Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8168)
The Filipinas Broadcasting Network, Inc. (FBNI) is granted the franchise under Republic Act No. 8168.
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 franchise allows FBNI to construct, install, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations and related facilities, including technological auxiliaries, special broadcast and distribution services, relay stations, and private-use radio communication facilities.
The grantee must secure the appropriate permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) before using any frequency.
The grantee must provide adequate public service time, offer sound and balanced programming, assist in public information and education, conform to honest enterprise ethics, and avoid broadcasting obscene, indecent language, or false information to the detriment of the public interest.
The President may temporarily take over and operate the grantee's stations during times of rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, or disturbance of peace and order, subject to due compensation.
The grantee is liable for paying taxes on real estate, buildings, and personal property, as well as a franchise tax of three percent (3%) on all gross receipts from the radio/television business, in addition to income taxes under the National Internal Revenue Code.
No, the grantee shall not require previous censorship; however, the grantee must cut off any broadcast that incites treason, rebellion, sedition, or uses indecent or immoral language.
No, transfer, sale, lease, usufruct, or assignment of the franchise or controlling interest requires prior approval of the Congress of the Philippines.
If any provision is held invalid, all other provisions not affected shall remain valid and effective.
Yes, the franchise is subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by Congress when the public interest requires it and is not an exclusive grant.
Willful failure to cut off speeches or scenes inciting treason, rebellion, sedition, or containing indecent or immoral content shall be grounds for cancellation of the franchise.