The Senate approved on final reading measures granting and renewing franchises for six radio and television broadcasting stations and an electric power corporation in different parts of the country.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, sponsor of the measures, highlighted the important role of television and radio in the daily life of Filipinos.
“The public must have reliable and responsible sources of information.”
Tulfo noted the prevalence of fake news and cited the need for the public to have reliable and responsible sources of information.
“Despite the changes in how people consume media, radio and television remain important sources of reliable news, information, entertainment, emergency updates and even education for many Filipinos,” the legislator added.
The Senate approved House Bill Nos. 6904, 8461, 9000, and 9001, respectively, granting broadcast franchises to Exodus Broadcasting Company, Inc.; Katigbak Enterprises (San Pablo City) Incorporated; Times Broadcasting Network Corporation; and Cagayan de Oro Media Corporation to operate radio and television stations in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, House Bill No. 6914 and House Bill No. 7646 were also approved renewing for another 25 years the franchises of Central Mindanao University, under Republic Act No. 9044, to operate educational and noncommercial radio and television broadcasting stations in Maramag, Bukidnon, as well as the franchise of Benguet Broadcasting Corporation, now known as Sphere Entertainment Inc., under Republic Act No. 9119, as amended, to operate radio and television broadcasting stations in the country.
The Senate likewise passed House Bill No. 7647 on final reading, expanding the electric service franchise of MORE Power to include the areas of Igbaras, Tubungan, Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin in Iloilo.
