Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7618)
The Christian Era Broadcasting Service, Incorporated is granted the franchise under Republic Act No. 7618.
The stations can be operated for religious, noncommercial, and nonprofit purposes.
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 shall be deemed ipso facto revoked if the grantee fails to operate continuously for two (2) years.
The National Telecommunications Commission must approve and issue the appropriate permits and licenses.
The grantee must not broadcast obscene and indecent language, disseminate deliberately false information or willful misrepresentation detrimental to public interest, or incite, encourage, or assist in subversive or treasonable acts.
In times of rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order, the President may temporarily take over and operate the stations.
No, the franchise is not exclusive and may be amended, altered, or repealed by Congress when public interest requires.
Yes, the grantee is exempt from prepayment of taxes, customs, duties, and similar charges on importation of equipment, spare parts, and supplies actually, directly, and exclusively used in radio broadcast or telecast operations, subject to conditions and certification by the National Telecommunications Commission.
No, the grantee cannot lease, transfer, grant usufruct, sell, or assign the franchise or rights without prior approval of Congress.
The grantee must construct, complete, and operate a television or radio station within four years from the date of acceptance in writing of the franchise.
The grantee must provide reasonable public service time for government use on important public issues, ensure sound and balanced programming, promote community participation, assist in public information and education, and conform to ethical standards.
The grantee must not engage in prior censorship but must cut off broadcasts if the content tends to incite treason, rebellion, sedition, or contains indecent or immoral language or themes.
The grantee shall hold the national and local governments harmless from all claims or actions arising from accidents or injuries caused by the construction or operation of its stations.
The grantee must submit an annual report to Congress within sixty days from the end of every year detailing compliance with franchise terms and its operations.