder or operator of a radio station that fails to broadcast the minimum number of original Pilipino musical compositions in every clockhour of a program with a musical format shall be fined P100 per violation.

The NTC may, after due hearing, suspend or cancel the Certificate of Registration and authority to operate any radio station in the event of repeated violations, the EO provides.