Republic Act No. 8995

Legal Principle: Grants Polytechnic Foundation of Cotabato and Asia, Inc. (the grantee) the authority to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
Key Definitions:
- "Grantee": Polytechnic Foundation of Cotabato and Asia, Inc.
Requirements/Procedures:
- Franchise is subject to the Constitution and applicable laws.
- Use of available frequencies and modern technologies for broadcasting.
Consequences: The franchise is a privilege granted by the state and may be withdrawn after due process.

Legal Principle: Operations must minimize interference with existing stations.
Key Requirements:
- Maintain quality of transmission and reception.

Legal Principle: The grantee must secure permits and licenses from the NTC.
Key Requirements:
- Must receive authorization before using any frequency.
- NTC cannot unreasonably withhold or delay approval.

Legal Principle: The grantee must ensure public service and responsible broadcasting.
Key Requirements:
- Provide adequate public service time on important issues.
- Avoid broadcasting obscene materials or false information.

Legal Principle: The President can temporarily take over operations during crises.
Key Requirements:
- Takeover may occur in times of war, rebellion, or public emergency.
- Grantee is entitled to compensation for the use of its stations.

Legal Principle: The franchise is valid for 25 years unless revoked or canceled.
Key Requirements:
- Must commence operations within one year of approval and operate continuously for two years.
- If operations do not commence within three years, the franchise is revoked.

Legal Principle: Acceptance of the franchise is mandatory.
Key Requirements:
- Written acceptance must occur within 60 days of effectivity.
- Nonacceptance renders the franchise void.

Legal Principle: A bond must be filed to guarantee compliance.
Key Requirements:
- Amount determined by NTC.
- Bond forfeited if compliance is not met within three years.

Legal Principle: Grantee is subject to various taxes.
Key Requirements:
- Must pay taxes under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).
- Existing tax exemptions remain applicable.

Legal Principle: No prior censorship of broadcasts.
Key Requirements:
- Grantee must cut off broadcasts inciting treason or indecency.
- Failure to comply may lead to cancellation of the franchise.

Legal Principle: Right to reply for aggrieved parties.
Key Requirements:
- Aggrieved individuals can respond in the same or another program.

Legal Principle: Holds government harmless from claims arising from operations.
Key Requirements:
- Grantee is liable for accidents or injuries linked to station operations.

Legal Principle: Restrictions on transfer of franchise rights.
Key Requirements:
- Requires prior approval from Congress for any transfer or lease of rights.

Legal Principle: Encourages public participation in broadcasting.
Key Requirements:
- At least 30% of outstanding stock must be offered in a securities exchange within five years after becoming a national broadcasting network.

Legal Principle: Compliance with future broadcast policies enacted by Congress.

Legal Principle: Ensures equal treatment with other broadcasting franchises.

Legal Principle: Validity of remaining provisions if any part is held invalid.

Legal Principle: Annual reporting to Congress is mandatory.
Key Requirements:
- Reports must be submitted within 60 days after the end of each year.

Legal Principle: Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers.

The Polytechnic Foundation of Cotabato and Asia, Inc. is granted a franchise to operate broadcasting stations for 25 years, subject to strict compliance with various legal and operational requirements.
The grantee must prioritize public service, avoid censorship, and allow rights of reply for aggrieved parties.
The franchise includes provisions for government oversight, taxation, and operational compliance, with potential revocation for noncompliance or failure to commence operations.