President Duterte has signed two laws renewing the franchises granted to the Philippine Communications Satellite Corp. and the University of Mindanao for 25 years.
Republic Act No. 11226 allows Philcomsat “to install, maintain, and operate in the country ground satellite terminal stations for telecommunication with satellite facilities and delivery to common carriers” under its franchise.
The franchise of University of Mindanao, which operates the University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network, was extended under Republic Act No. 11238.
Copies of the two new laws were released by Malacanang yesterday.
In RA 11226, the franchise of Philcomsat also includes the right and privilege of cable and wireless operations and purchase equipment needed for operations.
The franchise grantee must also confirm to the ethics of honest enterprise and not use its facilities for obscene or indecent transmission, or for dissemination of deliberately false information or will misrepresentation or assist in subversive or treasonable acts.
RA 11238 allows the University of Mindanao to construct, install, operate, and maintain radio and television stations under its renewed franchise.
The grantee must also provide free of charge public service time to enable the government to issue announcements in times of emergencies and calamities. (Genalyn Kabiling)
