QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10390)
Republic Act No. 10390 is titled “An Act Revitalizing the People’s Television Network, Incorporated” and it amends Republic Act No. 7306, the law providing for the establishment of the People’s Television Network, Inc.
It cites the Constitutional recognition of the vital role of communication and information in nation-building, and the important aspect played by the broadcasting industry, emphasizing freedom of speech and of the press and the developmental role of broadcasting.
Examples include: (a) fully developing communication structures respecting freedom of speech/press; (b) prioritizing education, science/tech, arts/culture/sports to foster patriotism and total human development; (c) developing broadcasting for Filipino nationalism, culture, values, and sovereignty/identity; (e) maintaining a broadcast system free from political/partisan influence and accountable to the people; and (f) encouraging balanced programs such as educational, wholesome entertainment, public affairs, and sports.
It must have its principal office and domicile in the Metropolitan Manila area.
The President, upon the recommendation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its agencies, particularly the Land Management Bureau and NAMRIA, shall identify and appropriate such lands.
It must be subject to approval of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas upon recommendation of the Department of Finance, and subject to other pertinent laws governing public debt and expenditure.
It must provide subsidized airtime to legitimate people’s organizations and non-government organizations (NGOs) for the promotion of their programs and projects.
The Board has five (5) members appointed by the President from a shortlist prepared by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG). Composition: two from the government sector, two from the private sector (with one having at least ten years of broadcast industry experience), and one from the educational sector.
The Board prepares, within 60 days of appointment, a list of recommended nominees for Advisory Council members, submitted to the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) for consideration and approval. The Advisory Council proposes/recommends policies for Board approval.
It has seven (7) members; nominees serve a fixed term of one (1) year. They render voluntary service—no honoraria, allowances, or other personnel benefits.
Each director serves a one-year term subject to reappointment by the President, and the Board meets at least twice a month to discuss matters of policy.
The Board elects a Network General Manager who is also the Chief Operating Officer responsible for administration and management consistent with Board policies; he may be removed by the Board for cause.
The Board must set up a Code of Standards covering areas such as presentations of news, public affairs programs, public service, educational programs, children’s programs, agriculture and livelihood, women and youth issues, locally- and foreign-produced programs, trade/service/manufacturing programs, and programs that inspire nationalism.
Blocktimers are allowed but limited to education, sports, tourism, quality entertainment programs, and programs promoting public interest, subject to quality standards set by the Board of Directors.
The Network assumes solidary liability with each individual producer for the content of all programs shown by blocktimers.
Authorized capital stock is P6,000,000,000 divided into six million (6,000,000) shares with par value of P1,000 per share, subscribed in full by the government.
P2,000,000,000 is taken from proceeds of privatization of RPN 9 and IBC 13; the remaining P3,000,000,000 is appropriated under the General Appropriations Act.
Section 19-A provides for possible adjustment by the President of the percentage of the Network’s annual net earnings remitted to the National Treasury, subject to recommendation of the Secretary of Finance, with remaining unremitted net earnings used solely for operations and capital expenditures. Section 21-A exempts gifts/donations of real and personal properties to the Network from donor’s tax and treats them as allowable deductions from the donor’s gross income, provided the donation is used exclusively for production of educational, cultural, and historical films and documentaries.
Hiring, appointment, employment, promotion, disciplinary control, and other terms must follow Civil Service law/rules; creative and artistic positions may be exempt from qualification standards and civil service eligibility requirements. Salary scale for officials and employees must follow a compensation and position classification system developed by the GCG under RA 10149, subject to approval of the President.