Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8124)
The Audiovisual Communicators, Inc., its successors or assigns, is granted the franchise.
The grantee is allowed to construct, install, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations with corresponding auxiliary, special broadcast, and other program and distribution services and relay stations in the Philippines.
The franchise is granted for a term of twenty-five (25) years from the date of approval of the Act unless sooner revoked or cancelled.
If the grantee fails to operate continuously for two (2) years, the franchise shall be deemed ipso facto revoked.
The grantee must secure appropriate permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
The President may temporarily take over and operate the stations, suspend operations, or authorize government use of the stations during times of rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order, with due compensation to the grantee.
The grantee is liable to pay the same taxes on their real estate, buildings, and personal property as other persons or corporations, plus a franchise tax equivalent to three percent (3%) of all gross receipts of the radio/television business transacted under this franchise, and income taxes as provided by law.
No, the grantee shall not require any previous censorship, but must cut off any broadcast or telecast that incites treason, rebellion, sedition, or contains indecent or immoral language or themes.
The grantee is required to provide adequate public service time for government information, provide sound and balanced programming, promote public participation, assist in public information and education functions, conform to honest enterprise ethics, and avoid broadcasting obscene, indecent, or false information that may harm public interest.
No, the franchise or rights thereunder cannot be leased, transferred, sold, or assigned without prior approval of the Congress of the Philippines.