Amendment to People~s Television Network Law

Communications and information are vital to nation-building.
The state shall develop communication structures respecting freedom of speech and press.
Priority is given to education, science, technology, arts, culture, sports to promote nationalism and social progress.
Broadcasting shall promote Filipino nationalism, sovereignty, identity, unity, and integration.
Encourage cooperation between government and private sector in broadcasting technology.
Maintain broadcast system free from political or partisan influence.
Develop balanced programming including educational, cultural, sports, public affairs.
Provide quality alternative programs for citizen moral upliftment.

Principal office located in the Metropolitan Manila area.
May establish branches across the Philippines as deemed fit.
President will identify alienable and disposable lands for building main broadcast centers and major provincial stations.

Sue or be sued in corporate name.
Continuous succession and use of corporate seal.
Adopt and amend bylaws within legal and moral limits.
Acquire, lease, sell properties.
Establish broadcasting stations nationwide.
Enter joint ventures or partnerships for promoting broadcasting.
Raise funds from private or government, foreign or domestic sources, subject to Monetary Board approval.
Receive donations, grants, official development assistance.
Make contracts to further corporate purposes.
Accept institutional support for developmental programs.
Exercise general powers under the Corporation Code and incidental powers necessary for activities.

Provide subsidized airtime to legitimate people’s organizations and NGOs for program promotion.
Other functions retained as per previous provisions.

Corporate powers exercised and business conducted by a five-member Board appointed by the President from a Governance Commission shortlist.
Composition: two government members, two private sector members (one with 10 years broadcast experience), one educational sector member.

Created within 60 days of Board appointment.
Seven members from diverse industry stakeholders (cinema, culture, arts, print, broadcast) for a one-year fixed term.
Propose policies on programming, operations, technical production, subject to Board approval.
Elects own Chairperson and serves voluntarily without remuneration.

Directors serve a one-year term, subject to reappointment.
Elect Chairperson from among themselves.
Board meets at least twice monthly to discuss policies for effective operations.

Elected by the Board members.
Serves as Chief Operating Officer responsible for administration and management per Board policies.
Subject to disciplinary control and removable for cause.
Officer-in-charge may be appointed during General Manager's absence.

Board to establish a Code of Standards covering:
- News presentation
- Public affairs and commentaries
- Public service
- Educational and children’s programs
- Agriculture, livelihood, women, youth issues
- Locally and foreign-produced programs
- Trade, service, manufacturing industries
- Programs inspiring nationalism
Use of blocktimers allowed for education, sports, tourism, quality entertainment, and programs promoting public interest, subject to quality standards.
Network shares solidarity liability for blocktimer content.

Authorized capital stock: PHP 6 billion, subscribed fully by government.
Additional capital of PHP 5 billion; PHP 2 billion from proceeds of privatization of RPN 9 and IBC 13; PHP 3 billion appropriated under General Appropriations Act.
Revenue can be generated from advertising and airtime sales as per Board policies and existing laws.
All fees and revenues are retained and used solely for operations and capital expenditures.
President may adjust annual net earnings remittance to the National Treasury subject to Finance Secretary recommendation; remaining earnings used for operations.

Gifts and donations of real and personal properties exempt from donor's tax.
Donor may claim an allowable deduction equal to 100% of value of the donation.
Donations must be exclusively used for producing educational, cultural, historical films, and documentaries.
Valuation based on acquisition cost; depreciation considered if property was used.

Hiring, promotion, disciplinary control, and other terms apply Civil Service Law except for creative and artistic positions exempted from qualification standards.
GCG to develop compensation and classification system subject to Presidential approval.
Board empowered to reorganize the Network within 90 days from law enactment to enhance efficacy.
Reorganization may abolish or create offices, transfer functions, assets and personnel, and institute cost-cutting measures.
Affected employees entitled to separation benefits equivalent to one month salary per year of service if separated by reorganization and has at least one year of Government service.