Media Advisory Council Creation and Regulation

The President issued Presidential Decree No. 191 by virtue of powers vested by the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The President acted pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 (September 21, 1972) and General Order No. 1 (September 22, 1972), as amended.
The Decree amends Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 36 to effect the change from the old council to the new one.

Government aims to help the sound development of the mass media so it becomes an effective instrument for social change.
The Decree recognizes the need for self-regulation and internal discipline among mass media sectors to prevent media participation in any conspiracy against the Government or its duly constituted authorities.

The Media Advisory Council is headed by the President of the National Press Club as chairman.
A recognized civic leader appointed by the President of the Philippines serves as co-chairman.
The Council includes one representative each from: Manila Overseas Press Club, print, radio, and television, plus such others as the President of the Philippines may designate.

The Media Advisory Council must pass upon applications of mass media for permission to operate.
No newspaper, magazine, periodical, or publication of any kind, and no radio, television, and telecommunications facility, station, or network may operate without first obtaining a Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Media Advisory Council.
The Certificate of Authority to Operate is not valid and not effective until approved by the President of the Philippines.
Each Certificate of Authority to Operate is effective for six (6) months, and is renewable after each six (6)-month period, unless it is terminated earlier.

Publications that were already operating at the time of the Decree continue to have coverage under their Certificates until the expiration of their existing permit.
The Decree does not require prior re-application for those existing publications during the period covered by their then-existing permits.

The Media Advisory Council must constitute itself immediately upon promulgation of the Decree.
Within 15 days of its organization, the Council must promulgate rules and regulations and other guidelines needed for the operation of mass media.
The Council’s rules, regulations, and guidelines must provide sanctions for their infraction, and these sanctions are subject to the approval of the President of the Philippines.
The Media Advisory Council assumes the functions and prerogative of the defunct Philippine Press Council, and the Press Consultative Panel constituted by the Secretary of Public Information and representatives of mass media on October 4, 1972, to the extent these relate to and conform with the requirements of Presidential Decree No. 191.

The Council is authorized to set up a secretariat to perform functions and duties entrusted to it by the Council.
The Council must submit to the President of the Philippines a monthly report on actions taken and recommendations on matters affecting the operation of mass media.

The Decree abolishes the Mass Media Council created under Presidential Decree No. 36 and substitutes the Media Advisory Council as the operative body under the amended Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 36.