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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte approves more broadcast, telco franchises

Duterte approves more broadcast, telco franchises

Published May 20, 2021 04:08 pm

President Duterte has approved the franchise bids of the University of the Philippines System, two other broadcast companies, and one telecommunication firm for 25 years.

President Rodrigo Duterte (File photo/Malacañang)

The four new franchise laws were signed by President Duterte on May 18 and released by the Palace Thursday, May 20.

Under Republic Act No. 11540, the President renewed the franchise granted to UP System "to construct, establish, maintain, and operate for educational and other related purposes radio and television broadcasting stations within the University of the Philippines and in other areas within the scope of its operations." The broadcast franchise will be in effect for 25 years from effectivity of the new law. It is deemed revoked if the grantee fails to operate continuously for two years.

RA 11541 granted Palawan Broadcasting Corporation a 25-year franchise to construct, install, operate and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the country.

Highland Broadcasting Network Corp. also secured a franchise to operate radio and television broadcasting stations in Mindanao under Republic Act No. 11542. The new franchise will be in effect for 25 years unless sooner revoked or canceled.

RA 11539 granted Instant Data, Inc. a 25-year franchise to build and operate telecommunication systems in the country. Its charges and rates for telco services will be subject to the approval of the NTC. It must also provide mobile number portability and its implementing mechanism

The franchise laws included provisions on prior approval of the National Telecommunications Commission in relation to permits and licenses, grantees' responsibilities to the public, terms of the franchise, and requirement to submit annual reports to Congress.

Earlier, the President signed the radio broadcasting franchise of the city government of Davao. The country's third major telco player, Dito Telecommunity Corp., also got its franchise renewed for 25 years.

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