Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1018)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1018 is to limit the ownership and management of mass media in the Philippines to Filipino citizens or corporations/associations wholly owned and managed by Filipino citizens, thereby protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
Mass media is defined as the print medium of communication including newspapers, periodicals, magazines, journals, publications and all advertising therein including billboards and neon signs, as well as the broadcast medium of communication such as radio and television broadcasting, including all cinematographic or radio promotions and advertising.
Only citizens of the Philippines or corporations or associations wholly owned and managed by such citizens are allowed to own and manage mass media.
Foreigners or alien residents in the Philippines, and foreign corporations printing or publishing any newspaper, magazine, periodical, or other publication abroad but circulating it in the Philippines, are subject to the provisions of this decree.
Any publication printed abroad and desired to be circulated in the Philippines must be done through a Filipino citizen or a firm or association wholly owned or controlled by Filipino citizens, with the distributor responsible for compliance with Philippine laws.
Violators may have their permits canceled and be punished with imprisonment from six months to five years or a fine of ten thousand pesos, or both, at the court's discretion. For corporations, responsible officers or employees shall be penalized.
The officers or employees of the corporation who were responsible for or committed the violation shall be liable.
All laws, decrees, orders, instructions, and rules inconsistent with this decree are repealed or modified accordingly.
The print medium includes newspapers, periodicals, magazines, journals, publications, advertising therein, billboards, neon signs, and the like.
The broadcast medium includes radio and television broadcasting in all aspects, and all cinematographic or radio promotions and advertising.