Senate proposes extension of franchises for radio, television networks

The Senate today approved on third and final reading seven local bills seeking to grant and renew the franchises of several radio and television broadcasting services nationwide.

Sen. Serge Osmeña, acting chairman of the Committee on Public Services, said passage of House Bill No. 5154, into law would allow the Pipol Broadband and Telecommunications Corporation to construct, install, maintain and operate their telecommunications systems throughout the country.

Likewise, he said, the enactment of House Bills No. 6012 (Bell Telecommunication Philippines Inc.), 4507 (Contel Communications, Inc.), 5592 (Far East Broadcasting Company Philippines), 5982 (Mabuhay Broadcasting System, Inc.), 5940 (Progressive Broadcasting Corporation) and 5582 (Radio-Veritas Global Broadcasting System) into law would renew their franchises for another 25 years and allow them the operation of their radio and television networks.

Osmeña said the continued operation of the five radio and television networks would generate additional jobs, create career opportunities and continue to provide the people with additional to information to help them in their daily lives.

"Radio and television continue to deliver effective means of educating our people and keeping them informed despite the advancement of the internet as our primary databank of information," he said.

"Broadcast media is particularly important in areas where reliable internet connection is lacking," he added.

According to Osmeña, the seven networks had complied the requirements prescribed by law such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Meanwhile, the Senate had also approved on final reading a measure extending the franchise of Tarlac Electric Inc. for another 25 years.

Osmeña said the continued operation of the Tarlac Enterprises would ensure that the residents of Tarlac City would have adequate access to light, heat and power.

"The continued operation of the applicants would encourage competition in the market pursuant to the policy of the government to prohibit or regulate monopolies," he said. (Pilar S. Macrohon)