Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 191)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 191 is to abolish the Mass Media Council created under Presidential Decree No. 36 and to create in its stead the Media Advisory Council, with rules and regulations to enable this new body to discharge its functions effectively in regulating mass media operations.
The Media Advisory Council is headed by the President of the National Press Club as chairman, with a recognized civic leader appointed by the President of the Philippines as co-chairman.
The council includes representatives from the Manila Overseas Press Club, print media, radio, television, and other members designated by the President of the Philippines.
No newspaper, magazine, periodical, publication, radio, television, telecommunications facility, station, or network may operate without first obtaining a Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Media Advisory Council, which must also be approved by the President of the Philippines.
The Certificate of Authority is valid for six (6) months and is renewable every six months unless terminated earlier.
Yes, any publication existing at the time of this decree with a valid Certificate of Authority may continue to operate until the expiration of its existing permit.
It assumes the functions and prerogatives of the defunct Philippine Press Council and the Press Consultatives Panel as constituted on October 4, 1972, insofar as these relate to and conform with the decree's requirements.
Yes, the council is authorized to promulgate rules, regulations, and guidelines necessary for the operation of the mass media and to provide sanctions for infractions, subject to the approval of the President.
The Media Advisory Council is authorized to set up a secretariat to perform functions and duties as entrusted by the council.
The council must submit a monthly report to the President of the Philippines on actions taken and recommendations proposed concerning matters affecting the operation of mass media.