Obligations Related to Public Service and Ethics
- The franchisee shall provide airtime for government to disseminate information on important public issues.
- Stations must assist in public information and education.
- Operations must conform to ethics of honest enterprise.
- The broadcast content must not include obscene or indecent language, acts or scenes, false information, or content detrimental to public health.
- Broadcasting that incites or assists in subversive or treasonable acts is prohibited.
Equal Terms Clause
- If any competing franchise granted by Congress has more favorable terms, such terms shall automatically apply to Belgica's franchise to avoid disadvantage.
Government's Special Rights in Emergencies
- The President may close or take possession of the franchisee's stations during war, rebellion, public peril, or other national emergencies without compensating the grantee.
Bond Requirement
- The grantee must file a bond of PHP 10,000 to guarantee compliance with franchise conditions.
Censorship and Liability
- No prior censorship of broadcast content is required.
- The franchisee is not liable for violations of law or infringement by broadcast content.
- The franchisee must immediately cut off any broadcast inciting treason, rebellion, sedition, or containing indecent or immoral content.
- Failure to cut off prohibited content may lead to franchise cancellation.
Indemnity to Government
- The grantee shall hold the government harmless against claims or damages arising from accidents or injuries caused by station construction or operation.
Transfer and Assignment Restrictions
- The franchise or its rights may not be leased, transferred, sold, assigned, or merged without prior congressional approval.
- Any successor is subject to all franchise conditions, terms, and limitations.
Congressional Authority to Amend Franchise
- Congress may amend, alter, or repeal the franchise when public interest requires.
Tax Obligations
- The grantee must pay all applicable taxes on property and those imposed under the National Internal Revenue Code related to the franchise.
Non-exclusivity of Franchise
- The franchise does not grant exclusive privileges; others may be granted similar franchises.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.