Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4916)
The Eagle Broadcasting Corporation is granted the franchise to establish, maintain, and operate radio broadcasting and television stations in the Philippines.
The franchise shall continue for a period of twenty-five years from the date the station is put into operation.
Construction of at least one radio broadcasting station or one television station must begin within one year from the date of approval of the Act and be completed within two years from the said date, otherwise, the franchise shall be void.
The grantee must provide adequate public service time for government information, assist in public information and education, conform to honest enterprise ethics, and not disseminate false information or material detrimental to public health, morals, or inciting subversive acts.
No, the stations cannot be put into actual operation until the Secretary allot frequencies and wavelengths and issues a license for their use.
The President may order the closing of the stations, or authorize temporary use by the government during war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, or disturbance without compensating the grantee.
No, the franchise, including rights and privileges, cannot be leased, transferred, sold, assigned, or merged without prior approval of the Congress of the Philippines.
The grantee must pay all taxes imposed on real estate, buildings, personal property, and other taxes under the National Internal Revenue Code, unless exempted by law.
A bond of ten thousand pesos must be filed to guarantee compliance with franchise conditions, which may be canceled after fulfillment of said conditions.
No, the grantee cannot require prior censorship; however, it may cut off any broadcast or telecast that incites treason, rebellion, sedition, or that is indecent or immoral during transmission.