Ten franchise measures related to broadcasting, telecommunications, power, airport, and race track operations have lapsed into law after President Duterte did not act on these bills.
The new laws, recently posted on the Official Gazette, include the franchise renewal of six broadcasting stations, two power companies, one airport development firm, and one race track company.
A measure granting San Miguel Aerocity Inc. a franchise to construct, develop, establish, operate and maintain a domestic and international airport in Bulacan has also lapsed into law.
Republic Act No. 11506 also allowed the company to build and operate an adjacent airport city. The law also stated the responsibility of the franchise holder to the public, including conforming to ethics of honest enterprise, operating in line with sustainable development goals, and compliance with environmental and sustainability standards.
The new broadcasting franchise laws are the following:
- Republic Act No. 11503 renewing for another 25 years the franchise of Bayan Telecommunications Inc. to establish radio stations for domestic telecommunications, radiophone, broadcasting and telecasting;
- Republic Act No. 11516 renewing for 25 years the franchise granted to Negros Broadcasting and Publishing Corporation to operate radio and television stations in Visayas and Mindanao;
- Republic Act No. 11513 on the 25-year franchise renewal of Century Communications Marketing Center Inc. for the operations of its radio and television stations in the country;
- Republic Act No. 11512 renewing for 25 years the franchise of Caceres Broadcasting Corporation for its radio and television stations in Luzon;
- Republic Act No. 11508 amending the franchise granted to Philippine Collective Media Corporation to expand its operations to digital television in Eastern Visayas; and,
- Republic Act No. 11507 renewing for another 25 years the franchise of FBS Radio Network to operate radio and television stations in the Philippines
The two power companies, namely Tandag Electric and Telephone Company Inc. and Davao Light and Power Company Inc., also secured franchise renewals.
Under Republic Act No. 11514, Tandag Electric and Telephone Company Inc. can construct, establish, install, maintain and operate a local exchange network in Surigao del Sur for another 25 years.
Republic Act No. 11515 extended the operational franchise of Davao Light and Power Company Inc. in Davao City and municipalities of Carmen, Panabo, Dujali and Santo Tomas in Davao del Norte for 25 years.
Republic Act No. 11505 also renewed the franchise of Metro Manila Turf Club In. to operate a race track for horse racing in Caloocan City. The races will be under the supervision and regulation of the Philippine Racing Commission.