Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11319)
The franchise renewed under Republic Act No. 11319 is granted to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Inc.
The franchise is renewed for another twenty-five (25) years from the effectivity of Republic Act No. 11319.
The franchise may be used to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and/or television broadcasting stations for religious, educational, cultural, and commercial purposes and in the public interest.
The franchise covers radio and/or television broadcasting including digital television and/or radio systems, through microwave, satellite, or any new technology in television and/or radio systems with corresponding auxiliaries and facilities.
The grantee must secure the appropriate permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) before the construction and operation of its stations or facilities.
The grantee must provide, free of charge, adequate public service time to enable government announcements on important issues, emergencies, and calamities; provide sound and balanced programming; promote public participation; assist in public information and education; conform to ethics; and avoid broadcasting obscene, indecent, or false information.
Public service time shall be equivalent to a maximum aggregate of ten percent (10%) of paid commercials or advertisements.
The President can temporarily take over or suspend the operation of the stations or facilities during times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order for public safety, security, and welfare upon due process and compensation to the grantee.
If the grantee fails to operate continuously for two (2) years, the franchise shall be deemed ipso facto revoked.
No, the grantee shall not require previous censorship of any broadcast content, but must cut off any broadcast inciting treason, rebellion, sedition, or containing indecent or immoral language or themes.
No, the grantee cannot sell, lease, transfer, grant usufruct, assign the franchise, merge, or transfer controlling interest without the prior approval of the Congress of the Philippines.
Failure to submit the annual report shall be penalized by a fine of Five hundred pesos (P500.00) per working day of noncompliance, collected by the NTC and remitted to the National Treasury.
The grantee must submit an annual report on its compliance with the franchise terms and its operations, submitted to the Committee on Legislative Franchises of the House and the Committee on Public Services of the Senate on or before April 30 each year.
No, the franchise is non-exclusive and may be amended, altered, or repealed by Congress when public interest so requires.
It ensures that any advantages, privileges, or exemptions granted under existing or future franchises are immediately and unconditionally extended to the grantee, except for territorial coverage, term, or type of service authorized.