Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9063)
Ranao Radio Broadcasting and TV System Corporation is granted the franchise under Republic Act No. 9063.
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 will be deemed ipso facto revoked if the grantee fails to commence operations within one (1) year from the approval of its operating permit or provisional authority by the NTC; operate continuously for two (2) years; and commence operations within three (3) years from the effectivity of the Act.
The President has the right to temporarily take over and operate the stations or facilities, temporarily suspend operations, or authorize government use of the stations during times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order, with due compensation to the grantee.
The grantee must provide sound and balanced programming, assist in public information and education, adhere to the ethics of honest enterprise, and must not broadcast obscene or indecent language, deliberately false information, or incite subversive or treasonable acts.
Yes, the grantee must secure from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) the appropriate permits and licenses before constructing and operating its stations and facilities.
No, any lease, transfer, usufruct, sale, assignment, merger, or transfer of controlling interest requires prior approval of the Congress of the Philippines.
The grantee is subject to the payment of all applicable taxes, duties, fees, and other charges under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) and other laws but retains any specific tax exemptions or privileges granted under other laws.
The grantee is required to offer at least thirty percent (30%) of its outstanding capital stock in any securities exchange in the Philippines within five (5) years after becoming a national broadcasting network operating three (3) or more stations, with failure resulting in franchise revocation.
The grantee must not require prior censorship but must cut off on-air any speech or material that tends to incite treason, rebellion, or sedition, or contains indecent or immoral language or themes; failure to do so may lead to franchise cancellation.