Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11300)
The franchise is extended for another twenty-five (25) years from the effectivity of Republic Act No. 11300.
The franchise authorizes the construction, installation, establishment, operation, and maintenance for commercial purposes and in the public interest, of radio and/or television broadcasting stations, including digital television systems, through microwave, satellite or other means, and the use of new technology in television and radio systems with necessary auxiliaries and facilities.
No, the stations or facilities must be operated in a manner that results in only minimum interference on the wavelengths or frequencies of existing or lawful stations without diminishing the grantee's own privilege to use its assigned wavelengths.
The grantee must secure the appropriate permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for the construction and operation of its stations or facilities and must obtain authorization from the NTC before using any frequency.
The grantee must provide free adequate public service time for government announcements, ensure sound and balanced programming, promote public participation and education, adhere to ethics, provide closed captioning, and avoid broadcasting obscene, indecent, false, or subversive content.
The President may temporarily take over and operate the stations during times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order, suspend operations for public safety, or authorize government use upon due compensation to the grantee.
The franchise shall be deemed ipso facto revoked.
No, any sale, lease, transfer, assignment, grant of usufruct, merger, or transfer of controlling interest requires prior approval of Congress, and failure to report such changes to Congress within sixty (60) days after completion results in automatic revocation of the franchise.
The grantee must offer at least thirty percent (30%) or a higher percentage as may be provided by law of its outstanding capital stock to Filipino citizens in any securities exchange within five (5) years from the commencement of operations.
A fine of Five hundred pesos (P500.00) per working day of noncompliance will be imposed, collected by the NTC, and remitted to the National Treasury.