Franchise renewal for TV5, CBCP lapses into law

The bills renewing the broadcast franchises of TV5 Network and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), as well as nine other franchisees, have lapsed into law.

Copies of the laws—which lapsed on April 22—were released by Malacañang on Thursday.

This was after President Duterte did not act on the bills within the period prescribed by the Constitution.

Under the 1987 Charter, any bill forwarded by Congress that is not signed or vetoed by the President will lapse into law 30 days after.

Republic Act No. 11319 extended the CBCP’s franchise for another 25 years, while RA 11320 renewed the franchise of TV5 for 25 years.

The CBCP franchise was effectively renewed in the wake of the President’s strained relationship with the Catholic Church and his attacks on  alleged abuses by clergymen and prelates.

On the other hand, the President has threatened to block the franchise renewal for broadcasting network ABS-CBN, whose franchise will expire in March 2020.

Asked if the bill on ABS-CBN’s franchise will lapse into law as well, the Palace said this was a matter best left to Congress.

“The expiration of ABS-CBN’s franchise is next year. The ball is with Congress, not with the President,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo at a press briefing.

With regards to the lapse into law of the other franchise bills, Panelo said, “If he allowed it to lapse, it means that he’s OK with it. That means, he effectively signed it. It’s the same thing.”

The other bills that have lapsed into law are for RMC Broadcasting Corp., Advanced Media Broadcasting System Inc., PBN Broadcasting Network Inc., Andres Bonifacio College Broadcasting System, Insular Broadcasting System, Cebu Broadcasting Co., First Love Broadcasting Network Inc., Tirad Pass Radio TV Broadcasting Network Inc. and Radio Marine Network.