Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10925)
The franchise allows GMA Network, Inc. to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines, including digital television systems and the use of new technologies, for a period of 25 years.
The stations or facilities must be constructed and operated to cause minimum interference with other stations' wavelengths or frequencies, without diminishing the grantee's right to use its assigned frequencies or the quality of transmissions.
No. The grantee must secure the appropriate permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and cannot use any frequency without NTC authorization.
The grantee must provide free public service time equivalent to 10% of paid commercials for government use on important public issues and announcements, provide balanced programming, promote public participation, assist public information and education, conform to ethics, and avoid broadcasting obscene or false information.
The grantee and its successors must comply with applicable labor standards under existing labor laws and Department of Labor and Employment issuances, considering the peculiarities of the broadcast industry.
The President can temporarily take over, operate, suspend, or authorize government use of the grantee's stations during war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, or serious disturbance, with due compensation to the grantee.
The franchise shall be deemed ipso facto revoked if the grantee fails to operate continuously for two years.
The franchise becomes effective upon written acceptance by the grantee to Congress within 60 days from the Act's effectivity. Nonacceptance renders the franchise void.
No, the grantee cannot sell, lease, transfer, grant usufruct, or assign the franchise or controlling interest without prior approval of Congress. Any assignee will be subject to the same conditions.
No, the franchise is not exclusive and is subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by Congress when the public interest requires.