Senator Grace Poe on Thursday called on broadcast companies applying for franchises to help in implementing distance learning for students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
(FACEBOOK / FILE PHOTO)
"We must provide all the necessary support to our students, especially those whose only dependable access to learning is through the broadcast media at this time of pandemic," Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said in a statement on March 11.
"Ibuhos natin lahat ng ating magagawa lalo na para sa ating mga mahihirap na mag-aaral upang sila ay matuto at hindi mapag-iwanan sa gitna ng kanilang kalagayan (We should do all that we can especially for poor students so that they will still learn and not be left behind due to their situation)," she added.
On Wednesday, March 10, the Senate public services panel discussed the franchise bills for 13 broadcast firms and institutions. It is set to recommend to the plenary the approval of the renewal of the broadcast franchises that had no issues with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Before the endorsement, the franchise applicants were asked to first submit to the committee documents proving that they were able to satisfactorily carry out their mandate, as well as clearances from the NTC, SEC, and the BIR to ensure that they have complied with the requirements to be deemed worthy of the franchise.
"The grant of a franchise is not a right, but a privilege. New franchise applicants must establish that there is a public need for the service they propose to deliver and the means to adequately provide it. To those for renewal, treat the franchise not only as a privilege but also as a checklist of your obligations and commitments to the public," Poe said.
One of those seeking a new broadcast franchise was the City Government of Davao. The Davao City Radio Broadcasting Station had been operating since February, 2020, focusing mainly on preparing communities for disasters such as floods and others.
The University of the Philippines (UP) is also seeking a renewed franchise for its broadcast station, which was first given a franchise in 1995.
Other franchise applicants also include: Rolin Broadcasting Enterprises Inc., Blockbuster Broadcasting System Inc., Tagbilaran Broadcasting System Inc., Servotron Industries Inc., Christian Music Power Inc., Allied Broadcasting Center Inc., Palawan Broadcasting Corp., St. Jude Thaddeus Institute of Technology Inc., Good News Sorsogon Foundation Inc., Baycomms Broadcasting Corp. and Highland Broadcasting Network.