Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8742)
Premiere Mass Media, Inc. is granted the franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television stations in the City of Tagbilaran, Province of Bohol.
The franchise is granted for a term of twenty-five (25) years from the date of effectivity of the Act, unless sooner revoked or cancelled.
The franchise may be revoked if the grantee fails to commence operations within one (1) year from permit approval, operate continuously for two (2) years, or commence operations within three (3) years from the effectivity of the Act.
The National Telecommunications Commission must approve and issue the appropriate permits and licenses.
The President may temporarily take over and operate the stations in times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order, or suspend operations for public safety and welfare.
The grantee must provide adequate public service time, sound and balanced programming, assist in public information and education, and not broadcast obscene, indecent, or deliberately false information.
No, the grantee shall not require previous censorship, but must cut off broadcasts inciting treason, rebellion, sedition, or featuring indecent or immoral language or themes.
The franchise and rights cannot be leased, transferred, sold, assigned, or merged without prior approval of Congress, and any transferee is subject to the same conditions.
At least 30% of outstanding capital stock must be offered in a Philippine securities exchange within five (5) years after becoming a national broadcasting network (operating three or more stations).
The grantee must pay taxes on real estate, buildings, personal property, value added tax on gross receipts, and income taxes under the National Internal Revenue Code.
The bond shall be forfeited in favor of the government, and the franchise is ipso facto revoked.
No, the franchise is nonexclusive and may be amended, altered, or repealed by Congress when the public interest so requires.
The grantee must submit an annual report on compliance with franchise terms and operations to Congress within sixty (60) days from the end of each year.