The Philippine Senate has approved six bills granting or renewing the franchises of broadcasting entities operating in Luzon and Mindanao, clearing the way for continued radio and television operations in various parts of the country.
The measures were approved on third and final reading on Sept. 28, with senators voting 18-0 on the franchise bills. The approved measures cover Exodus Broadcasting Company, Inc., Katigbak Enterprises (San Pablo City), Inc., Times Broadcasting Network Corp., Cagayan de Oro Media Corp., Central Mindanao University, and Sphere Entertainment, formerly known as Benguet Broadcasting Corp.
House Bill No. 6904 grants Exodus Broadcasting Company a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
New franchises were also approved for Katigbak Enterprises under House Bill No. 8461, Times Broadcasting Network under House Bill No. 9000, and Cagayan de Oro Media Corp. under House Bill No. 9001.
Meanwhile, House Bills No. 6914 and 7646 renew the broadcasting franchises of Central Mindanao University and Sphere Entertainment, respectively. The franchises for Central Mindanao University and Benguet Broadcasting provide another 25 years for their respective radio and television broadcasting operations.
The approvals form part of a broader batch of legislative measures cleared by the Senate on Monday. The chamber also approved legislation involving the country’s cooperative sector, four hospital projects outside Metro Manila, and other franchise measures.
The franchise approvals allow the covered broadcasters to continue or establish operations subject to the conditions and requirements provided under their respective legislation and applicable regulations.
With the Senate action completed, the franchise measures move forward in the legislative process, providing the covered broadcasting entities with a legal framework for their radio and television operations.
