The city government of Davao has been given a franchise to operate radio stations in the city for 25 years based on a new law signed by President Duterte.
Republic Act No. 11538 grants the Davao City government a franchise "to construct, install, operate, and maintain radio broadcasting stations" in the President's home city for "commercial purposes and in the public interest."
Under the law, the franchise holder must secure permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission for the construction and operation of its stations or facilities. The commission can revoke or suspend the permits or licenses if there is a violation of the provisions of the franchise.
"The grantee shall reach the pertinent populations or portions thereof on important public issues and relay important public announcements and warnings concerning public emergencies and calamities, as necessity, urgency or law may require," the law read.
It must also provide at all times sound and balanced programming, promote public participation, assist in public information and education, conform to ethics of honest enterprise, promote audience sensibility and empowerment. The facilities must not be used for broadcasting absence or indecent language or scene and dissemination of false information to the detriment of the public, or to incite or assist subversive or treasonable acts.
The law also included provisions on self-regulation, warranty in favor of the national and local governments, and commitment to provide employment opportunities.
"The radio spectrum is a finite resource that is part of the national patrimony, and the use thereof is a privilege conferred upon the grantee by the State that may be withdrawn any time after due process," the law read.
The franchise will be in effect for 25 years from the date of effectivity of the law unless sooner canceled. The franchise is considered revoked if the grantee fails to commence operations within three years from approval of NTC permit or within five years from effectivity of the law, or fails to operate continuously for two years.
The law, signed by the President on May 18, takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper.